Converting my Spotting Scope to Guide Scope

[Logieberra]

Hey Guys

Here is my current guide scope: Skywatcher Spotting Scope, 20-60x magnification, 60mm objective:

I have been using this in combination with an Orion Star Shot Autoguider. I simply unthread the eyepiece at the end of the scope, and unthread the 1.25' adapter on the OSSAG - and she pops straight on.

The problem? The complex lens arrangement in the 20-60x is not letting much light through. I have trouble finding suitable guide stars, as she's zoomed in 20x at the minimum setting.

What should I do? Should I pop a cheap 60mm telescope focuser assembly on the back of this think, and cut off the zoom elements / components? This means that light would come through the 60mm objective straight to the OSSAG...

I hope this makes sense...

[bojan]

I would replace zoom eyepiece with simple, 15~20mm Plossl.. or I even better, with eyepiece from old broken binocular, sometimes they are wide field erfle design (provided that eyepiece is in one piece ;))

[asimov]

I've swapped out a zoom focuser setup for a standard R&P many years ago, & it wasn't that simple. I had to shorten the OTA by quiet a few CM's in order to be able to come to focus. I'm sure in most cases your mileage will vary depending on what refractor your doing this to.

It's not just a matter of taking the zoom EP out & banging in another; the zoom setup totals 2 or possibly 3 lens elements inside.

Quite doable though.

[Logieberra]

Yeah that's right...

At the moment I remove the eyepiece at the end, and screw my Orion SSAG straight in... So the eyepiece option is not really possible...

A good start. Thx guys :)

[bmitchell82]

Cheif, you have way better quality gear already that you can use for guiding! don't bother with the spotting scope!:thumbsup: