QUALITY ASSURANCE NOTE: It has come to my attention that other after-market focusers use less than adequate coupling methods on their products that induce flexure or, even worse, risk the security of your imaging train. They can look similar to VSI's exclusive docking/coupling system. They are NOT! VSI's exclusive couplings are not like any other flimsy, flexure-ridden, insecure connections. Let the buyer beware! VSI offers design superiority, uncompromising functionality and failsafe security for your valuable imaging train. VSI's proprietary flared flange (circular dovetail) docking port rings have extremely thick-wall construction and are locked in place by three set screws opposed by 120 degrees. When you tighten these set screws against this special [angled] flange, it not only pushes directly against the insert ring, but it also pushes laterally to compress the ring inwards against internal shoulders, which locks it in place like a good weld - rock-solid! - PBVS
 |
Standard Meade/Celestron Docking
Converters: These rings will install any model secondary OMEGATOAD
focuser (only) to your 10" or larger SCT. There is a 15 degree flange cut
into the perimeter of the ring to secure it into the focuser's housing using
3 set screws opposed by 120 degrees. Always screw the ring onto the SCT's
visual back first. Then set the focuser over the secured ring and tighten
the three set screws (do not overtighten\). This method will allow the ring
to be locked into the threads by compression.
|
 |
Standard Docking Converter for the Meade 16"
SCT: Allows you to couple an OMEGATOAD focuser directly to
your Meade 16" SCT's visual back by screwing on the converter first, then
slipping the focuser over the docking converter and securing the three set
screws into the flanged coupling.
|
 |
Docking Converter for Takahashi
Refractors: Allows you to couple an ALPHATOAD focuser directly
to your Takahashi refractor's visual back by screwing on the docking converter
first, then slipping the focuser over the converter and securing the three
set screws into the flanged docking converter. To remove your original Takahashi
focuser, find a small set screw hole around the visual back ring. Loosen
the set screw, in the hole, with an Allen wrench. Unscrew and remove the
existing focuser.
|
|
Docking Converter for AstroPhysics
Refractors: Allows you to couple an ALPHATOAD focuser directly
to your AstroPhysics refractor's visual back by screwing on the docking converter
first, then slipping the focuser over the converter and securing the three
set screws into the flanged docking converter. To remove your original
AstroPhysics focuser, find a small set screw hole around the visual back
ring. Loosen the set screw, in the hole, with an Allen wrench. Unscrew and
remove the existing focuser.
|
 |
Newt/Dob 6" x 6" Square Docking Converter:
This flat-bottomed docking converter will allow mounting a TOADLOADER to
your Newtonian or Dobsonian telescope. NOTE: Since TOADLOADERS are only offered
in 1-inch travel (OMEGATOAD) and 5-inch travel (ALPHATOAD), you may need
to have VSI machine a custom moving tube that provides around 3 inches of
travel range (additional cost of $300). VSI only offers this converter with
a flat bottom, so you will need to adapt your scope accordingly. You can
take this mounting plate to a local machine shop and have them match a 6"
square plate (machine a radius block) with a curvature to match the outside
diameter of your scopes tube assembly, or you can hand form a matching plate
using soft materials such as wood or plastic using a belt sander or grinding
wheel, etc. At least try being an ATM. You might find it fun and it does
create a wonderful gloat trip. I made this!
|
 |
Flat Bottom Docking Converter, 6" diameter:
This flat-bottomed docking converter will allow mounting a TOADLOADER to
any custom scope with a flat visual back. There are 3 recessed mounting holes
opposed by 120 degrees with 1/4-20 set screws next to each hole (see picture
at right) so you can adjust (push-pull) the mechanical alignment of the focuser
relative to it's optical axis. Mounting hardware included.
|
![[return to home]](bareturn.jpg)
![[top of the page]](topage.jpg)