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GSO Dual Speed Crayford Focuser Upgrade Kit
| Brand | GSO |
| Part Number | - |
| Availability | available |
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Product Info
Manufacturer Description
Convert your single speed GSO Crayford focuser into a dual speed focuser. Kit includes microfocuser unit, 2mm allen key and M4 scew. You will need a Philips (cross-head) screwdriver that is not included.
Note that your single speed focuser must have a tapped set screw on the underside between the two silver Tension and Focus Lock thumbscrews. Some single speed focusers do not have this extra screw hole between the two silver screws, and you will not be able to upgrade those models. Most, but not all, single speed focusers from GSO have this screw. However, please check this on you focuser before you order this kit.
This kit will work with focusers on telescopes made by GSO for Meade Lightbridge, Hardin Optical, DSO, Antares, Zhumell, etc. It will not work with William Optics focusers or any other non-GSO focuser.
For detailed instructions on how to perform this Crayford focuser upgrade, click here.
Reviews
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Jan 9, 2019
Cool item!
Pros: Cons: Comments:I've been wanting this upgrade for a while now. Installation is easy enough. Had a small amount of trouble initially getting this to operate smoothly. The dual speed kit started working flawlessly after exercising the mechanism a bit.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Very happy with the upgrade!This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 2, 2018Modified my omni XLT150 to dual speed using this
Pros: Cons: Comments:Since my Omni XLT150 crayford focuser is only single speed I ordered this and somehow managed to do some simple mods to make it work. The result was a fine and smooth focusing action.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Since the stock focuser is made by Synta the first thing I did was to design and 3d print a replacement plastic that is used to hold the focuser and prevents it from turning.
I've asked Agena a question before buying and I was told the shaft is about 5mm, but when it arrived I measured it and it is about 4.2mm in diameter, the stock shaft on my scope is 4mm. This means I could not use the stock knob for the other end, so it's back to the 3d printer and printed out a replica of the GSO 1x knob.
Now my scope is equipped with dual speed focuser and very happy with it!!This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Nov 4, 2017GSO focuser upgrade kit
Pros: Cons: Comments:Withing days of adding the kit to my wish list the product became available. Once ordered to item was received in a timely manner. I added the kit to my Celestron Onyx 80mm apo easily. I had to change out the mounting screw for proper fit put this was easily replaced by a trip to the local hardware store. I added the GSO replacement knob on the other end of the shaft and now I have a two speed focuser on the scope. This certainly aids in obtaining critical focus for my astrophotography. Thanks Agena/GSO for a great product.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 20, 2017Great Quality product
Pros: Cons: Comments:This product was a great quality product with a 2 speed knob. However, it does not fit an Orion crayford style focuser. Just for GSO focusers.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 8, 2017Easy install, worked like a charm
Pros: Cons: Comments:Bought this to fix a damaged focuser on a lightbridge. Replacing the bad two speed mechanism took a minute. Focuser feels like new.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Apr 5, 2017Worthwhile Upgrade
Pros: Cons: Comments:Over the years I have owned a number of the GSO two speed focusers and am quite familiar with them. I recently purchased a 80mm apo with a GSO focuser. However the two speed micro focuser was not working properly, very rough. I set the scope up with as a single speed but finally decided to bite the bullet and just spend the $60 for the upgrade/replacement two speed.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It was an easy install. Granted this is not the first time I have done it but GSO focusers are very simple and there are no complicated adjustments, it's out with the old and in with the new..
I am very glad I decided to upgrade to the two speed. It made the focusing much easier, it's smooth and light.. Last night I was viewing Mercury at 240x at about 10 degrees above the horizon. Despite the wavering image, I was able to get a good focus, dial it in.
I will add this note: Technically, this will not fit a focuser without the proper screw hole to secure it but it can be made to work. It can require sacrificing the focuser lock screw, something I never use and maybe a drop of crazy glue. I have also modified the GSO two microfocuser unit to fit other focusers.
