Hi all,
After getting the Celestron FirstScope a couple of weeks ago (plus an exchange of scope), I've completed its conversion into a finder.
I added a RDF which I can replace with a conventional 6X30 finder. But with Sydney's crappie sky, there is little difference in visual gain in the 30mm.
The EP I'm using in the scope is a Celestron 25mm Kellner to which I added crosshairs.
A small 1/4" bolt holds the finder into place on the back of the Odyssey. The nut was keyed with a Dremel & held in place with epoxy glue in the Odyssey.
It had first light tonight, with its first task after alignment being to hunt down Uranus. The setup worked a treat.
The main reason for this choice of finder scope design is two fold:
*Its EP position will make it easier to use when mounted both on the Odyssey's tail end & when I finally get to rebirth the Odyssey, &
*Making quick nudge's to the scope when someone is up on a ladder at the EP & does not know how to move the scope without having them get down from the ladder.
Exterior grade ply was used to fashion the rings & base (I'll varnish the base this week, just had to give it a whirl first though
).
I'll get to really test it out next weekend at a dark site & see how the RDF performs. Though I am impressed with it now.
Again I'd like to thank Mike & Anthony at York Optical for their help in getting the FirstScope to me & sorting out the bugs. Cheers gents,
.