Any ideas re: dob finder

[lunar_tic]

Gooday all. I am just starting out in astronomy but have been on this earth for some time. I am considering an 8" (203mm) skywatcher dobsonian but find the finderscope awkward.
Is it possible to replace with a rightangle finder without having to modify the tube?
Thanks.:shrug:

[Hammerman]

First of all, welcome to the forum! I've only been at this forum for a month (been at a few other astro forums for years). Everyone here seems very friendly and helpful. I'm sure you'll like it here too!

Anyway, on to your question. Not only can you easily replace the finderscope, you can add a Telrad or other red dot type finder too. The finderscope base is mounted to the tube, a single thumbscrew loosens the finderscope, you slip it out of the base, slip another one in (the right angled one), tighten the screw, you're done. Takes about ten seconds.

Teh Telrad can be used along with the right angle finderscope. These things are worth their weight in gold. The Telrad is a 1x finder.... it doesn't magnify a thing. What it does is when you look through it you see an unmagnified area of the sky and a series of concentric red circles. You can point it right in the area of where you want to be, then look through the finderscope to narrow nown the area, then the telescope eyepiece.

I'll point you at a couple of links on my web site which might help explain it better, and show you a photo of both a 9x50 RA finder, and a Telrad mounted to a SkyQuest 8" scope.

The first link here gives a short review of the 9x50 finder, and just below that, the Telrad: http://home.comcast.net/~astrohammer/opinionspage2.htm (http://home.comcast.net/%7Eastrohammer/opinionspage2.htm)[/URL]

And a photo of both mounted to the OTA:
[URL="http://home.comcast.net/%7Eastrohammer/Telradand9x50RA.jpg"]http://home.comcast.net/~astrohammer/Telradand9x50RA.jpg (http://home.comcast.net/%7Eastrohammer/tipstelrad.htm)

Hope this helps!

[janoskiss]

Welcome lunar. I have an 8" GS Dob. Rigel quickfinder suits that scope better than the Telrad (because it is smaller). Combine that with an 8x50 right angle finder and you've got all the comfort and all the finder-power you need. Rigel is available from Andrews only as far as I'm aware ($69). Right angle finders you can get from many dealers (usually $99).

[ving]

I have a right angle finder on mine :)
they are usually about $100

[DougAdams]

Yes, a right angle finder works wonders on a dob. I may be lynched for this, but I also put my laser pointer on it as well as a finder - best thing I did. It works so well I took the Telrad off (which works wonders for the balance of the scope).

[acropolite]

I'm with Doug, I've seen a green laser mounted on a dob in operation and it's a fantastic pointing aid. There is no problem with this type of use as long as you are careful with the pointer particularly when others nearby are doing astrophotography.

[lunar_tic]

Thanks guys? Great response. I wasn't sure if the seller was stating they were not available on the scope or not available for this scope.
Now I can organise myself and get some viewing in.
Once again thanks a lot for the quick and numerous replies and ideas.
Hope to read more useful stuff in the future.:D

[chunkylad]

HI Lunar and welcome.

I have a 12" dob with a r/a 8x50 finder and Rigel quick finder. Very easy and comfortable to use. I have toyed with the idea of mounting a green laser also, but I find the Rigel works better in my light polluted sky than my 5mA green laser.

The only thing I need to add to this ensemble, for the sake of comfort, is a Denver type observing chair (there are instructions for making one of these on this website). This is to keep the eyepiece at a comfortable height, and keep the back breaking to a minimum.

Cheers

[ving]

build one dave!
they are dead easy :)
If i can build one any one can :)

[janoskiss]

They are not that easy. :confuse3:

[ving]

steve, if i can build one anyone can! :D

[janoskiss]

Ah, just reread Dave's post. You must be talking about the chair not the quickfinder ...? Naughty naughty, getting off topic. :P

[ving]

keep up steve :rolleyes: