MarkoMount Telescope Finder Mounting System by mjstn2011

Last crawled date: 3 years, 1 month ago

I guess I'll call this the MarkoMount Telescope Finder Mounting System. For nighttime astronomy I go by 'Marko' as there are many 'Marks' in this hobby it seems.
This system makes improvements or adds ability to mount common light weight visual telescope finders to telescopes using a 'Vixen style finder mounting shoe'.
The MarkoMount system will grow in the future perhaps for other finders as I need them I should think.
All of the prints are printed standing up vertical because the printer can deliver a much cleaner edge as if the part was truly extruded if we print in this way.
A couple 4-40 (or M2.5) screws of 3/4" (or 20mm) length secure the finder to the base although I have found a small dab of silicon seal type of glue will be fine if you simply make multiple bases, one for each finder.
Base: The base fits into a vixen style shoe on a great number of popular telescopes. Then on top of this piece goes the finder one wishes to use. It is longer than most shoes but is this way to nicely hold different finders.
Base (custom): Not shown is a base made to attach to a scope of small diameter if the scope does not have a vixen style shoe. You can add a broad radius to this design if you are handy with CAD and then use double sided tape to attach your finder base with custom radius such as 100mm DIA scope tube for example.
Crosman finder: This finder needs no adapter and fits right on the base where two 4-40 screws hold it or it can sometimes hold with just friction but I recommend screws.
Orion EzFinder: This uses an adapter to match with the Orion EzFinder and I just glued mine on with silicone glue so if i every want I could detach the adapter. Then the adapter is screwed to the base as with all finders.
TeleVue SolFinder: Some of my scopes I use for solar observing so the adapter for the SolFinder replaces the awkward to assemble screws and 2 plates used normally for SolFinder to vixen. This adapter has a dual very fine wedge that slides onto the SolFinder base. You need a fairly high resolution 3D printer to make this fine geometry base. My printer has 0.4mm nozzle.
Telrad: The telrad finder is amazing but often you don't want to glue the very large finder to your scope. This adapter solves the issue. The Telrad is approaching the weight limit for the MarkoMount base but again, if it helps you, give it a try. Version 3 has been found to not slip along the Telrad but if you have it slipping maybe a small dab of silicon glue so you can remove easily will hold in from slipping.
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Clear Skies,
Marko
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