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Event
Horizon 2" Crayford Telescope Focusers
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EV-1n
Model 1
Newtonian Version
without Motor

EV1N
$320.00
Buy Now |
EV-1nM
Model 1
Newtonian Version
with Motor

EV1NM
$470.00
Buy Now |
EV-1c
Model 1
Cassegrain Version
without Motor
EV1C
$335.00
Buy Now |
EV-1cM
Model 1
Cassegrain Version
with Motor

EV1CM
$485.00
Buy Now |
EV-1r
Model 1
Refractor Version
without Motor

EV1R
$375.00
Buy Now |
EV-1rM
Model 1
Refractor Version
with Motor

EV1RM
$525.00
Buy Now |
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EV-1
Telescope Focuser
The Event Horizon EV-1 is a 2" black-anodized
aluminum focuser with rubber grip knobs and two-speed operation. The
focuser lifts up to 8 pounds. Dual-speed manual controls are over 15 times
finer (small outer knob) and 1½ times finer (large inner knob) than most
rack-and-pinion focusers.
The Newtonian version (EV-1n) mounts on
a range of surfaces from a 7.25" diameter, or larger, tube to a flat surface.
The Cassegrain version (EV-1c) is
designed for use on 6" to 16" Cassegrain telescopes (e.g. SCT and Mak-Cas) with
standard output threads. It includes an SCT threaded output adapter to
allow use of standard SCT equipment on the output side of the focuser. The
focuser gives 1/2" of travel and is designed for fine focus after rough
adjustment with the normal telescope focusing knob.
The Refractor version (EV-1r) mounts in
many refractors having one of two different inside diameters of approximately
3.5" and 3.75". The following is a partial list of refractors that should
accept the
focuser:
Celestron C4-R, C6-R, C6-RGT,
Firstscope 102; Orion AstroView 100 EQ / 120ST EQ, SkyView Pro 120;
Synta / Sky-Watcher (Pro Computerized) 100ED-EQ5P, 120ED-EQ5P,
120AR-EQ5P, 150AR-EQ5P, (Pro Manual) 102AR-EQ5M, (Pro Refractor OTAs) P80
ED-APO, P100 ED-APO, P120 ED-APO; Vixen ED100Sf
The Motorized version comes with a hand
control unit.
See the
Differences Between Models, the EV Options, the
Focuser Accessories Page and the
Focuser Comparison Chart. For additional equipment see the
Smart Focus
and DRO
products. (Specify all options and accessories when ordering.)
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|
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EV-2n
Model 2
Newtonian Version
without Motor

EV2N
$235.00
Buy Now |
EV-2nM
Model 2
Newtonian Version
with Motor

EV2NM
$385.00
Buy Now |
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EV-2c
Model 2
Cassegrain Version
without Motor

EV2C
$250.00
Buy Now |
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EV-2cM
Model 2
Cassegrain Version
with Motor

EV2CM
$400.00
Buy Now |
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EV-2r
Model 2
Refractor Version
without Motor

EV2R
$290.00
Buy Now |
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EV-2rM
Model 2
Refractor Version
with Motor

