Red Dot Finder

[Ridgewoodwoody]

I am totally new to astronomyy having been gifted a Skywatcher Explorer 130 EQ2 with RA motor drive. I have it all screwed together and am all ready to go but I cannot for the life of me align the very cheap looking RDF that came with it.

[Trikeflyer]

2 minutes ago, Ridgewoodwoody said:

I am totally new to astronomyy having been gifted a Skywatcher Explorer 130 EQ2 with RA motor drive. I have it all screwed together and am all ready to go but I cannot for the life of me align the very cheap looking RDF that came with it.

Can you post a picture of the rdf

Steve

 

[johninderby]

Use the Altitude and Azimuth adjusters to align the finder with the tube. Red dot finders can be tricky to align in the daytime as it may be hard to see the red dot. Would be easier at night using the moon as a target. 

However I’ve found setting up the scope inside helps a lot as it makes it easier to see the red dot. Looking out a window focus the scope on a chimney or street light and adjust the red dot until it is centered on the chimney or street light. You will need to fine tune the adjustment when you are set up at night but at least it won’t be too far out.

Edited June 1, 2020 by johninderby

[Ridgewoodwoody]

Sub Giant,

Yes I’ve tweaked those two dials but the azimuth one is as far right as it can go but still the red dot is way to the left of my target image.

[johninderby]

Could be the finder shoe on the scope isn’t straight. Loosen the screws a bit (there are nuts inside the tube) and twist the finder shoe a bit. There won’t be much range of adjustment but it won’t take much to correct it.

[Ridgewoodwoody]

Thank you. I'll try that and let you know.