Telrad position

[wookie1965]

I have swapped the RDF on my Celestron starsense 10" dob. 

But I think it needs moving to nearer the focuser what do people think especially those with dobs please. 

[Mr Spock]

Here's where mine is. I figured this was the most convenient place, and it does work well.

[Alan White]

How much room between the Starsense unit and focuser @wookie1965?

Michaels layout is how I would do it, but make sure if you do you dont hit your face or head on the Starsense,
when looking through the Telrad. I speak from experience as I did like Michaels example and bashed my bonce more than once.
I trial fit these things now with rubber bands.
 

[wookie1965]

32 minutes ago, Alan White said:

How much room between the Starsense unit and focuser @wookie1965?

Michaels layout is how I would do it, but make sure if you do you dont hit your face or head on the Starsense,
when looking through the Telrad. I speak from experience as I did like Michaels example and bashed my bonce more than once.
I trial fit these things now with rubber bands.
 

2cm that's all I did want it next to the focuser but I would have to put it the other side and then its going to be under the tube. I have put it in the same place where the RDF was just hoping that will do.

Paul

Edited March 13, 2023 by wookie1965

[Carbon Brush]

I have a 12" dob with a setup like that of @Mr Spock. It came to me like that.
Though my preference is to put the finder much nearer to the eyepiece.

When looking for an object an RDF (any type not just telrad) gets you somewhere near.
Then the x9 or similar finder gets the target centred.
Then look through the scope eyepiece.
If things don't seem to be working out you can easily swap your eye between finder scope and main scope without moving far.
No risk of having to swap sides or reach over a high up tube.

Finder scope choice, combination and location is very much a personal thing.
Within limits, there aren't right or wrong answers.

Another factor is whether you feel happy about drilling the OTA.

[Spile]

I’ve moved my Telrad between the RACI and the focuser which necessitated moving it towards the mirror which is not ideal but it means I can use it from the same position.

 

[John]

1 hour ago, Carbon Brush said:

.... my preference is to put the finder much nearer to the eyepiece.

When looking for an object an RDF (any type not just telrad) gets you somewhere near.
Then the x9 or similar finder gets the target centred.
Then look through the scope eyepiece.
If things don't seem to be working out you can easily swap your eye between finder scope and main scope without moving far.....

That is just the way that I like to have things as well. The ability to be able to move the observing eye smoothly between finder(s) and eyepiece is quite important I find, particularly between the optical finder and the eyepiece.

In my case Rigel Quikfinder plus 9x50 RACI:

 

 

Edited March 13, 2023 by John

[wookie1965]

I never thought of putting it a bit further back, there is no finder on these models just the RDF but if I move the Telrad back I could put the shoe back on and buy a finder even a skywatcher one will fit thank you everyone.