Upgrading the finderscope of Celestron Astromaster 130eq Reflector

[starhopper13]

So I've been stargazing for a few years and bought Astromaster 130eq a couple of years ago, though I've started seriously using it only for a few months.

I've been enjoying it for a while but the finderscope makes it really hard to point the telescope at fainter objects. I've been wanting to upgrade it but the finderscope mount seems to be different than the ones I like require AND I DO NOT WANT TO DRILL HOLES IN THE TUBE. I checked the support page of celestron,  they seem to suggest getting an optical finderscope with a base slightly curved so as to fit on the optical tube and attaching it using both sided tapes. I really like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Meade-White-6x30mm-Crosshair-Telescope-Viewfinder-w-Tall-Bracket-New-Old-Stock-/332930951379

I will be glad if anybody tells me if the above mentioned strategy will work and also if the finderscope is good. Note that I live in a quite light polluted area. 

Also I'm new to the forum. Hope I'll be able to learn loads from you guys and contribute to the community

 

Clear skies

[Gabby76]

Switching to a optical finder may be helpful but with a newtonian on a EQ mount you may find a right angle or right angle correct image finder (RACI) more useful as you can turn the eyepiece towards the focuser for easier viewing. https://www.ebay.com/itm/6x30mm-Crosshair-Erect-Image-Right-Angle-Telescope-Finderscope-Bracket-BLUE/233201573397?hash=item364be59e15:g:i10AAOSwIztct8gM

Though the Meade finder you linked to is fairly light I would not expect it to stay on the tube very long if only held with double sided tape. 

[starhopper13]

How do you suggest I mount the finderscope? Thanks for the reply! 

[Gabby76]

Is the existing finder shoe built into the front ring of the telescope? Hard to tell from Celestron images. 

There may be a screw hole that you can utilize from the existing finder or you may have to drill a hole. 

There is also the option of a Telrad or Rigel finder that can be held in place by double sided tape. 

You will have to search around o see if anyone on ebay or amazon sells them. 

https://www.highpointscientific.com/telrad-finder-with-base-telrad

https://www.highpointscientific.com/rigel-systems-quick-finder-1x-finder-r-crs

[starhopper13]

It looks like this. Can't think of anything except drilling holes or just using a hell load of tapes. 

The finders you suggested in the last post look good but they're red dots. I do like the idea of RACI. But I don't know what I will do with it if I can't mount it. 

[Gabby76]

The Telrad and Rigel give you target circles which makes star hopping easier so quite useful. 

If it was me, I would remove the existing red dot and drill the holes for a vixen style finder shoe on the piece the existing one sits on. (attached image) 

You could attach a finder shoe to the top of one of your rings and place the finder there but looking at the images on the Celestron site, that would put the finder behind you which would only be awkward to use. 

 

 

[starhopper13]

Would Telrad or Rigel do much good in light pollution where I can see magnitude 3 stars with great difficulty? 😅 Please excuse my ignorance but I'm really new in this. 

[Gabby76]

They might, though I cannot say 100% as I have never viewed from skies with that much light pollution! 

I applaud your perseverance though! 

Have you tried contacting these people to see if there is anyone else viewing in your area or better locations to view from? 

https://www.skyandtelescope.com/clubs-organizations/clubs/bangladesh-astronomical-association/

They may be able to give you some tips on gear that works in your location as well. 

[starhopper13]

To be honest the associations in our country have never been of much help to me 😅 though I'm going to ponder over your suggestions and think of something to do. Greatly appreciate your help. Thanks. 

[starhopper13]

Hey would it be a bad idea if I made a sort of "wooden adapter"? I saw a similar suggestion elsewhere and it sounds pretty neat. I can get somebody to make me one to fit the finder and the existing finder shoe. Then I can just attach it using screws. No need to drill my optical tube. 

[Gabby76]

It may work as long as you can attach it to the tube firmly. 

(Sorry for the late reply, out of town on business)

[starhopper13]

It's alright and thanks!

[Johnstig]

Just had this adventure and searched this thread for answers. Felt the need to share when I solved it! 
 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Celestron-31042-BKN-Starfinder-Bracket-Newtonian-8001926-UK-Stock/233604074883?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

or 

https://www.microglobe.co.uk/celestron-31042-bkn-starfinder-bracket-newtonian-p-21008.html

 

Effectively upgrades 114eq and 130eq to the newer spec. 

 

this is exactly what u need.