A while ago, I got myself a 50 Mw Raw Chinese power green laser...



With some modifications, I and those around me dig it bunches.

Light saber quality, I often am asked where I got it. Can't publicly say, but I often thought it would make a great telescope mounted pointer, mostly to impress the visitors, but it would look cool on the C11 and serve as a rough guide - working with the Rigel finder.

I looked around some at the different types of laser holders and this one from an on-line retailer caught my attention...



I like the look of it, the detachable dovetail base and the ability to accept the rather large laser I have. And the final price of $19.00 delivered was cheaper than any other laser holder.

So I ordered it...and it arrived two days later...



All metal construction, it arrived well packed in two boxes surrounded by stiff paper and bubble wrap.

Does it hold my light saber...?



Yes...!

The set/adjustment screws are very long for wide adjustments and the whole assembly doesn't weigh much...(but the C11 OTA needs to be rebalanced seriously - now with the addition of 2" accessories and hardware.)

It has a knurled set knob to secure the bracket to the base and a "dimple" that the screw fits into. Holds the whole assembly nicely.

The three radial tubes around the holder at each end, connecting outside and inner circles, can also be adjusted with a small flat screwdriver.

Now, where to mount it.

Topside real estate of the C11 is rather crowded. Holding a 60mm right angle Finderscope, the Rigel finder and the 9x50mm straight through finder scope - (All of which I use constantly during a session.)



So, I take a peek below and find a spot with two screws available...



Low enough so as not to interfere with the control bars, high enough to clear the mount and within reach of throwing the on/off switch when needed.

I remove a single screw on the rear collar of the C11 and attempt to reuse it to attach the base...but it's too short. That's cool, as I have enough screws in the workshop and garage to assemble a Hubble. I find one long enough and attach it.

(I will only attach one screw for now, until I can evaluate angles and see if the laser beam is close to where the C11 is pointing. Then later I'll tap a hole and set the other screw.)

I check clearances and it just barely makes it across the polar scope assembly....



The laser bracket just touches the polar scope, rubbing slightly. It's cool and I will accept this location.

I slip in the laser and check for clearances again...



It's all a-ok and 5x5.

Perhaps in a few, I'll set up the C11 and check out Jupiter raising in the east...putting the new laser holder through it's paces and make final adjustments.

But, I dig it, looks rather cool and will be a useful addition to public star parties and activities. I do intend to get another laser,

Maybe a 100 mw one...oooh #drool# ), but until then, I'll just mount the laser in the holder permamently, and just release it from the base when I need to use it as a pointer at star parties. But a full field review coming shortly.

The Chicago Astronomer approves of the Zhumell Laser Finder Holder Bracket...