Bottom line, in a faster scope, a two speed is a big help.. This one does the job.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 29, 2016Perfect fit
Pros: Cons: Comments:My original GSO dual speed mechanism wore out. I bought this kit to repair my focuser. Straight-forward installation; but no written instructions. New mechanism is very smooth and effortless.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 15, 2016Good and cheap investment
Pros:Easy to Use
Cons:Nothing
Comments:Much much pleasant to use, by comparison with a basic Crayford. The only regret is that only some recent GSO focusers are upgradable.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 9, 2015Focuser upgrade simple and effective
Pros: Cons: Comments:Very simple to install. You CAN use this with a focuser that does not have a previously drilled and tapped setscrew! The whole mechanism is held in place quite nicely and functions well without it. I thought I might have to drill and tap and put in this screw, based on the information provided, but in practice it is not necessary. I saw this in a post on CloudyNights and thought I would just order it and see if it would work and if not, do the above fix, but it has proven to be not necessary. The dual speed action is great--the fine focus works well even with my heaviest eyepieces (PanOptic 35mm 2 inch, Ethos 13mm) even with these and a 2" Barlow. First rate addition to my vintage LB 12"
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 8, 2013Well worth the cost!
Pros:Accurate
Cons: Comments:I had a single speed GSO Newtonian focuser which was good but not accurate enough for astrophotography. This upgrade was super simple to install and makes a very big difference. If you are interested in accurate focusing this upgrade is a no-brainer. You will immediately notice how much easier it is to get a rock solid and accurate focus.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Seanysmith New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Smithy of Dublin, Ireland.
Dec 7, 2012Does exactly what I wanted it to do...
Pros:Easy to Use,Lightweight
Cons: Comments:Really good product. I wanted a fine focus for my dob to tease out that extra bit of detail. It provided me with exactly that. Without the need to buy a far more expensive focuser which would be wasted on me (being a casual observer and relative newcomer to the astronomy game).
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It's easily attached to your existing focuser and is quite light, so it won't come with any weight balancing concerns.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Dec 30, 2011Welcome upgrade!
Pros: Cons: Comments:Got this for my Apogee Orthostar, an 80mm apo, and NOT a GSO-made refractor body.....Long Perng. All I had to do was drill out one of the existing focuser knobs to fit onto the new shaft. Easy to drill and tap a new hole for the retaining screw. Great to have the little resistance this focuser ads. Now I have the precision this f/6 scope needed....great buy!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 29, 2011Worth every penny!!
Pros:Easy install
Cons: Comments:After reading the instructions thru online a couple of times, I took the plunge. I made the purchase. I removed the focuser from my Lightbridge, and removed the focuser finger knob, and slid the shaft out of the focuser. Piece of cake. Putting in the fine-focus conversion was simply just a reverse operation. The only problem I had was an overly-snug fit on the piece that fits over the shaft and then screws onto the focuser. Using firm pressure to align the holes, I reattached the screw, remounted the focuser on the telescope, and was done. Total of abot 15 minutes. It's made quite a difference in my lunar and planetary viewing. I recommend this product without reservation. If it weren't for that overly-tight fit, I'd give it 5 Gold Stars.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
sglamb New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Steve of Florence, KY.
Apr 30, 2010Easy upgrade
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons: Comments:Easy to install, turned my single speed GSO focuser into a two speed. Silky smooth focusing
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
k4mld New Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by k4mld of Franklin, VA.
Feb 11, 2010A very worthwhile addition
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons:None
Comments:I found the directions to be quite easy to understand. The total time to install was less than 5 minutes. Works nicely and makes the GSO Crayford perform as well as much higher priced focuers.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Nov 16, 2009Very nice
Pros:Easy to do
Cons:Can't think of any
Comments:Installed this on my 12 inch lightbridge and am very happy with it. Took about 20 minutes to regrease everything and install. So much better than just the single spped.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Nov 8, 2009Clicking all the way.......
Pros:Strong Construction
Cons:Heavy
Comments:Quality of the product is not satisfactory. Instead of turning smoothly it clicks on the 1/1 turning wheel, producing annoying vibrations.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? No
Inspection of interiors showed rough surfaces on the brass bearing nests which had to be sand- papered away, and medium quality ball bearingsThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
sdbodin Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Steve of Mattawa, WA.
Nov 8, 2009Works as advertised.
Pros: Cons: Comments:While the conversion kit was not recommended for an Orion focuser, it was a simple ATM fix to make it work perfectly.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Blueman Member
- Skill Level
- Unknown
- Time with Product
- Unknown
- User Notes:
- Review by Blueman of Bakersfield, CA.
Aug 5, 2009Easy installation with low cost
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction,Compact
Cons: Comments:I used the focuser upgrade to allow me to use an Auto-focus system with the scope I had. It worked fine and the cost was reasonable.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jan 19, 2009Simple Install, Works Great
Pros:Casual/ Recreational
Cons:Casual/ Recreational
Comments:The install instructions (on the web only) were great. Fine-tuned focus is much improved.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
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