Upgrading finder scope

[Boppo]

Hey, I'm looking at getting a new angled finder scope.
My telescope is a Meade LX90 200mm Schmidt- Cassegrain. Looking at getting a Celestron RACI Illuminated but not sure if it will swap over onto existing mount or need some sort of adapter. Can't get a firm indication from seller. Anyone know? Kind regards.

[Eldest_Sibling]

Hello Gary,

Hmm...

https://i.imgur.com/3zSg3Sj.jpg

Hmmm...

https://i.imgur.com/EoRbQMq.jpg

Hmmmm...

https://i.imgur.com/yXlNOWz.jpg

It all depends on how badly you want to integrate the RACI onto the Schmidt. Meade is no more. Orion swallowed them up. If necessary, you can drill new holes into the RACI's shoe to fit the existing holes on the telescope, or for a less appetising option, into the telescope itself to match those of the RACI. That is realised upon inspecting the two areas in question, once both are before you.

I say go for it, and let the chips fall where they may. Times are hard these days, and there's probably no other option.

Then, it's not really difficult at all to retro-fit something like that.

I found this, and of someone else wanting to do the exact same thing...

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/479009-mounted-a-celestron-raci-on-lx90-8-inch/

...and they succeeded, I gather, almost 7 years before.

[Outcast]

I'm not familiar with the Celestron RACI mounting but, assuming it's a standard vixen shoe, you should be able to unscrew the Meade finderscope mount & from memory when I did mine, you should be able to get two screw holes to line up with the new foot.

I installed a TS Optics RA finderscope on mine when I owned one & the vixen shoe that came with it had elongated slots which gave some flexibility in mounting.

One of the best 'upgrades' I did for my LX90...

If you are unsure about fitting the Celestron RACI, you may wish to investigate the TS Optics RA finderscope, get the one that allows you to interchange 1.25" eyepieces & you can then use an illuminated reticle if you choose.

Cheers

[Boppo]

Ok, thanks both for your replies.
I think I'll give it a go.
If it doesn't fit straight out of the box I'll figure out a way.
It will be worth it not straining my neck.
Thanks again.
Gary