I also had this same problem on my 8SE but solved it by just 'Short Bolting' the rear vertical adjustment knob. Essentially I just held the rear vertical alignment knob while slowly loosening its top bolt. This slightly unthreads the knob from the bolt- giving you much more room to play with the vertical aligning of the red dot inside the finder scope. The knob is essentially the "nut" on the bolt. You don't want to go too far though; you'll end up separating the two completely. I got about an extra 2-3mm of thread (about 3-5 full turns of the knob) after doing this. I have never had a problem since. Also, there's an easy fix to the issue with the red dot randomly cutting off; the problem comes from the +/- connection in the battery housing. The cap to the battery housing is poorly made and doesn't latch tight enough to make a complete connection. A cheap & easy fix is to grab some electrical tape and attach it to the bottom of the battery cap, stretch it towards the front of the finderscope, and firmly secure it high up on the base of the finder scope, but not too far to where it's touching the actual finderscope housing. This will ensure your battery will always have a good hold in the housing, and the power won't cut out (especially when you are going for those direct vertical shots). I hope that helps anyone currently dealing with those minor but annoying issues! Good luck! 🙂
I have red dot finders on all my scopes and have no problems with them. Thanks for the video. If I ever have a problem with one I will do like you said.
Thank you, Mr. Clark. I have been stymied by this issue for so long I have not used the scope since I purchased it 3 yrs back! I live in the PNW and there is an astronomy club about 15 miles from me so...thanks again.
Hi. with my previous 6SE didn't have this issue. but today, using for the first time my new Evolution 9.25, I found the same problem! even rotating the knobs at maximum stroke, the red dot remains high over the targhet. tomorrow I will try this trick! thank you so much Sir !!
Thanks, I’m going to try this tonight. I only entered into the astronomy scope a couple of weeks ago and this was really vexing me. Now just to wait for a cloudless evening!
me too, i just got my nexstar8 and it’s rained and been cloudy for the last ten days and nights.. i’m going to try this myself.. when a cloudless evening finally decides to make an appearance.. 👍🤞🙏
I was about to send it back to Amazon even though I wanted to use it! Makes you wonder if the design engineers in China ever use their products! The ring on the C series SC must not be flat so when you attach finders they point up! You saved me a big hassle! Thanks!
Thanks Frank! You're right, it is cheap junk. That's an awesome fix though! It would have taken me all day to work that problem out. Thanks a bunch for sharing.
Nice! I had the same problem with my 6SE, but I had an alternate fix. Instead of shimming the finderscope bracket, I removed the screws that attached the bracket to the tube and turned it around 180 degrees and remounted it back. This provided enough adjustment travel for the alignment dot. Try it!
While the turn-around bracket solved the issue, I've had enough of having to continually hunch down to look through the finderscope was getting to me. My RACI arrives tomorrow. 😊
@@squaretomato So far, so good. The RACI beats having to stoop down in an uncomfortable position. It's especially helpful in sighting relatively dim targets. The red-dot only serves as an absolute backup.
@squaretomato please, if I say something dumb, let me know. I don't want to tell people to do something stupid.... thanks for all you do.... and letting us watch....
I took my Nexstar SLT out for the first time the other day. Before I went out to my night time viewing location, I tried to align the same red dot finderscope. It seemed easy enough when I aligned it in the daytime but when I tried to finetune it out in the field I had all kinds of problems. First the red dot would go on and off just by turning the knobs. I had to tap it to get it to work. The battery was brand new, so that wasn't the issue. The temps were about 45-50 degrees so I don't think that was an issue either. Then I noticed that once I aligned the red dot, if I just so much as touched the finderscope the red dot would move. I checked the mounting screws to make sure it was tight but it still moved. Have you ever heard of the problem where the red dot goes on and off by touching it, even when the battery is brand new? Also, what would make the red dot move considerably just by touching the finderscope? I checked to make sure it was mounted tightly onto the bracket.
I would nominate you for a Nobel Prize if it was possible!!!! I have been on the verge of pitching the scope off the roof multiple times (and broke a cheaper version trying to tighten those stupid knobs that never "quite" made it to center). PHEW! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU (and @Celstron...think you might learn something from this??).
