EAF with Tak FC-100DF

btschumy

I was looking at the ZWO EAF focuser and they say it will support (with the Tak adapter)

Takahashi FSQ85
Takahashi FSQ106 (except for the first generation)
Takahashi TOA-130NFB

I have a Tak FC-100DF refractor. Not sure how the focuser on the FC-100DF compares to those it says it will work on. Can someone confirm (or deny) that it will work with my scope?

w7ay

btschumy ak FC-100DF refractor.

There are generally two types of Tak focusers (one for the FSQ and the single screw one for the others).

FSQ style:

Single screw style (here on an FOA-60Q):

In both above, I had tapped directly into the body of the EAF, but you can use ZWO's standard brackets that bolts to the stainless steel stepper motor plate. Just not as elegant, and the EAF can stick below the plane of the declination dovetail plate.

With the FSQ style, you will need to get the ZWO Takahashi adapter. With the single screw focusers, the standard kit has the needed hardware.

Remember to unlock the focuser lock knobs. I replaced my lock knobs by some stainless steel set screws (as dust cover) just so I won't mistakenly lock the Tak focuser in the dark.

Chen

btschumy

Chen,

Thanks for the reply. Here is what my focuser looks like underneath.

Based on that, do you think it will work without the Tak adapter? It sounds like the standard brackets should work.

Bill

w7ay

btschumy Based on that, do you think it will work without the Tak adapter?

That's a single screw (old style) focuser; as I mentioned already ablve (please read before responding), there is no need to buy any adapter.

Chen

AlanEng

btschumy hey excuse me, I have a problem about this kind of screw, how to unlock this kind of screw? Thanks

Sonixx

Hi Bill, I am using the EAF on the Tak 100 DF as well. It works really good.
What you need:
Original Mounting Plate of the EAF (not the Tak one) and a coupling to the EAF that fits the focuser shaft and the EAF.

I used these 5mm x 8mm couplings that won‘t wind up like the ZWO ones. Be aware, at least with my two EAF, there was no 8mm coupling included. So most likely need to buy one.
There is enough flex in the Tak focuser shaft mounting that you don’t need this extra flex.
https://www.amazon.de/gp/aw/d/B08ZJ854Z6?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Used this also on my Epsilon 160 without a problem.

Best regards,

Stephan

btschumy

Sonixx

Stephan,

So are you saying the EAF doesn't come with everything needed? You need to purchase a special coupler? This sounds contrary to what Chen said above.

What do you mean when you say the ZWO couplers will "wind up"?

Sonixx

Bill,

The Tak focuser shaft have a larger diameter than other manufacturers. The couplers that came with my two EAFs will not fit. Use the ones that I linked.

The original couplers are flexible to compensate misalignment. These can bend and twist. For the DF scope this is not necessary, hence my recommendation to use non flexible couplers to avoid excessive movement of the parts in undesired directions.

Br,

Stephan

btschumy

Sonixx

Ok, I guess I’ll see what arrives on Monday. Thank for the info.

btschumy

Chen,

I went ahead and ordered the EAF without the Tak adapter as you suggested. However, as Sonixx said, the focuser shaft appears to be 8 mm and the largest coupler that comes with it is 7 mm. So unless the 8 mm shaft is actually covering a smaller shaft inside it, it looks like I will need to order a new, larger coupler.

Bill

w7ay

btschumy So unless the 8 mm shaft is actually covering a smaller shaft inside it, it looks like I will need to order a new, larger coupler.

Hi Bill, I just checked the stainless steel focuser shaft on the FOA-60Q, and sure enough it is 8mm in diameter. So a Tak standard.

I checked my past Amazon orders, and there is one for a 8mm coupler:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LM9DLY8

So, that must be what I have done.

Sorry for the confusion.

Chen

btschumy

Chen,

No problem. I boycott Amazon but I did find it on Ebay.

5mm to 8mm Coupler

They basically look identical to what ZWO ships but it is 5 mm to 8 mm. It's a set of 4 and I only need one so if anyone wants one, I have extras.

Bill

w7ay

btschumy They basically look identical to what ZWO ships but it is 5 mm to 8 mm.

It is easy to drill out the 7mm version, too.

As you could see from my photos, I amm not allergic to drilling and tapping metal :-).

Chen

btschumy

Well, I just forum the same item in single unit samples for about $6 with shipping. Cheaper than mine, but that's the breaks.

Coupler