Installing SC-4C to FW8S-Aluma

Discussion in 'Guiding and Adaptive Optics - StarChaser and AO' started by Michael Rodruck, Sep 18, 2024.

  1. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    I recently got my new filter wheel, camera, and guider, but I'm not sure how to physically connect them together. The attached image shows all of the hardware I currently have. The SC-4C can't mount to the filter wheel because the filter wheel motor is sticking up above the cover plate. It looks like it needs a spacer.

    Also, the shutter for the SC-4C is sliding closed. Is there a lock for it? I worry that if the telescope is at an angle the shutter will slide closed and it will lose tracking.
     

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  2. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Michael, I've asked @Doug to get in touch - we received your contact message, and I asked him to reach out today. He thinks he knows what the issue with the motor position vs body is.
    No, nothing to worry about. The shutter is electromagnetic; the coil is energized when the unit is powered up. It will open or close as needed for lights or darks when commanded.
     
  3. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for a message from Doug!
     
  4. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Sorry for the trouble. There seems to have been a little miscommunication internally about the shipping kit for this package.

    There should be a small spacer that lifts the SC-4C up a little to avoid the FW8S motor. That should have been included with the kit; if you don't have one let us know and we can send one to you. (Plus longer screws.)

    I do have an alternative solution if you have very limited backfocus. I designed an alternative main body for the SC-4C, with a cutout for the FW8S motor. That's an option if you're too tight on coming to focus, but it would require sending the SC-4C back to us as it requires fully disassembling / reassembling the unit.

    Obviously the simplest solution is to add the spacer. If that works for you then let us know and we'll get one to you ASAP.
     
  5. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    We do have a set of long screws (7/8" threaded), but no spacer. If the spacer could be sent over, that would be great. Thanks! We'll try that first.
     
  6. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Okay you need an ACC15 2" diameter 0.15" thick spacer. The screws need to be 1.25" long, part number 10-12145-00. I believe the latter should have been in your package?
     
  7. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    Yes, sorry. The screws are 1.25" long. We have those!
     
  8. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Okay I've asked our team to send you a spacer ASAP. Our shipping person is off for a few days but I should be able to get someone else to send it.
     
  9. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    Any update on when the spacer can be sent over?
     
  10. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Hopefully today.
     
  11. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    I got the spacer today, but I'm still unsure how to assemble everything together. There is still not enough clearance with the space to get over the motor - maybe if the spacer was twice as thick? Is there some other way to attach everything? I'm assuming the spacer goes on the filter wheel, then the SC-4C, then the plate with the threads for the 2" tube.

    1000001239.jpg 1000001237.jpg 1000001238.jpg
     
  12. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    I think the 0.45" spacer (ACC 18) is the correct size?
     
  13. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Leave the threaded adapter in place and put the spacer on top of it.
     
  14. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    If I do that, I cannot use the 2" threaded tube. I need that to be able to attach the camera to the telescope. There is no way for me to attach the tube to the face of the SC-4C.

    The threaded adapter needs to go on the face of the SC-4C so that I can screw on the 2" tube, and then attach the unit to the telescope with that tube.
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2024
  15. Doug

    Doug Staff Member

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    Okay I'll arrange to send you a thicker adapter. Sorry for the trouble.
     
  16. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    Thanks! I'll keep an eye out for it.
     
  17. Michael Rodruck

    Michael Rodruck Cyanogen Customer

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    The part came and I was able to get in installed, though there were some complications. The spacer has a small indentation/plateau which I assumed was supposed to fit inside the filter wheel aperture? This may not be the case as it was the same diameter as the filter wheel aperture and couldn't fit. To save on backfocus, I decided to fit it in by lightly filing the outer diameter of the spacer. However, the screws provided were too short and could not reach the tapped holes. I needed to buy 1 5/8" screws to go through the noseplate, SC-4C, and spacer, and attach to the filter wheel.

    Additionally, the original screws I was given with my first order were also the wrong size. The FW8-S needs 4-40 screws, but I was given 6-32 screws. I suspect the guider was provided expecting an AFW filter wheel.
     
  18. Colin Haig

    Colin Haig Staff Member

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    Acknowledged; we'll investigate. My sincere apologies on behalf of our team.
     

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