EV2RM
$440.00
Buy Now |
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EV-2
Telescope Focuser
The Event Horizon EV-2 is a 2"
black-anodized aluminum focuser with rubber grip knobs. The focuser lifts
up to 8 pounds. Manual control is over 1½ times finer than most
rack-and-pinion focusers.
The Newtonian version
(EV-2n) mounts on a range of surfaces from a 7.25" diameter, or larger, tube to
a flat surface.
The Cassegrain version
(EV-2c) is designed for use on 6" to 16" Cassegrain telescopes (e.g. SCT and
Mak-Cas) with standard output threads. It includes an SCT threaded output
adapter to allow use of standard SCT equipment on the output side of the
focuser. The focuser gives 1/2" of travel and is designed for fine focus
after rough adjustment with the normal telescope focusing knob.
The Refractor
version (EV-2r) mounts in many refractors having one of two different inside
diameters of approximately 3.5" and 3.75". The following is a partial list
of refractors that should accept the
focuser:
Celestron C4-R, C6-R, C6-RGT,
Firstscope 102; Orion AstroView 100 EQ / 120ST EQ, SkyView Pro 120;
Synta / Sky-Watcher (Pro Computerized) 100ED-EQ5P, 120ED-EQ5P,
120AR-EQ5P, 150AR-EQ5P, (Pro Manual) 102AR-EQ5M, (Pro Refractor OTAs) P80
ED-APO, P100 ED-APO, P120 ED-APO; Vixen ED100Sf
The Motorized
version comes with a hand control unit.
See the
Differences Between Models, the EV Options, the
Focuser Accessories Page and the
Focuser Comparison Chart. For additional equipment see the
Smart Focus
and
DRO
products. (Specify all options and accessories when ordering.)
|
NOTE |
Although the EV-2c can be plugged
into the telescope's base allowing control from the Meade hand unit, you will
have better control with the JMI hand unit. Our hand unit includes an
electronic brake (not included in Meade systems), which stops the motor as soon
as you quit pressing the keys, and linear voltage control for superior speed
control. Also, older LX200 telescopes do not have enough power to properly
run the motor on the low setting.
|
 |
This is a front view of the EV-2c which has
a Cassegrain base. See our Purchasing Hints
for a brief explanation of the differences between EV models and our
Focuser Comparison Chart for complete specifications. (NOTE:
This focuser does not have the standard Event Horizon sticker attached.
To see the logo sticker, view the EV-1nM above.)
|
 |
This is a back view of the EV-2cM showing
the miniature motor (also without the standard Event Horizon sticker
attached).
|
 |
Newer Event Horizon focusers have a larger
drawtube thumbscrew. (The conversion took place during the first
half of 2010.) |
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EV-3n
Model 3
Newtonian Version
without Motor

EV3N
$180.00
Buy Now |
EV-3nM
Model 3
Newtonian Version
with Motor

EV3NM
$330.00
Buy Now |
EV-3c
Model 3
Cassegrain Version
without Motor

EV3C
$195.00
Buy Now |
EV-3cM
Model 3
Cassegrain Version
with Motor
EV3CM
$345.00
Buy Now |
EV-3r
Model 3
Refractor Version
without Motor

EV3R
$235.00
Buy Now |
EV-3rM
Model 3
Refractor Version
with Motor
EV3RM
$385.00
Buy Now |
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EV-3
Telescope Focuser
The Event Horizon EV-3 is a 2"
black-anodized aluminum focuser with knurled knobs. The focuser lifts up
to 4 pounds. Manual control is over 1½ times finer than most
rack-and-pinion focusers.
The Newtonian version
(EV-3n) mounts on a range of surfaces from a 7.25" diameter, or larger, tube to
a flat surface.
The Cassegrain version
(EV-3c) is designed for use on 6" to 16" Cassegrain telescopes (e.g. SCT and
Mak-Cas) with standard output threads. It includes an SCT threaded output
adapter to allow use of standard SCT equipment on the output side of the
focuser. The focuser gives 1/2" of travel and is designed for fine focus
after rough adjustment with the normal telescope focusing knob.
The Refractor
version (EV-3r) mounts in many refractors having one of two different inside
diameters of approximately 3.5" and 3.75". The following is a partial list
of refractors that should accept the
focuser:
Celestron C4-R, C6-R, C6-RGT,
Firstscope 102; Orion AstroView 100 EQ / 120ST EQ, SkyView Pro 120;
Synta / Sky-Watcher (Pro Computerized) 100ED-EQ5P, 120ED-EQ5P,
120AR-EQ5P, 150AR-EQ5P, (Pro Manual) 102AR-EQ5M, (Pro Refractor OTAs) P80
ED-APO, P100 ED-APO, P120 ED-APO; Vixen ED100Sf
The Motorized
version comes with a hand control unit.
See the
Differences Between Models, the EV Options, the
Focuser Accessories Page and the
Focuser Comparison Chart. For additional equipment see the
Smart Focus
and DRO
products. (Specify all options and accessories when ordering.)
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|
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EV-B
Model B
"Build-Your-Own"
Design ("Build")
your own focuser
on our website!
EVB
$Variable
Choose Options |
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EV-B
Telescope Focuser
The Event Horizon EV-B is a
"Build-Your-Own" version of our 2" black-anodized aluminum focuser.
It gives you complete flexibility in
designing a focuser that fits your needs
and desires. Go to the Build-Your-Own
page to build a code to use when ordering your special-order focuser.
|
NOTE |
The Build-Your-Own version of the EV
focuser allows you to design your own custom EV focuser which we will
build to order. If you were to exactly match one of the
eighteen regular models*
when picking options, the cost would be slightly higher ($30) since the
build-your-own version is more costly for us to produce. However,
you have complete flexibility in creating a focuser that fits your needs
and desires and may even be cheaper than our standard models.
* EV-1c, EV-1cM, EV-1n, EV-1nM, EV-1r, EV-1rM, EV-2c, EV-2cM, EV-2n, EV-2nM,
EV-2r, EV-2rM, EV-3c, EV-3cM, EV-3n, EV-3nM,
EV-3r, EV-3rM
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Event Horizon
Telescope Focuser
Options and Upgrades
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Illuminated Dial
Add LED Illumination of
Positioning Dial on EV-1 Focusers (at the time of purchase)
SEE NOTE 1

