CGE1400 Accessories
Another useful gadget for an SCT is a set of Bob's Knobs - they are a set of screws with a large top knobs that simplify collimating. It is not necessary to use a hex wrench - which is good, but the accuracy of the knobs is not that good as with the wrench. Be careful when changing factory screws to Bob's Knobs and follow the instructions - if all the screws are removed the secondary mirror will fall off! If the scope is used visually a high quality 2" (dielectric) diagonal is a very good investment. If you plan to use CGE1400 on the tripod for visual observing an accessory tray from Starizona is very helpful. Strangely, CGE is shipped without one ... Some type of electrical focuser is very useful for visual use (more accurate, no vibrations) and a must for imaging. I use JMI Motofocus for C14 and it helps a lot. It has two speeds for focusing, and uses standard 9V battery located in the controller box. Controller box connects to the motor with a standard stereo plug, so it is possible to buy an extension cord in Radio Shack and use it from a distance. Thanks to a 15' extension I can focus the scope while controlling g imaging equipment from my observatory warm room. For imaging a useful addition is an electrical focuser attached to the imaging train, it is more accurate and does not cause image shift. The approximate focusing can still be done with JMI, while the final accurate one with the other one. I chose Optec TCF-S temperature compensating focuser for that purpose, it can accounts for a position of the focuser (see display on the controller) and can be trained to compensate for temperature-related focus change. In order to piggyback a small refractor on the top of C14 OTA one needs a set of rings and dovetail that can be attached to C14. I bought a set from Ken Millburn and turned to be a good choice. It is quite rigid and suitable for imaging.
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