Frank Clark I do not have the problems you but wish to thank you for your wonderful illustrations and animations. It made understanding what you were sharing easily understood. Could you share the programs you used to create the animations? Thank you in advance.
My trouble with red dot finderscope is different. Depending on the angle from where I'm looking the red dot can easily go askew. At one time I had the finderscope perfectly aligned looking through the 25mm, was funny it worked the other way around. :DDD
@@lar113 Thanks. I junked the part (it would not turn on after about 10 min when I put a new battery on.) Instead I kept the mount, epoxied an AR-15 STANAG rail on it, and mounted a Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight... it's all set up! Now would the rain please stop!! Thanks again.
Great hack. But the red dot bounces off adjustment by just tapping the adjustment screws. Maybe the laser is loose inside. I'll be upgrading to avoid the headache.
Thank you for this. I am going to try it out. I find the whole design of the finderscope as bad engineering design. Any engineer worth his salt should be able to design a better finderscope.
Rick, you’re not alone.It’s a struggle.one thing: set it up before dark, and point your scope at an object on land-such as a treetop or building, a quarter mile away or farther. Do the red-dot alignment on that object.
Actually Scott, I'm still using that piece of junk🤣😂. But there are several good upgrade options, I'm sure. I haven't looked into it for awhile. Good luck!
@@ScottAReid Sorry Scott, I wish I could help. Unfortunately I'm not a scope expert, just a casual user. I believe there are dew heaters available, but I don't know any more than that. Good luck!
No issues with mine, trouble is to many are trying to aligh with an object not far enough. I aligh with mine with an object around 2 KMs away, or about 1.50 miles, near enough. Aligning qith an object to close is the problem
Nah, it's more than that. I ran into this problem first when aligning my C9.25 with a star. I'm fairly sure Betelgeuse is far enough away. Your description can be an issue, but there literally is a problem with the cheap finder that Celestron includes. Higher quality finders don't have the problem.
@@chrisj6321 You're right...You do have to look at it at "just the right angle" Yes, my video does have a simulated red dot that is not exactly like what you will see in your scope.
That's mysterious Rahul. I've seen many comments about the red dot not being visible but not the way you describe. Perhaps your battery terminals are dirty. As you probably know the light is notoriously hard to see even when it works right.
@@squaretomato Thanks for your reply Frank. This is the second time this has happened with this same exact finderscope. Is it possible to toggle the wheel too much to the right or left that it damages the wiring?
I was thinking of getting a different finderscope, I'm new at all of this so was wondering if this one will work with my Nexstar 8SE: www.amazon.com/Astromania-Finder-Deluxe-Telescope-Reflex/dp/B0140UA2OY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Astromania+Finder+Deluxe+Telescope+Reflex+Sight&qid=1601913149&sr=8-1
@@RahulWadhwaCalifornia I don't know about that specific finderscope because I'm also a newbie :) However I do know that many people replace the stock finderscope with an upgrade. Poke around a bit more and you'll find some great choices for your 8SE. Good luck!
It's not weird! The red dot is notoriously hard to see. Assuming your battery is not dead, and you're rotating the knob to full brightness: Try taking the scope into a totally dark place (closet or under a blanket--total blackness)...you should finally spot the elusive red dot. Once you see it, it's easier to find in normal conditions. Good luck!
Ricky 18 , I hear you man. It can be kind of dim. Try putting a hood over it (for total darkness) so you can see it. Make sure the brightness knob is turned all the way up. Keep trying, it takes a little practice.
Thanks Mark! If your Starpoint is like this finderscope, the red dot can be hard to see under any conditions. Try taking your finderscope into a closet (for total 100% darkness) and then you might finally see the red dot. Once you see it and know what it looks like, it will be easier to spot.
You will find that it is hit and miss with the red dot, they have a problem with this in the manufacturing process. Most people have a problem with the switch or the battery connection I had one with my telescope which just stopped working, I purchased another one and the red dot seems to be hit and miss on this one it works sometimes and not others which is very frustrating. I'm currently looking at an optical finder scope and would never go for one of these again.
Close one eye and look down the finder with your open eye while focusing at infinity. If you aren't fully dark adapted, use a red light flashlight to illuminate the back of the finder so you can see where to look.
