EAF coupler for Tak Epsilon 130D?

mjm1954

Is there a coupler available to attach the ZWO EAF to a Takahashi Epsilon 130D?

Tech@ZWO

mjm1954 For your reference.
https://www.yuque.com/zwopkb/hardware/eaf-support-list#b9c2c7e46870f3e912824a901524f3f9

The standard bracket should be matched.

mjm1954

Thank you. I’ve seen that but which coupler would work with the 130D? Is it one of the four that is provided with the standard bracket?

w7ay

mjm1954 I’ve seen that but which coupler would work with the 130D?

Measure the diameter of the exposed 𝜺-130D focuser shaft. FWIW, the diameter of the focuser shaft for the 𝜺-180D is 8 mm.

The largest coupler that is included in ZWO EAF box has a 7 mm hole. The included couplers work with smaller Tak scopes like the FSQ-85 and FOA-60Q, but not the 𝜺-180D.

Amazon should have plenty of flexible couplers that you can buy, if the included ones don't fit your focuser. The EAF has a 5 mm shaft.

Chen

mjm1954

Thanks. It had dawned on me last night to measure the focuser shaft, but had no idea that Amazon sold flexible couplers that could be used for this.

w7ay

mjm1954

BTW, you probably don't need to buy the ZWO Takahashi kit. Basically mount it this way using the screw thread that holds the cover of the focuser:

However, if your Epsilon has the "new style" focuser like the FSQ, then you may need the ZWO Takahashi kit to get the two very long screws (hard to find, otherwise) to hold the adapter plate:

BTW, ignore the different EAF mounting plates (with the large holes) -- these are my own custom made plates to mount the EAF so that it does not stick out below the dovetail plate of a refractor.

Chen

mjm1954

I imagine I can use the standard kit with this focuser.

w7ay

mjm1954 I imagine I can use the standard kit with this focuser.

Yep, looks that way; seems to be just like my FOA-60Q case.

BTW, the easiest way to remove that Tak screw is to use a "Lens Spanner." Yep, can get them from Amazon too :-). Sooner or later, if you are in this hobby for long enough, you will need them. I have also used vice grips on the circumference of that large flat screw. But a lens spanner is less destructive.

That screw is non-critical. Does not apply any tension. It is simply to hold the cover that provides some protection to the rack and pinion gears. Any metric screw will work. Takahashi, in their usual anally attention to details, used very flat headed screws to be unobtrusive. And because of that, no place for a hex head, and had to use the two dimples. It is stuff like this that makes one a customer of Takahashi for life. Not to mention their Strehl numbers -- the reason I bought an FOA-60Q is to own the highest Strehl number for consumer telescopes.

Chen

mjm1954

I already got one of those from Amazon. It's really amazing all of the odds & ends you end up needing in this hobby.

Thanks for your input.
Mike