Star Pointer Finderscope, how to use?!

[TimHH (Tim)]

Hi everyone.
Newbie here. I recently bought a telescope (Celestron 130 EQ), all is going well, except that I spent lots of time getting the right target in view. My finderscope is not yet properly aligned and it's a mystery to me as to how, mainly because I don't know how to use this thing properly. It concerns a Star Pointer Finderscope here (permanently attached), on of those using 0 magnification and a little red LED dot. According to the manual I have to keep BOTH eyes open look trhough the finderscope and align the red dot with the target. According to me (and probably physics) it is impossible to align a distant and a close object using BOTH eyes, depending on which one you focus you will see the other one double. Can anyone tell me how to use this thing properly? Do I realy keep both eyes open, and what do I focus on the star or the red dot? Alignment of the finderscope itself should be okay.
Cheers, Tim.

[Zubenel (Wes)]

Hi Timhh ,
I am a visual observer and love using a rifle scope as my finder. The advise you have been given is correct. What happens is you have 2 images , one from each eye. The Red dot will be superimposed onto the starry back ground. Start by finding something bright and well known like the Alpha Crux or The Orion Neb . The eye which isnt looking through your finder will guide you to the object. When you get close the 2 images will merge and the red dot will glide over the object centring then becomes an easy process.When using magnification the effect becomes more pronounced.I have used a telrad many times. The trick with them is to get your eye in just the right place so you can see the concentric circles...
Hope this helps.
Zub

[multiweb (Marc)]

If you're talking about the red dot finder on a Celestron 130 SLT get rid of it asap and buy a normal reticulated 8x50 finder. No batteries needed and no laser that stops working at low temperature or dew on the glass in the middle of the night. Align it during daytime on a known feature such as a tree top or roof antenna.

[Shep]

Originally Posted by multiweb

If you're talking about the red dot finder on a Celestron 130 SLT get rid of it asap and buy a normal reticulated 8x50 finder. No batteries needed and no laser that stops working at low temperature or dew on the glass in the middle of the night. Align it during daytime on a known feature such as a tree top or roof antenna.

OMG WOW!!!!!!!!! I'm so going to do this asap! I posted something about the same problem ages ago and still havent been able to get anywhere with it. I have the 130 EQ as well, seems to be an alright scope for the money but I think the finder scope is rubbish, no matter how hard I've tried to find that "right spot' I just couldn't.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Shep

OMG WOW!!!!!!!!! I'm so going to do this asap! I posted something about the same problem ages ago and still havent been able to get anywhere with it. I have the 130 EQ as well, seems to be an alright scope for the money but I think the finder scope is rubbish, no matter how hard I've tried to find that "right spot' I just couldn't.

I run out of batteries one night (CR2025 or 32 3V lithium if I recall) and if it wasn't for a mate who had one I would have been buggered to align to anything so I canned it straight away. With a finder you can guide too later on if you want.

[Shep]

Any suggestions for a great place to buy one? I just tried to google it but only this post came up when I punched it in and selected AUS

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by Shep

Any suggestions for a great place to buy one? I just tried to google it but only this post came up when I punched it in and selected AUS

Andrews, Bintel, they all stock them. About $50 I'd say. It's light and you can move it to any scope.

[TimHH (Tim)]

Thanks Zub, I'll give it a try, I get the idea. Multiweb I'll keep your advice in mind, in case this isn't going anywhere in the future.
Cheers, Tim.

[Zubenel (Wes)]

SOrry ,All the post but one wern't mine. The useful info came from Multiweb.
Good advise though.
Cheers Zubenel

[stephenb (Stephen)]

What about replacing it with a TelRad? Similar beast, but a Telrad will last a lifetime.