I also had this same problem on my 8SE but solved it by just 'Short Bolting' the rear vertical adjustment knob.
Essentially I just held the rear vertical alignment knob while slowly loosening its top bolt.
This slightly unthreads the knob from the bolt- giving you much more room to play with the vertical aligning of the red dot inside the finder scope.
The knob is essentially the "nut" on the bolt.
You don't want to go too far though; you'll end up separating the two completely.
I got about an extra 2-3mm of thread (about 3-5 full turns of the knob) after doing this. I have never had a problem since.
Also, there's an easy fix to the issue with the red dot randomly cutting off; the problem comes from the +/- connection in the battery housing.
The cap to the battery housing is poorly made and doesn't latch tight enough to make a complete connection.
A cheap & easy fix is to grab some electrical tape and attach it to the bottom of the battery cap, stretch it towards the front of the finderscope, and firmly secure it high up on the base of the finder scope, but not too far to where it's touching the actual finderscope housing.
This will ensure your battery will always have a good hold in the housing, and the power won't cut out (especially when you are going for those direct vertical shots).
I hope that helps anyone currently dealing with those minor but annoying issues!
Good luck! 🙂
This is awesome Evan--best comment yet! Very helpful. Elegant solutions.
@@squaretomato im just trying to alleviate some future stress for all the viewers who happen to search for this fix, haha.
Turns out I came up with the same solution, but your video confirms that i'm not the only one that's hit this same issue .
Haha great minds think alike! Well done.
Wow - The simple fixes are the absolute best! Great work, my friend! Thank you!
Alright! Happy gazin'
I have red dot finders on all my scopes and have no problems with them. Thanks for the video. If I ever have a problem with one I will do like you said.
Thank you so much, Frank!! Yes, that finder scope HAS been frustrating for the reasons you mentioned. Frustrated no more, thanks to you. Clear skies!
Cool Rick, glad it worked for you!
Holly, and I was about to buy a new and expensive finderscope, thanks for the trick. Great video. Clear skies...!!!
Thank you! I had just given up on aligning my finderscope, but then this video just popped up on my recommend!
Great to hear!
Thank you, Mr. Clark. I have been stymied by this issue for so long I have not used the scope since I purchased it 3 yrs back! I live in the PNW and there is an astronomy club about 15 miles from me so...thanks again.
Glad I could help Michael. Hope you can get your scope back up and running. I live in Seattle, btw. Smokey skies lately.
Hi. with my previous 6SE didn't have this issue. but today, using for the first time my new Evolution 9.25, I found the same problem! even rotating the knobs at maximum stroke, the red dot remains high over the targhet. tomorrow I will try this trick! thank you so much Sir !!
Thanks Roberto. Hope it works for you!
Fantastic easy to follow beautifully edited video on this irritating problem. Stay safe buddy.
Haha, many thanks! Amateur astronomer, professional filmmaker.
Brilliant! I managed to get mine near but slightly out before, this is a great help, thank you 👍
Fantastic Darin, thanks!
Thanks, I’m going to try this tonight. I only entered into the astronomy scope a couple of weeks ago and this was really vexing me. Now just to wait for a cloudless evening!
Right on! Clear skies to you.:)
@@squaretomato Just tried the fix today, worked perfectly even on my mounting bracket which appeared a little different than yours. Thanks!
me too, i just got my nexstar8 and it’s rained and been cloudy for the last ten days and nights.. i’m going to try this myself.. when a cloudless evening finally decides to make an appearance.. 👍🤞🙏
You sir, deserve a medal! Thank you!
ha ha! Thanks Eric! that makes it worthwhile.
Thanks so much, everyone with this model needs to know this. So pleased.
Glad to hear it helped, Sean!
Thank you. Just bought one. This helps a load !!!!!
Brilliant! Worked a charm, thank you!
You speak clearly, and have found a simple solution !! Thank you !!
Great to hear Roland, thank you!
@@squaretomato I had a whopping 10 globular cluster 2 hr session with the 6SE on Saturday...!!
Thank you for the tip mate! Works well with my celestron DX 130. You’ve help me save some money.
Good to hear! Cheers, mate.
Thank you very much for this easy fix!
