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