C9.25 evolution red dot finder

[Hemi]

Dear members,

I'm not getting on well with the Rdf. The little plastic dove tail, pops off when attempting to screw on the Rdf. Glued it into place, but woefully out of alignment. Can't get the dot to the target. Looking at the small square plate that the dove tail clips into, it looks as if it's not set square...it came pre attached. It doesn't come off or adjust when I take the screws out....should it?

2nd light was as frustrating as the first.....difficult to get the star into eyepiece. 3 star alignment failed all night (with sky portal). I'm not sure if I'm centering the right star! There are so many when I look down the 40mm eye piece!

As I explained...total newbie so any help with this scope would be great

Cheers n advance

[casstony]

You could replace the red dot finder with a right angle optical finder like this: http://agenaastro.com/celestron-9x50...der-93781.html
The extra weight at the back of the scope will help a little with balancing - I imagine there's not much clearance for the 9.25 diagonal on the Evolution mount.

I bought a used Evo mount and used it for the first time under the stars last night. I did the 3 star align on Achernar, Canopus and Fomalhaut; those 3 are bright stars in a straight line with one another which might make them easier for you to find.

I used Sky Portal and it went fine except for one disconnect with the scope necessitating a new alignment. You could try using the hand controller instead until you're familiar with the scope - centering stars is easier with the Hand control but you have to manually enter location, time and date. You can quickly change the motor speed to slow the motors down for centering by pressing 'motor speed' and say number 4 or 5. The default slew speed is number 9.

With just a little practice you'll get it figured out. Be sure to read the manual. You could also look up a manual for the previous model (Nexstar 8SE) which has a lot more information on using the hand controller. The Evo manual seems sparse unless they've improved it with recent releases.

[bojan]

This is pretty good RDF.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Metal-C...MAAOSwWnFV~ie8

[BeanerSA (Paul)]

I can't see any reason why your included RDF wouldn't be okay. I'd be sure I was mounting it, and aligning it properly during the day before I did anything else. Every time you remount it, you need to realign it.

[SkyWatch (Dean)]

I saw this post/review about a new C9.25: and he had the same trouble you are talking about. The company he got it from replaced it with a nice RA finder scope. See: http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/22...-light-report/ (scroll down for comments on the rdf)
Sounds like a discussion with your dealer might be in order...

Good luck!

- Dean

[brian nordstrom (As avatar)]

Yes these are a very nice RDF , I have the WO version on my 60mm triplet and another mount on my iStar and I just swap it over between scopes , these are awesome .
Toss that joke , plastic POS that Celestron need a pineapple for sending a great scope out with this joke !!!![ , shame on you celestron .

Brian.
QUOTE=bojan;1217599]This is pretty good RDF.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Full-Metal-C...MAAOSwWnFV~ie8[/QUOTE]

[Hemi]

Thanks again for all your help.
Do I need to buy a mounting bracket for this RDF? Are finder scopes better then rdf's?
.......3rd light frustration not possible tonight as 8octa cloud cover!

Cheers

[Hemi]

Originally Posted by BeanerSA

I can't see any reason why your included RDF wouldn't be okay. I'd be sure I was mounting it, and aligning it properly during the day before I did anything else. Every time you remount it, you need to realign it.

Hi Beaner, the red dot doesn't come near the object. I hit the maximum on both axis....the square plate holding the dovetail looks mis aligned, but won't come off after removing both screws!

[BeanerSA (Paul)]

I think it might be time for some pictures. Can you snap a few off and upload them to imgur or here? Folks might pick up something obvious.

[casstony]

Originally Posted by Hemi

Are finder scopes better then rdf's?
Cheers

Both can be good, it's a matter of personal preference. It can be annoying having to replace the battery in a red dot finder, especially when it's gone flat because you forgot to turn it off.

The right angle Celestron finderscope I linked to earlier is a nice unit. Right angle is easier on your neck, the eyepiece end can be rotated (has locking screws) and the weight on the back end of your scope will help with clearance between the mount and diagonal.

If you particularly want a RDF the Telrad is much nicer in actual use than the gunsight type RDF, even if it looks a little unfashionable .

[Hemi]

Ok, currently very happy indeed....
Mal handled the skewed Rdf dovetail bracket into a slightly better position.
Aligned Rdf to scope in daytime....the Rdf is at both extremes of position.
Rdf gets the star into the EP.....woo hooo!
3 star alignment worked every time I needed it.......now it all begins. Thrilled.

Saw Uranus and The tarantula yesterday (I think). Seeing as a beginner requires a religious amount of faith me thinks.

[BeanerSA (Paul)]

It sounds like a step in the right direction!

With regards to your last statement, I offer this; "the more you look, the more you see".

If you revisit those objects, you will notice more detail.