I was about to send it back to Amazon even though I wanted to use it! Makes you wonder if the design engineers in China ever use their products! The ring on the C series SC must not be flat so when you attach finders they point up! You saved me a big hassle! Thanks!
Glad to hear. Clear skies!
Jeez right out of the box I was like what the heck man. Thanks buddy
Yeah, I hear ya! Hope the fix works for you.Thanks for watching.
Excellent video. This happened on my celestron 114eq. Perfect fix
Thanks! Glad it worked for you.
This did the trick! Thanks so much!
Great to hear Abigail. Thanks for watching.
Your the best Frank! Thanks….
excellent advice, i have used the same method on my air rifle, and this will save us getting a more expensive starfinder , thank you
Wow, thanks for the great tip! This fixes everything!😀🙏
Glad it was useful!
Thanks Frank! You're right, it is cheap junk. That's an awesome fix though! It would have taken me all day to work that problem out. Thanks a bunch for sharing.
Thanks Mr Harley! I hope it works for you.
This was very helpful thanks
THANK YOU 🙏 ...I was about to return this...very frustrating
Alright! Hope it works for you. Clear skies!
Just what I needed.
Thank you so much!!! This was such a great hack!!!!
Haha! "Hack" is the right word Mariposa. Glad it helped!
Thanks you, perfect advice!
Nice! I had the same problem with my 6SE, but I had an alternate fix. Instead of shimming the finderscope bracket, I removed the screws that attached the bracket to the tube and turned it around 180 degrees and remounted it back. This provided enough adjustment travel for the alignment dot. Try it!
That sounds even better! Good thinking Roderick! Makes one wonder if the whole problem is a factory mistake of assembling this bracket backward.
While the turn-around bracket solved the issue, I've had enough of having to continually hunch down to look through the finderscope was getting to me. My RACI arrives tomorrow. 😊
@@roderick.t How is your RACI working out Roderick?
@@squaretomato So far, so good. The RACI beats having to stoop down in an uncomfortable position. It's especially helpful in sighting relatively dim targets. The red-dot only serves as an absolute backup.
@@roderick.t Thanks for the info Roderick. I see a RACI in my future.
Thank you for helping 🙏
You're welcome! Thanks for your comment.
A great tip! I would of never thought to shim it. I would use the north star to line it up with too. Unless you have a drive...
Thanks Wayne!
@squaretomato please, if I say something dumb, let me know. I don't want to tell people to do something stupid.... thanks for all you do.... and letting us watch....
Great fix, thanks for that...
Thanks this helped a lot
Glad to hear it Tyler!
Awesome! Thank you so much!
Glad to hear!
Thanks Frank!
This works well. Thanks.
Good to hear!
Great, logical, we’ll put together video!
Thank you for your tip
Excellent video, thank you. I don't have one of these finderscopes yet but I'm considering getting one. Do you recommend them when used with your fix?
It would be fine, but I've heard there are much better ones available. I don't know any specific recommendations, sorry.
I took my Nexstar SLT out for the first time the other day. Before I went out to my night time viewing location, I tried to align the same red dot finderscope. It seemed easy enough when I aligned it in the daytime but when I tried to finetune it out in the field I had all kinds of problems. First the red dot would go on and off just by turning the knobs. I had to tap it to get it to work. The battery was brand new, so that wasn't the issue. The temps were about 45-50 degrees so I don't think that was an issue either. Then I noticed that once I aligned the red dot, if I just so much as touched the finderscope the red dot would move. I checked the mounting screws to make sure it was tight but it still moved.
Have you ever heard of the problem where the red dot goes on and off by touching it, even when the battery is brand new? Also, what would make the red dot move considerably just by touching the finderscope? I checked to make sure it was mounted tightly onto the bracket.
Thank you.
Thanks Frank !
LIKED/SUBSCRIBED !
That's awesome, thank you SG!
Gracias Frank
De nada Kiran :)
Brilliant idea
Thanks Terry!
thanks!! I thought I was just not using it correctly.
You and me both David :) Glad it helped!
Thank you. I was about to just buy a new one and upgrade
awesome! thanks for the tip!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
High Tech Genius. Thanks!
LOL. Thanks Fernando
LOL, thanks Fernando!
LOL !!
Grazie! Grazie! Thanks!
