Adding accessories to the Nexstar 8SE OTA

[jonathan]

Hi,

Just wondering if it's safe to use any of the large prominent screws that are on the rear collar. Where the red dot finder was originally installed I notice there are at least two sets of two large screws (not countersunk), one pair I have used for a 50mm finder scope.

Since fitting the finderscope I have actually found it difficult to see which precise part of the sky I am looking at, because the magnification is so great (and my knowledge of local stars is still quite poor), I am thinking that I should probably try and fit the red dot finder as well just so that I can point in the general direction first, then take it from there with the 50mm finderscope. What do you think?

[Astroegg]

I am thinking that I should probably try and fit the red dot finder as well just so that I can point in the general direction first, then take it from there with the 50mm finderscope. What do you think?

This is exactly how I use the RDF and 9x50 finder on my scope. It simplified getting the alignment stars into view and shortened my alignment time dramatically. - It was a sort of eureka moment which meant I could get on with observing things rather than spend all night aligning!

As I pack my scope away when I'm finished with it, I remove the finder scope and red dot finder, so generally end up having to set up in the day most times to ensure they are all aligned before I try it on the stars at night.

I'm not familiar with your scope but does it not have similar holes either side of the OTA so you can fit a finder to the left or right? If you don't have suitable screws already in place, you may wish to purchase a red dot finder which is attached using double sided tape (e.g the Telrad or the Rigel Quikfinder)

[jonathan]

Thank you for your response, I'm glad I am not the only one who thought of doing this.

The red dot finder would probably attach quite easily with some sticky pads or even velcro tape, however I have just now found that there are two screws on the other side of the OTA as you said which the bracket fits perfectly, I attached it now so will see how well I can use it next time out.