Finder with Synta Type Base on Crayford Focuser

[johninderby]

Fitting a finderscope with a Synta/Skywatcher type base to a typical crayford focuser is such a simple job it doesn't really qualify as a mod. Just use a Synta finder foot as can be found at dealers such as FLO. Don't use the one that is often available on Scpes'n'Skies Astroboot though as the "feet"on the foot are too short and it won't sit down on the focuser properly.

First Light Optics - Finder Mounting Shoe

Simply drill and countersink a new hole in the foot as shown in the photos. It needs offsetting slightly to the front so that the foot clears the focuser flange. Use a countersink 5mm bolt shortened so it doesn't protrude too far into the focuser.

Dead simple isn't it.

John

[Mark at Beaufort]

John I did the same with my 4" Astro Tech. Its good that you have explained it visually so well.

Mark

[steppenwolf]

I did the same for my Feathertouch and it works a charm - good to bring it to the group's attention though, John - it is such an easy 'mod.'

[Ludd]

Brilliant - I've been trying to find an affordable way of putting a finder on my little ED travel scope and this has given me the confidence to order a base from FLO and get to work with the power tools! Thank you!

[johninderby]

I'm surprised that someone isn't selling the foot with three mounting holes already. I mean how much extra would it cost ?

John

[Ludd]

Well, Widescreen Centre seems to, but at £25 a pop.

[johninderby]

Well, Widescreen Centre seems to, but at £25 a pop.

Oh yes I'd forgotten about them. Only £25.00.

John

[dobbie]

I soon forgot about them when I saw there prices

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

[Ludd]

£5.10 well spent - my little ED scope now carries the finder from my old Helios Startravel and is much easier to use. Thanks to FLO for supplying the goods and to John for the advice and pictures here!

[IanWat67]

Hello guys. Never posted on this forum before . I know its a older post but still interesting. I need a little help & advice. I am new to this I recently  bought the skywatcher startravel & also got this focuser. You drill in the shoe but do you need to drill a new hole in the focuser ? Or can one of the screws or allen keys be removed to slot shoe straight in ? Hope my shoe arrives from FLO today. Any advice would be appreciated.  I will introduce  myself on the right place  in the forum if I can find it.. Plus sorry for my inexperience. Thank you Ian. Middlesbrough. 

[johninderby]

Pic of focuser please so we can see which one it is.

Some focusers have mounting holes for a finder shoe but some don’t and the shoe is fitted to the main tube of the telescope.

[IanWat67]

1. 

[Stub Mandrel]

I suspect the two grub screws can be removed to allow fitting of a finder shoe.

[IanWat67]

Well this I shall try when the shoe arrives but unlikely today now. The post man strolls on by. Frustrating.   Already the forum as been very helpful and I am very grateful. Thank you Ian.

[johninderby]

Here’s an old thread of mine on fitting a finder shoe to that focuser. Slight mod to the shoe needed.

 

[IanWat67]

Excellent  feedback. Thank you.