Literally NAILED it! (OK, tent pegged it!)

[Tim]

Every year, as a family, we take an extended break which includes the Kelling Heath Star Party. This year it just happened that we were here two weeks earlier.

Although the moon was fullish, I was determined to see Mars as near to opposition as possible, and the chance of a clear spell arrived the other night. I dutifully set up my scope, an 18" dob, and went to add the finishing touch, the Telrad finder.

Disaster!  I only left it at home like a wally. So I had to improvise, and fast as it was getting dark.

So here I present my MK1 Kelling Finder. Never mind that it looks like a nail/tent peg, It needs no batteries, is adjustable by simply adding more duct tape, and it doesn't dew up at night........and actually, in an emergency, it worked a treat

I did make a generous offer on ebay for one, which was declined, (so had to chuckle when it auctioned for less than I offered )

Thank goodness Widescreen Centre had a Telrad in stock, it was delivered this week

Just need the skies now, maybe tonight!

[Ibbo!]

Nowt wrong with that finder, functional and cheap.

[DaveL59]

reminiscent of old sight style finders on old scopes, nice work-around in a pinch 🙂 

[wulfrun]

How did you collimate it? Sorry - couldn't resist! Top marks for improvisation though.

Edited October 8, 2020 by wulfrun

[John Nodding]

You’re some guy Tim!

[Tim]

21 hours ago, wulfrun said:

How did you collimate it? Sorry - couldn't resist! Top marks for improvisation though.

Foam pads and duct tape!   All I can say is, thank goodness I have a very low magnification Nagler in my eyepiece collection, as the night cooled the view holes started rotating