SKYWATCHER MERLIN MULTIFUNCTIONAL MOUNT

[Matt2011]

I have a Skywatcher 127 Skymax Mak OTA and was wondering if the Skywatcher Merlin Multifunctional Mount is suitable for to be used as a GRAB AND GO and how good is the mount overall:icon_salut: Thanks

[Telrad]

I presume it will, it has a Sky-Watcher/Vixen dovetail bar fitting

[Matt2011]

I have the choice between this mount and the Vixen Porta II Mount for my Skywatcher 127 Mak OTA:D

[Cornelius Varley]

I think I would go for the Porta mount. You may have problems with the Merlin at high elevations.

Peter

[Telrad]

I would opt for the Vixen Porta II Mount also IMO

[Matt2011]

The only thing that is making it close for me to go for the Skywatcher is the fact that my Skywatcher 127 Mak is an OTA which would mean if I fitted the scope on the Porta II Mount my 9x50mm Right Angled Erecting Finder would be positioned upside down and the the Skywatcher Tube Logo "SKYWATCHER" would be positioned in a bird's eye position but that is not to much of a drawback but unless I get a Telrad finder for the scope. Many Thanks

[Matt2011]

It has a DOVETAIL fitting also. Might just go for the Porta II Mount. Cheers:icon_salut:

[Telrad]

The only thing that is making it close for me to go for the Skywatcher is the fact that my Skywatcher 127 Mak is an OTA which would mean if I fitted the scope on the Porta II Mount my 9x50mm Right Angled Erecting Finder would be positioned upside down and the the Skywatcher Tube Logo "SKYWATCHER" would be positioned in a bird's eye position but that is not to much of a drawback but unless I get a Telrad finder for the scope. Many Thanks

I would get a Telrad - is that bias?

[Matt2011]

What are the Telrad Finders like compared to the optical ones, Mine is a 9x50mm Erecting Right Angled one by Skywatcher but are they easy to use and also mount. Cheers

[Telrad]

Yes, they are simple. Some people use theirs in conjunction with the RACI Finder. See this link for more info Matt. Telrad finder

Try this thread also: http://stargazerslounge.com/beginners-help-advice/165044-telrad-guide.html

[Matt2011]

Thanks Telrad and looks like I will be getting a Telrad along with a Vixen Porta II Mount. Will have a look at the links and cheers and can you mount the TELRAD in any position on the TUBE of the 127 Mak. Thanks:icon_salut:

[Telrad]

You're most welcome Matt,

I know the Telrad is quite difficult to get hold of at the moment and a lot of suppliers have put them on back order, so it's best to either telephone them or email firstly.

[John]

A Telrad is going to look rather bulky on the tube of a 127mm mak, in my opinion. You might want to consider the Rigel Quikfinder as an alternative which has a much smaller footprint. The Quikfinder clips quickly off the scope when it's not in use.

[Telrad]

I suspect it might look a little big, but it is possible to mod it by shortening it.

Instructions for Shortening a Telrad - Forums - Astronomy.com - Online Community, Forums, Media Galleries, Blogs

[Carbon Brush]

Second to John's comment.

I use, and like the Rigel Quikfinder.

Somewhere a couple of months back there was long discussion on Rigel vs Telrad.

Might be worth looking up.

[Telrad]

Second to John's comment.

I use, and like the Rigel Quikfinder.

Somewhere a couple of months back there was long discussion on Rigel vs Telrad.

Might be worth looking up.

David, Is it this one? http://stargazerslounge.com/discussions-scopes-whole-setups/116168-telrad-red-dot-vs-rigel-quickfinder-150p-dobsonian.html

[Steve]

This might help:

Rigel Quick Finder and Telrad - Review