<snip>
>I have been using the counter only for rough initial focus. Once I'm set up
>and close to focus I have found it very easy to achieve fine focus using the
>focus/grab command in the ST-7 software (I like the CCDOPS W95 for imaging).
>I am operating from a remote (20 feet away) computer room and I use the
>keypad for focuser control.
<snip>

Hi Dan,

I was interested in your comment about using the keypad from a distance
of 20 feet to operate the focuser control, and presumably some of the
fine movements of the LX200 to centre the object when imaging. I would
be grateful if you could give me some info on how you extended and/or
modified the 'curly' keypad cable to successfully achieve this. In
fact, it is the fine placement of an object on my 216xt chip when
planetary imaging with a 2x Barlow that causes me as much frustration as
fine focusing (slow serial downloads don't help here :( ). The ability
to use the keypad's Guide speed for fine centering would be wonderful
for me!

I believe there was some discussion on the subject of keypad cable
extensions about six months ago on MAPUG but I seem to remember some
conflicting answers as to the safety of this operation. I can't recall
the final outcome. Anybody remember?

BTW I use the Meade electric focuser and found that I had better control
of the focusing operations when using The Sky via RS232 operation after
tightening the nut which Michael mentions. This does not allow me to
manually focus anymore but it is a very quick and simple operation to
partially remove the focuser when gross changes in manual focus are
required (when installing a Barlow, for example). When first purchased
the Meade focuser allowed both manual and keypad operation.

Regards,
Graham

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