Right angle adapter for polar scope

[StarBru]

For years I have struggled and been frustrated with the uncomfortable positions of trying to use the polar alignment scope in my LXD55 equatorial mount and thought there had to be a right angle adapter available. I found one post on a right angle adapter on TSS [https://theskysearchers.com/viewtopic.p ... 069#p78069] and a few on other astronomy sites.

They are available commercially at Orion, Amazon, and other outlets as a whole unit or as a connector to adapt between the polar scope and a camera VariMagni or right angle viewfinder with 1.25x or 2.5x magnification.

Luckily I already own an Olympus OM VariMagni and just need a DIY (which I have seen several plans online) or to buy the adapter. I know there are other methods of polar alignment commonly in use today, but I am happy I found this now. I plan to use one on both my LXD55 and my EQ6-R mounts.

[AstroBee]

Great idea. The trick is going to be making the adapter to fit and getting the right distance so that it focuses. Looks like you are on the right track. Keep us posted on how it turns out for you.
I spent the day getting cortisone shots in my arthritic knee so it's cool to see ideas like that that can help keep us off our knees, bending over to look through the straight-through polar scopes.

[Sandy04]

I've used one for years on my Star Adventurer and GEM mounts.

I wouldn't be without it now, as it is indispensable for those of us who aren't quite as limber as we used to be.

[StarBru]

There's several 3D printed designs for just the adapter such as this vendor: [Right Angle Scope Adapter for Polar Scopes - ZapWizard Design https://zapwizard.com/products/right-an ... lar-scopes] or there are several homemade ideas using PVC pipe, 35mm film or even Rx pill containers that you can Google. I might try a homemade project first.

[Lady Fraktor]

These can be a great addition to ease initial polar alignment.
I have a Baader version from many years ago that I still use occasionally.