I would nominate you for a Nobel Prize if it was possible!!!! I have been on the verge of pitching the scope off the roof multiple times (and broke a cheaper version trying to tighten those stupid knobs that never "quite" made it to center). PHEW! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU (and @Celstron...think you might learn something from this??).
Haha thanks Randy. Yes, it was a major frustration for me too. Hope it works well for you.
Good video
Thank you!
Frank Clark I do not have the problems you but wish to thank you for your wonderful illustrations and animations. It made understanding what you were sharing easily understood. Could you share the programs you used to create the animations? Thank you in advance.
Thanks Warren! I use Adobe After Effects for all animations, compositing and editing.
My trouble with red dot finderscope is different. Depending on the angle from where I'm looking the red dot can easily go askew. At one time I had the finderscope perfectly aligned looking through the 25mm, was funny it worked the other way around. :DDD
I was hoping for a way to replace the 2 screw attachment thing and use a proper finder
Thanks. I’m going to need a big shiv though!!!
Good luck Jimmy!
does this work with the 70eq?
I just bought a Nexstar 8SE. My scope aligned perfectly right out of the box, no issue. Maybe Celestron fixed the issue?
Good to hear. Yeah, you'd think Celestron would have fixed it by now. Congrats on your new Big Daddy scope!
I had to put the shim under the front edge of the mounting bracket as the dot would not go high enough. Great tip though!
Interesting. Thanks for that note!
The problem with mine is that the red dot simply doesn't exist, there's no dot to adjust, I've replaced the battery and nothing. Any tips?
Yeah I just took it off and turned it into a reflex sight for my crossbow. Shit really works too
Excellent recycling 😄!
any fix for this on the Astromaster 130 eq ?
Same im having this problem with that scope. The mounting bracket is i think permanently attached to the scope..
@@vinu.devarajan I managed to fix it in this time, but thanks anyway
Thank you so much, but in my Celestron astro master 130 Is different
i try that on my nextstar thx
Great... now how do you replace the battery in that exact model? I see the batter is on the bottom front.. how do you get it out?
I used a small screwdriver and pried apart on the little indents of the battery holder.
@@lar113 Thanks. I junked the part (it would not turn on after about 10 min when I put a new battery on.) Instead I kept the mount, epoxied an AR-15 STANAG rail on it, and mounted a Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight... it's all set up! Now would the rain please stop!! Thanks again.
I had the same problem. I used plastic from a pack of batteries to act as a shim under my bracket. Worked like a charm.
That’s a better shim than my cardboard for sure. Well done!
Great hack. But the red dot bounces off adjustment by just tapping the adjustment screws. Maybe the laser is loose inside. I'll be upgrading to avoid the headache.
Thanks Jerry. Yes, an upgrade is definitely a good call.
Would it work if I put the red dot finder on the left side?
Don’t know the answer to that one.
Thank you for this. I am going to try it out. I find the whole design of the finderscope as bad engineering design. Any engineer worth his salt should be able to design a better finderscope.
i just got my scope yesterday and i have been going crazy trying to adjust it
Rick, you’re not alone.It’s a struggle.one thing: set it up before dark, and point your scope at an object on land-such as a treetop or building, a quarter mile away or farther. Do the red-dot alignment on that object.
@@squaretomato yes i understand that, but i liked the shim idea, i saw those screws but never thought shim
Amazing this has been a problem for years and Celestron still hasn't corrected it.
No issue with mine at all
Actually, the issue on mine is the left/right axis. It's all the way to the left and still not centered.
Have you found a decent alternative finder scope? That thing is junk
Actually Scott, I'm still using that piece of junk🤣😂. But there are several good upgrade options, I'm sure. I haven't looked into it for awhile. Good luck!
I took my 6Se out tonight for the first time and right away the protector plate got covered dew what do you do in that situation?
@@ScottAReid Sorry Scott, I wish I could help. Unfortunately I'm not a scope expert, just a casual user. I believe there are dew heaters available, but I don't know any more than that. Good luck!
i cant move mine right
No issues with mine, trouble is to many are trying to aligh with an object not far enough. I aligh with mine with an object around 2 KMs away, or about 1.50 miles, near enough. Aligning qith an object to close is the problem
Nah, it's more than that. I ran into this problem first when aligning my C9.25 with a star. I'm fairly sure Betelgeuse is far enough away.
