"Improved" Telrad finder

[Marcelo F.]

Why is it not common to find a Telrad finder with an extra mirror already assembled from the factory? Wasn't it a significant improvement not having to lower the head parallel to the tube? Or is there something here that I'm not taking into account?

Example:
http://www.waloszek.de/astro_telrad/L9999858as_900.jpg

[Lady Fraktor]

The dewshield+ is a add-on accessory for the Telrad, just like the extra riser base in your image. They are very handy to allow you to use it as a right angle finder.
I have used one for many years now.

My shortened Telrad with Dewshield+

[Lady Fraktor]

Astroshop has a good assortment of Telrad accessories available including the dewshield+
https://www.astroshop.eu/telescope-acce ... s/15_40_30

[Marcelo F.]

Was this adaptation of the batteries to the outside a DIY? Is that black cap on the side the sun shield?

I know there are loads of accessories for the Telrad, including heaters so the glass doesn't get condensation.
My issue was more in the fact that comparing with a common Finderscope where it is very easy to buy directly with the right angle configuration, both the Telrad solution and the red dot solution always assume that the right angle configuration is a extra, which excluded all reflector users.

[omeek]

I had the mirror on mine but days after getting my telrad the adhesive failed and it fell to the floor (breaking the mirror piece). I ended up drilling small holes in my OTA to mount the telrad once and for all!

I never replaced the cover/mirror and I'm fine just looking straight through. I might have to pick up a replacement to see if I've changed my mind though.

[ARock]

Why is it not common to find a Telrad finder with an extra mirror already assembled from the factory? Wasn't it a significant improvement not having to lower the head parallel to the tube? Or is there something here that I'm not taking into account?

Example:
http://www.waloszek.de/astro_telrad/L9999858as_900.jpg

One of the advantages of a straight through finder vs a right angled one, especially Reflex finders like the Telrad, is that if you keep both your eyes open, one through the finder and one outside, you can see the whole sky, with the dot/circles superimposed on it. This makes it much easier to find a known star in it.
With a right angled Telrad you can only see the view through the Telrad, and this can make it difficult to place the Telrad on a smaller/fainter star if you are coming to it from far.

But, ease of use is subjective and some might prefer the right angled version.

[Lady Fraktor]

Was this adaptation of the batteries to the outside a DIY? Is that black cap on the side the sun shield?

I cut mine right behind the reticle (red line) then attached a 2 cell holder from the craft shop to the outside.

It is only 150mm long now and easily fits on any telescope.

Personally I love the dewshield+ as it makes it very easy to use, some people do not like it though.
I also found the tape did not hold the base well so use a velcro strap around the Telrad and tube to hold it in place.

The reticle can be damaged easily if doing solar viewing so I made the shield from a welders glass (#15) and plastic strips from hobby store.
It slides over the window and the nylon screws hold it in place.

[Ernest Peterson]

I wish I had improved on my red dot finder a long time ago. It was very difficult to strain my neck to look along the DOB to view an alignment star that was not low to the horizon. This year I purchased a Y shaped support mount that holds two finders about 3 inches above the tube. Viewing through 2 different kinds of finders on the support mount allows me to pinpoint the stars easily without straining. Thanks, Orion!

[omeek]

I wish I had improved on my red dot finder a long time ago. It was very difficult to strain my neck to look along the DOB to view an alignment star that was not low to the horizon. This year I purchased a Y shaped support mount that holds two finders about 3 inches above the tube. Viewing through 2 different kinds of finders on the support mount allows me to pinpoint the stars easily without straining. Thanks, Orion!

Nice! Those Y shaped dual mounts are great. I have one on my xt8i although it holds a finder and a laser pointer. Using the laser pointer (responsibly) made aiming the scope so much easier. That scope is still back in WA so I have strictly been using my Z12 here in AZ. I'll have to grab the xt8i next time I make a trip back to my old place.

[omeek]

Was this adaptation of the batteries to the outside a DIY? Is that black cap on the side the sun shield?

I cut mine right behind the reticle (red line) then attached a 2 cell holder from the craft shop to the outside.

It is only 150mm long now and easily fits on any telescope.

Personally I love the dewshield+ as it makes it very easy to use, some people do not like it though.
I also found the tape did not hold the base well so use a velcro strap around the Telrad and tube to hold it in place.

The reticle can be damaged easily if doing solar viewing so I made the shield from a welders glass (#15) and plastic strips from hobby store.
It slides over the window and the nylon screws hold it in place.

That is really interesting (and cool). Did you mod it due to fitting on specific scopes or something? I never thought about how it's size could possibly make it difficult to put on certain telescopes. That's a cool mod!

[Lady Fraktor]

With the original length it was hard to attach it to a lot of different refractors, there was always a tube ring in the way.
Now it is not a issue. The C-C of the rings is about 165mm

[GCoyote]

Was this adaptation of the batteries to the outside a DIY? Is that black cap on the side the sun shield?

I cut mine right behind the reticle (red line) then attached a 2 cell holder from the craft shop to the outside.

It is only 150mm long now and easily fits on any telescope.

Personally I love the dewshield+ as it makes it very easy to use, some people do not like it though.
I also found the tape did not hold the base well so use a velcro strap around the Telrad and tube to hold it in place.

The reticle can be damaged easily if doing solar viewing so I made the shield from a welders glass (#15) and plastic strips from hobby store.
It slides over the window and the nylon screws hold it in place.

I like the Velcro idea! I used it to attach my DIY dew shield to my Telrad.
I stuck flexible magnetic strips to my Telrad mount over the normal self adhesive strips so I can just slap it on any steel alloy OTA.

Shortening the Telrad is also very interesting. I might give that a try next.