Starfinder scope alignment

[PaulTACG]

Hi All, 

Looking for advice RE scope alignment. 

 

It's the red dot scope that comes with it: whenever I try to align the scope, the dot is miles away from what the telescope is pointing at. 

Can anyone give me any advice/ pointers? 

Cheers

Paul

Edited April 8, 2020 by PaulTACG
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[Aramcheck]

The red dot finder will be adjustable, so you have to set it up so that it's pointing to the same position as the scope. If it's bright enough to see the red dot in the daytime then you can point the scope at a distant object on the horizon (eg TV aerial or chimney - as long as it's well away from the sun) & then adjust the red dot finder, otherwise use a bright star or the Moon.

Cheers
Ivor

[PaulTACG]

Yep, I've done all that - the dot is going nowhere near where the scope is pointing

[banjaxed]

As Ivor said the finder and scope have to be aligned. Focus your scope on an object as far away as you can then adjust your RDF so it is pointing at the same spot.

[Louis D]

If you've reached the limit of the adjustment wheels before bringing the dot on target, try loosening the mount foot and twisting it to bring it closer to parallel with the main scope's optical axis.  For the other axis, you can try shimming one end or the other of the mounting foot prior to tightening it to try to again bring it closer to parallel in that axis.

[PaulTACG]

Cheers Louis, 

Am I right in thinking you're suggesting not mounting the finder scope fully in the dovetail clamp bit? 

[Louis D]

4 hours ago, PaulTACG said:

Cheers Louis, 

Am I right in thinking you're suggesting not mounting the finder scope fully in the dovetail clamp bit? 

That's one possibility if there's some play in the fit.  The other is the clamp has one or two screws anchoring it to the main scope tube.  Loosening those two may allow for realignment left/right by twisting and shimming up/down at the front and back and then carefully tightening it down again.  These dovetail clamps are not always aligned very well at the factory.

[Cornelius Varley]

9 hours ago, PaulTACG said:

Cheers Louis, 

Am I right in thinking you're suggesting not mounting the finder scope fully in the dovetail clamp bit? 

Is your RDF mounted on a small dovetail on the ota or by 2 screws. Also what telescope do you have.

[PaulTACG]

Ho Cornelius, 

I have a Celestron 114 eq it has the dovetail for the rdf