EVUPGLED
$55.00
Buy Now |
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Illuminated
Dial for EV Telescope Focusers
This upgrade uses an LED to
illuminate the focuser positioning dial on any EV focuser. Pressing the switch activates the LED which
automatically shuts off (slowly fading to dark).
NOTE 1:
For an aftermarket upgrade see Individual Parts.
 |
This EV-1c has the Illuminated Dial option
installed. You can see it above and to the left of the focuser
positioning dial.
|
 |
This is an animation of the Illuminated Dial
which switches between normal lighting and illumination in the dark.
Click on the animation to see a larger version. Once the LED is turned on it slowly fades to
dark.
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EV-75 Upgrade
For Meade LXD75
SN-6, SN-8 or SN-10
(at the time of purchase only)
SEE NOTE 2

EVUPG75
$80.00
Buy Now |
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EV-75 Upgrade
for Meade LXD75
SN-6 / SN-8 /
SN-10
Meade LXD55 SN-6 / SN-8 / SN-10, LXD75
SN-6 / SN-8 /
SN-10
The EV-75 Upgrade makes the following changes to
an EV-1n, EV-2n or EV-3n focuser to prepare it to replace the stock focuser on
the Meade Schmidt-Newtonian:
1) Add an Adapter
(EV-ADPT5) to the standard Newtonian Base.
The adapter is made specifically for the SN-6 / SN-8 / SN-10.
3) Change the Drawtube from 3" to 2.5" length.
3) Add a 2" diameter x 2.13" height Enhanced Extension Tube (ADPT2X2.1E).
4) Upgrade the 1.25" Eyepiece Adapter to a Combination 1.25"
Eyepiece and
T-thread Adapter (ADPT2-1.25T).
NOTE 2: The Event Horizon focuser can
only be upgraded for the listed price at the time of purchase. For
aftermarket upgrades, please purchase the following four individual parts:
Base Adapter EV-ADPT5
2.5" Drawtube EV-DT25
Extension Tube ADPT2X2.1E
T-thread Adapter ADPT2-1.25T
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EV-75 Upgrade Base Adapter |
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EV-VMC Upgrade
For Vixen VMC 200, VMC 260
(at the time of
purchase only)
SEE NOTE 3

EVUPGVMC
$80.00
Buy Now |
|
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EV-VMC
Upgrade for Vixen Cassegrain
Vixen VMC 200, VMC 260
The EV-VCM Upgrade makes the following changes to
an EV-1c, EV-2c or EV-3c focuser to prepare it to replace the stock focuser on
the Vixen Cassegrain:
1) Upgrade to a special
Vixen Cassegrain Base.
The base is made specifically for the VMC.
2) Upgrade the 2.0" Drawtube to a 4.6" Drawtube.
3) Upgrade the 1.25" Eyepiece Adapter to a Combination 1.25"
Eyepiece and
T-thread Adapter (ADPT2-1.25T).
NOTE 3: The Event Horizon focuser can
only be upgraded for the listed price at the time of purchase.
 |
EV-VMC Upgrade allows you to replace the
original Vixen focuser with a JMI EV focuser. |
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Upgrade to EV-1
JMI EV-3 or EV-2 Focuser
(after-purchase upgrade to EV-1 Focuser)

EVUPG1
$170.00
Buy Now |
|
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Upgrade any EV-3 or EV-2 to
an EV-1 Focuser
JMI
EV-3n, EV-3nM, EV-3c, EV-3cM, EV-3r, EV-3rM
To upgrade, simply remove the old
drive block and install this new one. The upgrade includes the following
individual parts:
1) Dual-speed Drive with Dial Indicator
2)
Pusher Bearing
3) Rubber-gripped Gold Knobs
4) 7/64" Hex Wrench
5) Instructions for safely swapping the drive system
|
NOTE |
This part number is designed to
simplify (and reduce the price of) upgrading to our top-of-the-line EV-1 Event
Horizon Focuser by avoiding the confusion involved in having to picking the
right individual parts. (The Dual-speed Drive requires Rubber-gripped Gold
Knobs. It cannot be combined with the Knurled-Aluminum Silver Knobs.
The Pusher Bearing is also recommended for this model focuser.)
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Event
Horizon Telescope Focuser Individual Parts
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Standard Body
Individual EV Part

EV-BODY
$63.00
Buy Now |
Newtonian
Base
Individual EV Part

EV-BASN
$59.00
Buy Now |
Cassegrain
Base
Individual EV Part
(2" diameter thread)

EV-BASC
$44.00
Buy Now |
Large-Format
Cassegrain Base
Individual EV Part
(3.25" diameter thread)

EV-BASL
$69.00
Buy Now |
Extra-Large-
Format Cass. Base
Individual EV Part
(4" diameter thread)

EV-BASX
$89.00
Buy Now |
Refractor Base
Individual EV Part

EV-BASR
$99.00
Buy Now |
Base Adapter
for Meade LXD75 SN
Individual EV Part

EV-ADPT5
$45.00
Buy Now |
2.0"
Drawtube
Individual EV Part
(2.0" Length)

EV-DT20
$31.00
Buy Now |
2.5"
Drawtube
Individual EV Part
(2.5" Length)

EV-DT25
$33.00
Buy Now |
3.0"
Drawtube
Individual EV Part
(3.0" Length)

EV-DT30
$36.00
Buy Now |
4.6"
Drawtube
Individual EV Part
(4.6" Length)

EV-DT46
$41.00
Buy Now |
5.75"
Drawtube
Individual EV Part
(5.75" Length)

EV-DT57
$46.00
Buy Now |
Dual-Speed
Drive
Individual EV Part
SEE
NOTE 4

EV-DRVD
$114.00
Buy Now |
Single-Speed
Drive
Individual EV Part
SEE NOTE 4

EV-DRVS
$29.00
Buy Now |
Illuminated Dial
Add LED Illumination to Event Horizon Positioning Dial

EV-LED
$61.00
Buy Now |
Pusher
Bearing
Individual EV Part
SEE NOTE 4

EV-PUSH
$31.00
Buy Now |
Rubber-Gripped
Gold Knobs
Individual EV Part
SEE NOTE 4

EV-KNBR
$49.00
Buy Now |
Knurled-Aluminum
Silver Knobs
Individual EV Part
SEE NOTE 4

EV-KNBA
$19.00
Buy Now |
Motor
Individual EV Part
(Includes Hand Unit and Cable)

