Quote:
Originally Posted by mch62
Chris I use a finder converted to a guide scope to keep weights down and it works at F10 on an 8"SCT on both an EQ6 and EQ5 Pros.I made mine from a 8x50mm finder ,removed the eyepiece and then got an old variable eyepiece projection adapter. I used the inner tube from the eyepiece projection adapter that has the threads for a guide camera such as a QHY5. The inner tube fits with a little gentle persuasion. The trick is to insert it just far enough so the camera comes to focus. What I found was you need to cut off and use only about 20mm of the inner tube and insert it so the camera mount threads are about 5 mm out of the end of the finder, but this depends on the brand of finder. This allows an QHY5 to focus with the front objective in the middle of its focus adjustment. When you have done this you never have to worry about focusing your guide scope again. It picks up more than enough guide stars as the 50mm lens is F4. I used a Stellavue twin ring finder bracket. looks just like a little guide scope bracket set up with good quality s/s adjusting bolts nylon tipped and is quick release. The whole lot weighs well under a kg –about 700-800grams from memory.
Just make sure to keep your set up balance slightly biased so the drive gears and worm stay loaded. I found this can cause intermittent elongated stars even with guiding or PEC.
Mark  |
Hey thanks Mark, I have a camera projection tube I can use for this and I think the webcam should just slide into this. I will give it a bash and see if I can rig it up without substantially modifying the finder in case I want to use it as a finder again.
Thanks
Chris