LewisM
22-02-2013, 02:32 PM
Weight is not generallyan issue with the Vixen FL102S (light tube), and the NEQ6 can handle it EASILY, but I like to shave wherever possible, so I experimented.
I use an Orion mini-autoguider. I figured if you can remove the SSAG unit, you can install a 1.25" EP in their as well - so I tried, and sure enough, my illuminated reticle EP will come to focus with it.
So, was thinking again, use the rig as a finder initially, then when all done, remove the EP, install the pre-focus SSAG (they supply a spacer ring so you can remove it and reinstall it and it will be at correct focus). Saves having 2 finders on the back :) Plus I RARELY ever use the finder again after doing the alignment and drift alignment, so moving the miniscope to find a suitable guidestar is NOT an issue. Just need to realign it quickly next time out.
Maybe sounds redundant, and perhaps the extra finder on the other side will help balance it better E/W, but... it's not much of a turning moment anyway :LOL: Less clutter, less weight.
Heck, maybe I'll find a 1.25" flip mirror somewhere and install that in back - save removing the EP :) ;) :D I actually used a 2" flip mirror on my ED80 guidescope - used it as a BIG finder, then flipped the mirror and guided with it.
I use an Orion mini-autoguider. I figured if you can remove the SSAG unit, you can install a 1.25" EP in their as well - so I tried, and sure enough, my illuminated reticle EP will come to focus with it.
So, was thinking again, use the rig as a finder initially, then when all done, remove the EP, install the pre-focus SSAG (they supply a spacer ring so you can remove it and reinstall it and it will be at correct focus). Saves having 2 finders on the back :) Plus I RARELY ever use the finder again after doing the alignment and drift alignment, so moving the miniscope to find a suitable guidestar is NOT an issue. Just need to realign it quickly next time out.
Maybe sounds redundant, and perhaps the extra finder on the other side will help balance it better E/W, but... it's not much of a turning moment anyway :LOL: Less clutter, less weight.
Heck, maybe I'll find a 1.25" flip mirror somewhere and install that in back - save removing the EP :) ;) :D I actually used a 2" flip mirror on my ED80 guidescope - used it as a BIG finder, then flipped the mirror and guided with it.