EV-MTR
$159.00
Buy Now |
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EV
Telescope Focuser Individual Parts
The replacement or ad-on parts may be purchased individually. If you wish to design your own focuser, please
go to to the Build-Your-Own
page to build a code to use when ordering your special-order EV-B
"Build-Your-Own" focuser. See EV-75
Upgrade above for upgrading a Newtonian EV Focuser for an LXD75
Schmidt-Newtonian scope. The following individual parts are available:
Body
Base, Newtonian
Base, Cassegrain
(2" diameter thread)
Base, Large-Format Cassegrain
(3.25" diameter thread)
Base, Extra-Large-Format Cassegrain
(4" diameter thread)
Base, Refractor (for approximately
3.5" and 3.75" inside diameter of telescope tube)
Base Adapter, LXD75 Schmidt-Newtonian
Drawtube, 2.0" length
Drawtube, 2.5" length
Drawtube, 3.0" length
Drawtube, 4.6" length
Drawtube, 5.75" length
Drive, Dual Speed with Dial Indicator
See
note 4
Drive, Single Speed See
Note 4
Illuminated Dial
Pusher Bearing See
Note 4
Knob, Rubber-Gripped Gold
See
Note 4
Knob, Knurled-Aluminum Silver
See
Note 4
Motor (The motor option comes with all necessary mounting hardware and a hand control
unit.)
NOTE 4: If you are purchasing an after-market drive system, you must
select:
1) The type
of drive — Single Speed (EV-DRVS) or Dual Speed (EV-DRVD),
2) A pusher bearing, if desired (EV-PUSH) and,
3) The type of knobs — Knurled-Aluminum Silver (EV-KNBA) or Rubber-Gripped Gold (EV-KNBR)
since the drive is sold as a
complete unit. Please note that the Knurled-Aluminum Silver Knobs (EV-KNBA)
are not available with the Dual-Speed Drive (EV-KNBA)
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|
|
 |
Click
here
to view the EV-1 at different angles! See our Focuser
Comparison Chart for complete specifications. |
 |
The EV focusers include a compression ring in
the drawtube for holding eyepieces and accessories without scratching the
equipment. The adjusting screw presses against the ring which
tightens around the eyepiece or accessory.
|
 |
The drawtube lengths available for the EV
Series focusers are (from left to right) 2", 2.5", 3",
4.6" and 5.75". The standard lengths are 3" for the
Newtonian versions (EV-#n) and 2.5" for the Cassegrain versions (EV-#c).
To specify a drawtube length other than the standard length, you must
purchase the Build-Your-Own
model.
|
 |
Newtonian
base with Weather-stripping |
 |
The EV-2cM is shown here with the
encoder
and hardware installed for a DRO system. The DRO Hand Unit controller is connected to the motor and encoder
assemblies on the focuser using a flat phone cable with phone connectors.
For a
Smart Focus system, the Smart
Focus hand unit (left) replaces the regular DRO hand unit (right). (NOTE:
This focuser does not have the standard Event Horizon sticker
attached. To see the logo sticker, view the EV-1nM above.
|
What is an
Event Horizon Telescope Focuser?
The Event Horizon Focuser (EV) is a
low-profile, friction-drive focuser designed for both the amateur and professional
market. The highly acclaimed Crayford design (see below) permits tolerances up to 100 times
better than conventional rack-and-pinion focusers. Zero image shift and zero
backlash makes it fantastic for visual and photographic work and a must for CCD
imaging. The modular design makes changes and upgrades extremely easy
to accomplish. Add the optional variable-speed Motor and Smart
Focus or Digital Readout (DRO) for the ultimate focusing system. The
EV is truly a masterpiece of engineering and workmanship that you will be proud to own
for years to come.
One of the EV focuser modular bases is designed for Cassegrain
telescopes. The most popular type of Cassegrain telescope is the
Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope (SCT). These telescopes achieve focus by moving the
primary mirror. This design tends to create
image shift which is especially problematic for CCD imaging. The EV
Cassegrain focusers
achieve focus by moving the eyepiece, camera or other equipment at the back of the
telescope instead of the mirror.
Here are a few key features of
the Event Horizon focusers:
-
Modular design makes
purchasing and installing options and upgrades a snap
-
Purchase one of our
regular models or buy a customized focuser using the Build-Your-Own
option
-
Low profile with no
unsightly springs
-
Zero image shift and zero
backlash
-
Up to eight (8) pounds of
lifting power
-
Brass clamping rings hold
eyepieces and equipment without scratching
-
48mm threads on
1-1/4" adapters
-
Your choice of plastic or
brass locking screw for different locking characteristics
-
Miniature light-weight,
high-torque motor the size of an AA battery (motorized version)
-
Small slender hand control