Your description can be an issue, but there literally is a problem with the cheap finder that Celestron includes. Higher quality finders don't have the problem.
Within 6 month purchase the battery is running out. Really frustrating
Frank, I still hate the damned thing. Bought a Telrad. Problem solved.
You fixed it the right way Jim. Not the MacGyver way.
i bought one starpointer and the red point doesn't appear.. I changed the battery and it is the same..
Me too same problem. If I look at it at just the right angle I can. See a kind of laser beam. But no dot like on this video
@@chrisj6321 Thank you; i'll contact the seller.. because i don't see anything..
Mine was the battery changed it today works now. Was delivered in the on position
@@chrisj6321 You're right...You do have to look at it at "just the right angle" Yes, my video does have a simulated red dot that is not exactly like what you will see in your scope.
Does anyone else have an issue where the red dot just isn't there anymore? I've replaced the battery but it doesn't seem to change anything.
That's mysterious Rahul. I've seen many comments about the red dot not being visible but not the way you describe. Perhaps your battery terminals are dirty. As you probably know the light is notoriously hard to see even when it works right.
@@squaretomato Thanks for your reply Frank. This is the second time this has happened with this same exact finderscope. Is it possible to toggle the wheel too much to the right or left that it damages the wiring?
I was thinking of getting a different finderscope, I'm new at all of this so was wondering if this one will work with my Nexstar 8SE:
www.amazon.com/Astromania-Finder-Deluxe-Telescope-Reflex/dp/B0140UA2OY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Astromania+Finder+Deluxe+Telescope+Reflex+Sight&qid=1601913149&sr=8-1
@@RahulWadhwaCalifornia I don't know about that specific finderscope because I'm also a newbie :) However I do know that many people replace the stock finderscope with an upgrade. Poke around a bit more and you'll find some great choices for your 8SE. Good luck!
dannysastronomy.blogspot.com/ This is how I fixed mine read my first post please.
Is it weird that i dont have a red dot at all?
It's not weird! The red dot is notoriously hard to see. Assuming your battery is not dead, and you're rotating the knob to full brightness: Try taking the scope into a totally dark place (closet or under a blanket--total blackness)...you should finally spot the elusive red dot. Once you see it, it's easier to find in normal conditions. Good luck!
Frank Clark The only weird thing in this case is my lack of common sense. Didn’t activate the battery... still thank you for the reply.
I can’t even see the dot on the scope
Ricky 18 , I hear you man. It can be kind of dim. Try putting a hood over it (for total darkness) so you can see it. Make sure the brightness knob is turned all the way up. Keep trying, it takes a little practice.
I had to use an umbrella because it was too bright out to shade the scope
Get a Telrad. 🤘
Great video but my Problem is that I can't find and see any red Dot in my Starpoint Finderscope?! An anyone pleace help me?1 Thank you.
Thanks Mark! If your Starpoint is like this finderscope, the red dot can be hard to see under any conditions. Try taking your finderscope into a closet (for total 100% darkness) and then you might finally see the red dot. Once you see it and know what it looks like, it will be easier to spot.
@@squaretomatoThank you. I'll check it out in 100% darkness. I really hope to get to see the red dot. Thank you ✌
@@squaretomato thank you Frank I got it working! ✌
You will find that it is hit and miss with the red dot, they have a problem with this in the manufacturing process. Most people have a problem with the switch or the battery connection I had one with my telescope which just stopped working, I purchased another one and the red dot seems to be hit and miss on this one it works sometimes and not others which is very frustrating. I'm currently looking at an optical finder scope and would never go for one of these again.
Close one eye and look down the finder with your open eye while focusing at infinity. If you aren't fully dark adapted, use a red light flashlight to illuminate the back of the finder so you can see where to look.
You need to align to a star or planet, not a terrestrial object. Once you align it, leave it on the scope and don't mess with it.
hmmm . . . Cardboard is wrong material! Why? Because it absorbs moister and becomes soft. We better Use a thin piece of styrene . . . my experience.
My red dot doesn’t even come on...
It's still a piece of crap. Tossed mine in the trash and bought a proper finder.
Just zero it with a bright star or planet.