say goodbye to finder scopes forever

[Derivious (Tyrone)]

Hi there, as you can see I own on old tasco 11t.
It's a nice scope but the finder is virtually useless, although I always struggle with any finder scope on other people's set ups anyway.
For months I have been simply pointing my whole scope and used my eyes to line it up. I got quite good but was still very annoying.
I decided to pull the whole finder scope apart and installed a 30mw laser inside it plus an 18650 battery to power it. All of this as you can see below fits nicely into the finder case.
The laser I got off ebay for $10 and 18650 batteries can be found at any electronic store.
It's truly amazing the results. Simply aim your scope at an object then turn the laser on and calibrate it onto the same object, just like aligning a regular finder, except with out horrible eye strain.
Do note ,I will be putting the laser on/off switch on a lead and either have it hang loose or attach it to the scope or tripod. I suggest this as after using it and turning it on and off via a switch on the base of the finder i found it messed with the sensitive calibration.

CAUTION, never use the laser finder for more than a few seconds at a time. This will annoy others around you or could potentially strike an aircraft.
Check you are not in flight zones.
Check local regulations as you may require a permit to carry a laser.
Let me know if you try it as I agree I can never ever go back to a traditional finder again.

[RB (Andrew)]

Been using my (low power) laser finder on my scopes for years.
Much better and easier to use.

You can get a bracket off ebay to suit most scopes.
Something like this, comes with a locking ring for the power button:
Laser Pointer Bracket for Telescope Dovetail

As stated, always use caution and obey local regulations.
Cheap green 532nm lasers usually emit dangerous IR because they lack the proper filters (you get what you pay for) so be very careful, the invisible IR can be dangerous to your eyes (as too is the visible laser beam >5mW).
Also the cheaper lasers from ebay can't be trusted on their power claims since a lot are much higher in power output and illegal to use in Australia.
Only way to be sure about the power output is to use a proper Laser Power Meter since it's very difficult to estimate the output power just by looking at the beam.

[Derivious (Tyrone)]

Absolutely the utmost care must always be taken when using a laser both for your safety and the safety of others around you.
I work with a few lasers for work and the more time I spend on them the more care I find is needed handling them.
Joining your local astronomical society will allow you to purchase a fairly decent laser legally.
I will never make or assist people with lasers if I feel they are going to use them incorrectly.
When used appropriately lasers can be a great tool to help.
Any questions please ask me.
Note: any laser over 1mw requires a permit to possess at least in south Australia anyway.

[glend (Glen)]

Don't ever take a laser to any star party where imagers maybe present. Nothing like some inconsiderate waving a laser around the sky to ruin an imagers night. Imho they have no place in astronomy.

[Derivious (Tyrone)]

Certainly agree. I find they are great for amateur groups though, people without adept knowledge of sky maps etc. A few seconds of appropriate use can help others locate objects and learn constellations very easily. Only an inconsiderate fool would take and use them around large groups attempting imaging.
It's not the laser that does not belong its certain people imho.
Thank you for addressing this concern with me.

[RB (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by glend

Don't ever take a laser to any star party where imagers maybe present. Nothing like some inconsiderate waving a laser around the sky to ruin an imagers night. Imho they have no place in astronomy.

Are you coming to Lostock next year Glen?

[Atmos (Colin)]

It is something that I have been considering for a while but another project that I have not managed to get around to yet hehe

[knightrider]

I'm in the process of putting a laser finder on my dob also. I'm waiting for my laser holder to arrive in the mail still.

Although i'm coupling this with a RACI 8x50 finder for fine tuning. The choice was either a laser & RACI or RDF & RACI. The laser got my vote for not even having to turn my head sideways up the scope.

But like mentioned, never let anyone else touch it, use it responsibly, check flight paths in your area and keep an eye out for planes and helicopters anyway. I don't go to star parties so I haven't got any imagers to annoy.

[barx1963 (Malcolm)]

I used a laser for a while, but in conjunction with an RACI. Laser was fine for getting that first bright star for a star hop, but then switched to the RACI.
These days with the Argo, I have found an el cheapo red dot finder to be the best solution as you are really only doing a initial alignment.
Main issue with the laser is when the weather gets cold they just decide to cease work. Had to wrap a couple of dew heating straps at full power many nights and even that wasn't always effective on really cold nights. They just don't like it below about 10 degrees!

Malcolm

[Allan]

Originally Posted by RB

Are you coming to Lostock next year Glen?

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/...laser.gif?dl=0

Sadly, I don't think there is a Lostock next year, from what I have heard. I would love to be wrong though.

[Visionary (David)]

I know this sounds silly but make sure you install a momentary switch on your laser. My vision is, well, marginal but even people with good sight should install momentary switches. PS, I don't mean to be rude or School Mamaish

[bojan]

Laser is good, but extremely selfish and totally inconsiderate solution for star parties.
Why not use the red dot finder or similar? It will not interere with others...

[RB (Andrew)]

Yep, I've never used them at star parties.
I like to chill out at star parties and mingle with friends and meet new people.
All my observing/imaging is done at home.

[knightrider]

Just did my install today. I put the RACI on in the original dovetail shoe and installed the GLP shoe further back. This should allow for easy use of a RDF if I convert to one later on.