(motorized version)
-
Transition between
motorized and manual focusing with the twist of a thumbscrew
(motorized version)
-
Dual-speed drive with
counter (EV-1 model)
-
16 times finer focus than
most rack-and-pinion focusers (EV-1 model)
-
Available with Digital
Readout (DRO) hand control
-
Available with Smart
Focus for control from your PC (with encoders and positional display)
-
Available with PC
Focus Control for control from your PC (without encoders or
positional display)
-
Quality construction and
just plain beautiful!
Please see the Focuser Comparison
Chart. Compare our focusers with cheaper Imports.
|
What is
the Crayford Design?
The Crayford Eyepiece
Mount (CEM) was invented by John ("Jack") Wall. The
Crayford name comes from the Crayford Manor House Astronomical Society
(UK) to
which he belongs. The Crayford design
uses high pressure on a metal drive shaft pressing against a metal drawtube
which is held by bearings on the opposing side. This direct
surface-to-surface drive mechanism eliminates backlash and shifting of the
drawtube as seen in other designs such as the rack-and-pinion focuser and
allows for very fine adjustments.
JMI
recognized the benefits of this design and was the first company to bring
it to the amateur market in a commercial product.
Click
on the picture to see one of J. Wall's original drawings.
|
Purchasing
Hints
Here is a quick overview of
the Event Horizon focuser models:
| Differences
Between Basic Event Horizon Models |
| Model |
Extra Features |
Notes |
| EV-1 |
Dual-Speed
Drive
Pusher Bearing
Rubber-Gripped Gold Knobs |
Includes
a Fast Knob, a Slow Knob and a Position Indicator Dial
Pusher Bearings give more Lifting Power |
| EV-2 |
Pusher
Bearing
Rubber-Gripped Gold Knobs |
Pusher
Bearings give more Lifting Power |
| EV-3 |
None |
Single-Speed
Drive, No Pusher Bearing, Knurled-Aluminum Silver Knobs |
| EV-B |
Varies |
Features
are Based on Options You Choose |
Each focuser can be further
classified by the type of base ("c" for Cassegrain,
"n" for Newtonian or "r" for Refractor) and whether or not it includes a motor.
For example, a motorized EV-1 for an SCT would be model EV-1cM. You
can make even more choices in the specifications of your focuser by
purchasing the Build-Your-Own
model. If you want more information on individual parts of an EV
focuser, the Build-Your-Own page
includes descriptions and pictures. You can purchase Individual
Parts above.
The following chart is for those wishing to replace an NGF focuser with
the closest match in the Event Horizon series.
| Converting
NGF Part Numbers to the Best Match in the Event Horizon Models |
| NGF Model |
EV Model |
Notes |
| NGF-DX1(M) |
EV-1n(M) |
The EV
version includes fast and slow gold rubber-gripped knobs, a
position indicator dial and pusher bearings for more lifting power |
| NGF-DX2(M) |
EV-2n(M) |
The EV
version includes single-speed gold rubber-gripped knobs and pusher
bearings for more lifting power |
| NGF-DX3(M) |
EV-3n(M) |
The EV
version Includes single-speed knurled-aluminum silver knobs |
| NGF-C |
EV-1cM
EV-2cM |
Matches
the NGF-C with Two-Speed Upgrade (NGF2SPEED)
Matches the NGF-C without Two-Speed Upgrade |
|
Customer
Comments
"Just received your
Event Horizon Focuser - WOW - fit and finish were astronomical!!
Words can't describe how happy I am with your product. I MEAN
that! Anyone who spends $$$ more on _______ is foolish.
THANK YOU all for a stellar product! God Bless." (K. C.)
"Product Report [on the
EV-3r]: Superb focuser fellas! No doubt the best value in a
refractor Crayford out there. I'm so glad I didn't go for the
import to save a paltry $30! Solid, smooth, nice to look at, no
slop. Tech support with installation questions first rate.
Keep up the fine craftsmanship, ingenuity and value that JMI stands
for." (J. M.)
"I received my EV-3r
focuser Saturday and am wholly impressed with it. Thank you for
the lovely engineering and attention to detail. I'm absolutely
convinced this focuser is the finest available, especially for the price
- bar none! (I've owned Moonlite, Feathertouch and GSO crayfords
so I'm speaking from experience.)" (J. M.)
"Based on the price,
weight capacity and feedback from others, I decided to order the JMI..."
Online
Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews — JMI EV-1r Focuser (Barry
Etter)
"I
got two great nights out with the scope and new [EV-2nM] focuser.
The difference is astounding. It makes observing a real treat when
you don't take so much time achieving a great, sharp view. Also, it
is nice to know the focuser feels the same no matter how low the
temperatures get. Thanks for your assistance." (R. G.)
"The
EV-2nM and enhanced extension tube are a fantastic upgrade from the stock
