1. How does it work?
The Kwik Focus works by dividing up the incoming light path into three. When the image is out of focus you will see three of everything in your field of view. As you come into focus the images begin to tighten up and eventually merge. At the point they merge, you are focused. Remove the Kwik Focus and begin observing, photographing or imaging.
2. How does it collimate?
When focusing with the Kwik Focus all stars within the field of view should become pinpoints of light and planets should be sharp. If the stars in your field have an odd shape about them (ie: oblong) or the planets look fuzzy or ghosted, you probably have a collimation problem. Tube currents and poor seeing will degrade images so these factors must be taken into account when diagnosing your collimation.
The aim here is bring all three images into one common focusing point. Adjust the collimating screws on your telescope and then check the image in your telescope, using a medium to high power eyepiece. Rack the focuser in and out of focus. If the images converge cleanly, you are collimated. If not, then repeat this procedure until they do.
Our field testing has shown that this method of collimating is good for general collimation but for really fine collimation the single star must be used.
3. I have to wear eyeglasses when I observe. Will the Kwik Focus focus my telescope for my particular needs?
Yes.
4. Why have you gone to a three hole Kwik Focus verses a two hole?
With CCD imaging it can be difficult to tell whether one has gone beyond focus with the two hole version. The image would simply flip and look exactly the same one side from the other. The three holes give a triangular pattern that is easy to tell if the image has flipped and you have focused too far or not far enough. For visual and photographic applications the two hole version, which is no longer available, is fine.
5. Does it really work?
Absolutely! We have hundreds of happy customers who are finally getting the tack sharp images they have always wanted but could never get using conventional focusing methods. It is the simplest and fastest way to get tack sharp focus. For CCD cameras, achieving focus can be a laborious task but with the Kwik Focus it now only takes 5 minutes.
6. What is it made of?
Aluminum which has been powder coated black.
7. What else can the Kwik Focus do?
It can be used as a lens cover when not in use, an off axis aperture mask and, with the purchase of one of our solar filters, an off axis solar filter. In development are parts that will allow the Kwik Focus to be used in conjunction with a H-alpha solar filter for observing solar prominences and surface details.
8. If I install a Solar Filter can I still use it as a lens cover?
Yes. The filters are provided with a screw in cover that screws into the insert that is epoxied into one of the holes of the Kwik Focus. Continue to use the plastic plugs that are provided with the Kwik Focus to cover the other two holes.
9. Will installing the solar filter affect the Focusing performance of the Kwik Focus?
No. The filter can be, and should be, screwed out when not in use, leaving the third hole open for focusing purposes.
10. Does the Kwik Focus fit other telescopes, like my dob?
The Kwik Focus has been designed to accomodate primarily Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes and some refractors. There has been an increasing demand for other sizes so we are presently researching the development of the Kwik Focus for other telescopes , primarily Meade, Celestron and Orion Dobs.
