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Post by garyr on Feb 14, 2008 9:22:00 GMT
Hi, Having finally mastered the autostar on my ETX 70AT i have decided that I much rather prefer doing it the old fashioned way. One thing however I am missing is a finder scope. Is there any way to attach one of these to the above scope? Can anyone recommend one?
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Post by mia on Feb 14, 2008 9:29:41 GMT
Gary, I can't use a finderscope, I'm amazed at those who can.
I've a red dot finder attached to my 105 and it's great (and cheap!)
I'd be lost without it ... and I mean that literally!
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Post by nemesis on Feb 14, 2008 10:31:57 GMT
I always recommend a Telrad, but as the ETX isn't the biggest scope, I'd agree with Mia, a red dot finder will be the easiest otion, and will stick onto your scope easily.
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Post by Veronica on Feb 14, 2008 10:48:49 GMT
Totally agree with Mia - I have only ever used my finderscope once and that was when I opened the box the scope came in to set everything up! The cap only ever came off it once after and that was on Monday night...by mistake!
I keep meaning to purchase a red dot finder......something to do this lunchtime methinks!
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Post by garyr on Feb 14, 2008 11:43:29 GMT
Any recommendation as to which red dot finder and how to attach it without resorting to superglue? I have never tried a red dot finder but it definitely makes sense ...
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Post by Veronica on Feb 14, 2008 12:36:46 GMT
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Post by mia on Feb 14, 2008 14:28:02 GMT
V, that's not mine, mine came complete with a base plate which you stick onto the scope with sticky tabs (and yes, they do stick firmly!)
The base plate isn't included with that one, it has to be bought separately if your scope isn't an Orion.
I've had a hunt around their website and can't find it, I'll check a few other places when I get home.
Funnily enough Neil and I were talking about finders this morning and I was saying I liked Jonathan's. I find sometimes the red dot is just too bright to see whether it's on the target and Jonathan's has a small circle which leaves the centre clear for pinpointing exactly. Kinda like a Telrad but not as big!
Neil sent me a link for it but I can't access my email from work ...maybe he'll kindly post it on here.
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Post by NeilP on Feb 14, 2008 14:42:06 GMT
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Post by Veronica on Feb 14, 2008 15:12:43 GMT
Oooh, I like the sound of Jonathan's too - that's what I liked about Eamonn's, but his was just too big.
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Post by nemesis on Feb 14, 2008 16:14:52 GMT
Veronica's Orion EZ red dot finder is ideal for the ETX 70. I love the Telrad, but it'd be maybe a bit bit for your scope.
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Post by garyr on Feb 14, 2008 16:19:34 GMT
Indeed that definitely looks like the one for me. I don't remember any mounting holes or anything on my ETX 70 although however I haven't actually looked. Will check this out when I get home.
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Post by nemesis on Feb 14, 2008 16:24:41 GMT
There should be a sticky pad on the bottom of the finder, but you'll maybe find that in removing your present finder that the Orion'll fit the bracket.
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Post by garyr on Feb 14, 2008 16:35:58 GMT
ahaa ... there in lies the problem .... the ETX 70AT doesn't come with a finder .... so far have been limited to back garden viewing which is constantly harassed by either neighbours thinking I'm some kind of pervert or the floodlights on Casement park making everything for a mile radius seem like daylight. Going to take a hike up to the top of whatever hill is just behind west Belfast to see how much a difference it makes.
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Post by mia on Feb 14, 2008 19:12:33 GMT
Gary This is the nearest I can find, it appears to have the base plate supplied and only £15. www.firstlightoptics.com/products.php?cat=63The guy who owns FLO, Steve, is on the Astrochat forum, do you want me to ask if it's suitable and if it definitely comes with the base plate or maybe you could give him a ring?
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Post by Veronica on Feb 15, 2008 8:42:40 GMT
Gary,
Casement Park??? How do you stick those floodlights? My parents live just round the corner from the park and I've seen what it's like when they're on. It's diabolical! God help anyone trying to sleep, never mind observe!
As for the Orion finder, although I could remove my finder scope, I don't think the Orion finder would fit directly in its place (I've a Meade 4" refractor). I think I'd also need a base plate or some kind of "adapter" for securing to my scope.
The one Mia's just posted looks good but, me being a girlie, I wouldn't have a clue how to attach it! I do like the price as well!
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