The first upgrade was always going to be the focuser. The standard orion 1.25″ just isn’t up to holding a modern DSLR, so I purchased a 2″ Skywatcher Crayford style.

And after spending a fair bit of time, measuring, marking, re-measuring and double-checking my marking and measuring, I took the plunge with a drill and a grinder.

A couple of holes need filling, and I shall blast the hammer finished metalwork. Then it’s off to the painters for a fresh new coat of white for the tube, and satin black for the accessories.

I also have access to a vinyl cutter machine at work, so reproducing the stickers is not a problem.