focuser on my [telescope]. I had troubles getting the stock focuser
to achieve a crisp focus because of image shift, backlash and vibration.
Those issues are all eliminated with this fine piece of equipment.
[I] only wish I had done the upgrade when I first got the telescope.
I'd have spent much more time observing and less frustration with trying
to get the image focused. [This is] a truly fine product and [your
are] great people to deal with."
"My experience with
your company has, to say the least, been outstanding. I contacted
you on Monday and spoke with helpful staff who conveyed a sense of both
understanding my requirements and reassuring me that the item would arrive
within the timeframe I needed. A follow up call made to check
progress was treated in the same friendly, knowledgeable way. While
I have not used the focuser outside yet (storms tonight), it mounted
easily and took my accessories with ease. I will be going to our
clubs dark site this weekend and will put the unit through its
paces. Many thanks for upholding excellent customer care and
providing the hobby with first class instruments. Thanks. (S.
P.)
"[The EV focuser] is a
thing of beauty!! A wonderful addition to my SN 8". Makes
the scope look like a million bucks! Thank you very much! It
has been a pleasure doing business with you! And I plan to do
business with you in the future. A long time customer of JMI,
Roger..." (R. S.)
"I bought my EV-3n with
a check, so I expected a delay but the focuser arrived well before I
expected it. The packing was great, the finish was beautiful, but
there was a tiny "hitch" in the focuser movement that synched
with the rotation of the knobs. I called the office and was
immediately put in touch with knowledgeable support (I work in support
also - yours is top rate!) who gave me a suggestion to try and permitted
me to undo the shaft box to inspect the shaft for more clues. I
found two tiny coincident gouges on either side of center, which had left
two tiny scrims of metal on the shaft - not more than a few thousandths of
an inch. It may have been caused during shipping, although there
wasn't any obvious damage to the box. A little 1000 grit sandpaper
on a flat stick and the problem is gone - I can't even tell where it was.
Now the focuser works as well as it looks. (T. F.)
"The EV-1n 2-inch
motorized focuser I purchased from you was better than I had
expected. The ease of use was refreshing in these days of over
complication. I would certainly recommend this item to anyone
considering the purchase of a motorized focuser." (R. A. S.)
"I received my EV-2c
focuser from you yesterday and immediately installed it on my C8 and took
it outside for a test. I must say that I am very pleased with its
performance. I think that this it the first time I have ever had my
C8 in perfect focus. Everything works to more than my
expectations. Thanks." (R. G.)
"I got the focuser on
Saturday and I have to tell you it is simply a work of art! It
installed easily and so far it seems to work great. I have yet to
get to try it out under dark skies but I am sure it is going to do the
job. One thing that impressed me was the absolute zero image shift
while focusing. I have never been able to get a real good
collimation on this scope using my laser collimator. As I rack the
stock focuser in and out the laser dot moves quite a bit. Not with
the EV thought, it is rock steady. The laser dot stays in one spot
and doesn't move at all. Great work!" (D. C.)
"The quality of the
workmanship on my new EV Focuser astonished me and was excellent. It
is so nice to get a piece of equipment made here and not in China."
(J. V. C.)
"I recently purchased a
JMI EV [motorized focuser] for my [scope]... The stock focuser is so
sloppy and toy-like that precise focus really is not possible. Hold
the two in each of your hands (the EV and the stock focuser) and the
difference is striking. This is, hands down, the best upgrade I have
made. It makes a good scope great." (R. G.)
"The EV-3n came in faster
than I expected. My first word when I opened the box was, WOW!
The quality and craftsmanship was far better than I expected. Thank
you JMI for building such quality gear for our telescopes. I will be
buying from you guys again." (K. B.)
"I...note with pleasure
that someone at last is manufacturing the Crayford Eyepiece Mount
commercially. I had no intentions of doing this myself... I
write to say, good luck in your venture and what better use could the new
CEM be put than to grace your splendid range of well designed
telescopes." (J. Wall, Inventor of the C.E.M.)
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|
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
|
| Q. |
Does
JMI sell rack-and-pinion focusers? |
| A. |
