DIY CCD camera to Finder scope adapter

I bought a second hand telescope which came with a CCD camera ASI120MC and I will try to use this camera for autoguiding by adapting it to an old finder scope .

I managed to get a 50/30mm rubber adapter from local hardware store, and tried if that fits. The picture below shows the 8×50 finder scope after unscrewing the 2 back pieces out from it. Under these 2 pieces one can see also the 50/30 rubber adapter.

eyepieceFinderscopeadapter1

Luckily this worked! The connection is very tight, and one have to be carefull when using the force.It is better to connect first the rubber adapter and then the CCD adapter, and CCD as the last one. The final focus adjustment can be done with the front (objective) lens, because there is a separate locking ring (left in the photo).

eyepieceFinderscopeadapter2

This setup should work with moderate focal lengths. I have telescopes with 500, 900, 1200 and with 1800mm focal lengths and I think this will work at least with the first 3 ones.

I have not use autoguiding before, so let’s see how this will turn out… (There are good software alternatives, eg. Open PHD guiding .)

This entry was posted in Camera and telescope, DIY, For Fun or Interest, Gadgets, Hobbies and Other Interests, Tips, Tools. Bookmark the permalink.

Comments are closed.