Finder scope bracket

[banjaxed]

I have recently acquired a Meade LXD55EMC refractor scope but the finder bracket is not the normal size. Could someone point me in the right direction to obtain one, or maybe an adapter.

[John]

Is it the finder bracket that is attached to the scope that you want to replace or the one that holds the finder scope ?

[banjaxed]

9 minutes ago, John said:

Is it the finder bracket that is attached to the scope that you want to replace or the one that holds the finder scope ?

I have 2 or 3 finder scopes and none of them will fit the finder bracket that is attached to the OTA. I am just looking for the best way to attach a finder scope as I don’t seem to be able to locate one with the right fitting.

[johninderby]

I think the Meade finder shoe is the same as the white Bresser one in this photo. You want a Skywarcher type finder shoe like one of the black ones. You might need to drill one new mounting hole as the Skywatcher mounting holes are closer together I think.

[banjaxed]

Thanks for the info John, do you know if it is necessary to remove the focuser in order to fit a new bracket. Btw the white one is identical to mine.

[John]

I replaced the finder bracket on a couple of Meade refractors that I used to own. I did need to remove the focuser in both cases to be able to get to the nuts on the small screws that hold the bracket in place.

I found that the SCT type vixen / skywatcher compatible finder bracket bolted on using the existing holes in the tube so no drilling was required. This is what the bracket looked like that I found fitted (it is the bottom one in this picture):

 

[johninderby]

Yes the GSO finder shoe is a direct replacement. The Skywatcher etc has the holes closer together.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Astrostreet-GSO-Finder-Pedestal-Vixen-Compatible-Takahashi-Standard-Corres-New/153397536492?hash=item23b734a6ec:g:7SAAAOSwaEZcd~Ig

Fitted one on my Bresser dob.

[banjaxed]

Thank you very much again for your help it is very much appreciated. I will buy the bracket you suggested and it will enable me to use my existing finder scope.

[banjaxed]

Our messages must have crossed, but thank you for the info again, looks like that shoe will be the perfect solution 👍

[johninderby]

Have a good look around to see if you can find it cheaper somewhere. The eBay one is overpriced I think.

Edited October 18, 2019 by johninderby