No.
All of our focusers are based on the superior Crayford
design. They operate with friction between the drive roller and
the drawtube created by high pressure. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can
I add a Motor to my Event Horizon focuser at a later date? |
| A. |
Yes.
The EV focuser's modular design makes it simple to add or upgrade any
options at a later date. See EV
Focuser Individual Parts. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can I
easily change from motorized focusing to manual focusing? |
| A. |
Yes. You
can quickly and easily transition between motorized and manual focusing
with the twist of a thumbscrew. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Will
an EV focuser work on my Meade Starfinder? |
| A. |
Yes.
There are two options available for EV focusers on a Meade Starfinder.
The Starfinder is equipped with a high profile focuser. EV focusers
are low profile. We have a 4.6 inch drawtube designed for the
Starfinder. Another option is to use an extension
tube with our standard low profile drawtubes. The extension tube
option is best if you plan on doing prime-focus photography because it
allows you to go back and forth between visual and photographic focus
without moving the primary mirror from its normal position. A longer
drawtube may also obstruct the light path inside the optical tube when at
minimum height.
Generally, we would make the following
recommendations when replacing the Meade Starfinder focuser based on the
type of telescope you have:
Equatorial:
The 1.5" extension tube and two backup plates (optimal for both
photographic and visual).
Dobsonian:
The optional 4.6" drawtube and two backup plates (optimal for visual
only).
These two setups will work without
relocating the secondary or the focuser positions, however, four new holes
must be drilled for mounting the focuser.
NOTE: Before purchasing,
please measure the height of the original focuser when it is fully racked
out to insure that the replacement drawtube length is correct. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What
is a Backup Plate? |
| A. |
A backup
plate is a square flat or rounded piece of aluminum that can be bent
to conform to the radius of a telescope optical tube. It is designed
to add support for a focuser when attached to a Sonotube (cardboard) or
wood constructed optical tube. Two backup plates are usually
recommended for Sonotube mounting, one for the inside and one for the outside of the tube as a
base for the focuser. |
| |
|
| Q. |
What
are leveling setscrews? |
| A. |
Leveling
setscrews are installed in the base of EV focusers. They give you
the ability to collimate the focuser with respect to the optical light
path. Correct alignment is critical for optical quality. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Can
a DRO be installed on my EV focuser at a later date? |
| A. |
Yes.
The EV focuser's modular design makes
it simple to add or upgrade any options at a later date. See the DRO
option.
|
| |
|
| Q. |
What
is the difference between the Cassegrain version of the EV focuser and
MOTOFOCUS for a Cassegrain telescope? |
| A. |
A
MOTOFOCUS unit connects to the focusing knob and motorizes the normal
focusing motion, which moves the primary mirror in and out. The
Cassegrain version o the EV focuser attaches to the back of the telescope
allowing you to focus without moving the mirror, thus eliminating image
shift caused by a shifting mirror. Initial rough focus can be
achieved by use of the normal focusing knob (with or without MOTOFOCUS)
with fine focus accomplished through the EV focuser. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Will
the Cassegrian verison of the EV focuser eliminate the problems I am
having with image shift on my SCT? |
| A. |
Yes.
The EV-1c, EV-2c, EV-3c or EV-Bc is especially helpful when using a CCD
camera. This focuser is placed on the visual back and does not
require the mirror to be moved in order to achieve focus. Mirror
movement in an SCT is what causes most of the image shift. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How
much back focus does the EV-1c, EV-2c or EV-3c focuser add to my SCT? |
| A. |
It
will add 3.0" at its maximum extension. |
| |
|
| Q. |
How
much weight can the EV handle? |
| A. |
8 lbs.
See our focuser comparison chart
for more information. |
| |
|
| Q. |
Do
I need the Large Format Base with an EV-1c, EV-2c or EV-3c? |
| A. |
Large
SCTs (10" or larger) come with an adapter to reduce the large
(3.25" or 4" diameter) threads on the visual back to standard
(2" diameter) size. This adapter can be replaced by our Large
Format Base to eliminate vignetting (obstructing the light cone).
This is beneficial for large format photography. |
|