Finderscope

[Dtfvmd]

Meade 130eq scope, finder scope very hard to adjust to sync with what is in eyepiece , is there a better mount that would allow more precise adjustment?

[wookie1965]

Get yourself a red dot finder or a Telrad. 

[wookie1965]

http://avila.star-shine.ch/astro/messiercharts/messierTelrad.htm

https://www.rasc.ca/sites/default/files/finestngc.pdf

https://sherwood-observatory.org.uk/astronomy/finder-charts/caldwell-finders

Some free Telrad charts but will work with a red dot finder I think

[Jiggy 67]

12 hours ago, Dtfvmd said:

Meade 130eq scope, finder scope very hard to adjust to sync with what is in eyepiece , is there a better mount that would allow more precise adjustment?

I don’t think the mount has anything to do with alignment of the finderscope and the main scope. 
I use a reticle eyepiece. Centre a star in the eyepiece of the main scope then use the adjustment screws on the finderscope to centre the same star in the finderscope. You can do it during the day on a distant object, the top of a pylon for example but I find a star easier as the inverted views of a distant object can be confusing 

[MrFreeze]

13 hours ago, wookie1965 said:

Get yourself a red dot finder or a Telrad. 

The Meade 130EQ already  comes with a red dot finder I believe - assuming it is this : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meade-Instruments-Polaris-Reflector-Telescope/dp/B00LU1DY8S?th=1

I've never been keen on them myself, you need less light pollution than we have here to be able to use them properly. I think the trick is not to get your eye too close too it to avoid parallax errors.

A cheapo telescopic finder like this might be easier https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5x24-Finder-Scope-w-Bracket-Plastic-Accessory-Kit-for-Astronomy-Telescope-Black/202999459212?hash=item2f43b5ed8c:g:ROkAAOSwzttdsULq , or this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seben-Right-Angled-Telescope-crosshairs-bracket/dp/B00HUOFDQ0/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=telescope+finder&qid=1607865812&s=electronics&sr=1-6. There are of course much more expensive options, most of which would require a standard finder base also.

David

[Louis D]

The RDF base may need shimming to get it better aligned with the main optical tube so the adjustment screws can do their job.

[Moonshed]

If this is the RDF you have that came with the scope I can only suggest it looks as though it could become easily misaligned, cannot speak from experience though. My recommendation would  be the Telrad, it adheres directly onto the tube and is easy to adjust and use, once aligned it stays aligned, not had to adjust mine since I bought it in 2016. Is this what you have?

 

[Moonshed]

I see from your newer thread a few minutes ago that you have ordered a Telrad, that’s good, one problem solved!

Thanks for letting us know!

Edited December 16, 2020 by Moonshed