The blank on the dust cover is designed to accept your removable blank so you don't lose it when looking at the moon etc. Good video though... I learned something there.
Jay - You must have the patience of a saint! I have the same dust cap and tried "scoring around and around with a craft knife" like you said... ... I gave up and stitch-drilled my way around it to open the second hole, then out came the file and sandpaper. That's some thick plastic to 'scratch' through. However - I now have a new tool. Thank you. My finder scope gave up it's lens cap to provide a matching second for this (I gave the finder scope an non-matching cover). Why they don't utilise this (with two capped holes) and put it in the instructions is baffling.
Big Thanks Jason for sharing this Fantastic Diy Focusing tool....I had No idea these things Existed !! ......You're such a Good teacher & Demonstrater for Beginner telescope users..
I’ve done a lot of research with regard to my new telescope and mount in the last few months and this is the first time anyone has mentioned those two holes ! You really are a revelation for beginners. Thank you Jason.
Thank you for your kind words my friend I appreciate that. Yes, it's strange why there is not much info out there for those two holes when they are so useful.
This is right up my street! When the video started and you mentioned the best way to get focus on a wobbly scope I immediately though focus mask, but I didn't expect you to modify your dust cap! Really neat job, great bit of Astro DIY :) I'm trying to place your accent, I'm pretty sure it's midlands? Big sub from me :)
Thank you so much for the sub Chris. I learnt that little gem years ago at our local astronomical society, but not with the dust cover, with cardboard, then I thought, why not with a dust cover. yes, your spot on, I'm originally from Sheffield but now based in Chesterfield.
Great tip! Never thought of being able to focus my telescope using the cover. Hopefully It'll be able to ease the pain of focusing at night by shining a light source at the cover. Clear skies!
Again, what a simple and yet great idea, Jason 🙂. I have a small (76/700) Newtonian reflector on a alt-az mount that someone gifted to me and it has a dust cover with (just) one hole in the centre. For a while I have been wondering what it was for. Recently it dawned on me, I could use it to dim the (sun) light when doing solar observing. (Of course using solar foil covering the objective) Now while I won’t be able to use the cover to check focus, what a great idea using it to dim the moonlight 👍🏼👍🏼. I never would’ve thought of it 😄
Thanks for the video. I find it difficult to find many videos for this trick considering it is such a simple process. Searching for Telescope Focus Mask always shows videos for Bahtinov mask, which I find way overcomplicated when the same results can be achieved so much easier.
Trouble with using reduced aperture instead of e.g. an ND filter or crossed polarisers is that you're also reducing the angular resolution of the scope. If the seeing is half decent you will be able to pick up much finer details with a full aperture with filter than a stopped down one -- unless of course you have plenty of aperture to spare (12 inches or more for reflectors with a central obstruction or 6+ inches for unobstructed refractors).
I really appreciate your videos! Started out with cheap scopes,AKA Tasco,lol.I purchased my first scope in November of 2022.Celestron 10 inch Dobsonian.You have helped me a lot with just the simple things.Weather has been really frustrating!Spent almost the whole month of January in the fog and clouds.This last Sunday night, finally was spectacular here in the Northwest United States.Orion was awesome, Jupiter was ok I need better eye pieces now.Any good recommendations? I have found your videos very helpful and I am waiting on more.Thank you Sir!
That’s interesting! I usually go right and left out of focus. Then turn the knob in between the two out of focuses. I like this better. What diameter holes are those?
Gee... I was thinking this morning, if I use the cap to cover my telescope, and only use the small hole on it, would it help to reduce the brightness of the moon. Now, you made this video that I am right. Will try this trick tmr night. Haha
I've been doing astronomy for about 30 years now and I am still learning tips and tricks from you. Thank you.
This Must ve the best video for new astro hobbiests , or any astro stuff for that matter
The blank on the dust cover is designed to accept your removable blank so you don't lose it when looking at the moon etc.
Good video though... I learned something there.
This is a great tip! I'm a bit embarrassed for not already knowing it. I'm always fiddling with my focus.
Jay - You must have the patience of a saint!
I have the same dust cap and tried "scoring around and around with a craft knife" like you said...
... I gave up and stitch-drilled my way around it to open the second hole, then out came the file and sandpaper. That's some thick plastic to 'scratch' through.
However - I now have a new tool. Thank you.
My finder scope gave up it's lens cap to provide a matching second for this (I gave the finder scope an non-matching cover).
Why they don't utilise this (with two capped holes) and put it in the instructions is baffling.
Big Thanks Jason for sharing this Fantastic Diy Focusing tool....I had No idea these things Existed !! ......You're such a Good teacher & Demonstrater for Beginner telescope users..
On my astronomy journey i learned that the one with the two or three holes is called a hartmann focus mask. It can also be slits or triangles.
Thanks for that, I struggle to get focus on high magnification.
I’ve done a lot of research with regard to my new telescope and mount in the last few months and this is the first time anyone has mentioned those two holes !
You really are a revelation for beginners. Thank you Jason.
Thank you for your kind words my friend I appreciate that.
Yes, it's strange why there is not much info out there for those two holes when they are so useful.
This is right up my street! When the video started and you mentioned the best way to get focus on a wobbly scope I immediately though focus mask, but I didn't expect you to modify your dust cap! Really neat job, great bit of Astro DIY :) I'm trying to place your accent, I'm pretty sure it's midlands? Big sub from me :)
Thank you so much for the sub Chris. I learnt that little gem years ago at our local astronomical society, but not with the dust cover, with cardboard, then I thought, why not with a dust cover.
yes, your spot on, I'm originally from Sheffield but now based in Chesterfield.
I all ways wondered what the small holes were for and now I know, excellent vid Jas,
Great tip! Never thought of being able to focus my telescope using the cover. Hopefully It'll be able to ease the pain of focusing at night by shining a light source at the cover. Clear skies!
Thank you! Yes, I thought so too the first time I heard of it, I use it all the time now, especially if the conditions are not great.
Again, what a simple and yet great idea, Jason 🙂. I have a small (76/700) Newtonian reflector on a alt-az mount that someone gifted to me and it has a dust cover with (just) one hole in the centre. For a while I have been wondering what it was for. Recently it dawned on me, I could use it to dim the (sun) light when doing solar observing. (Of course using solar foil covering the objective)
Now while I won’t be able to use the cover to check focus, what a great idea using it to dim the moonlight 👍🏼👍🏼. I never would’ve thought of it 😄
Thanks for the video. I find it difficult to find many videos for this trick considering it is such a simple process. Searching for Telescope Focus Mask always shows videos for Bahtinov mask, which I find way overcomplicated when the same results can be achieved so much easier.
Your welcome friend, yes I agree I'm not a fan of the Bahtincov, I prefer this method, I've used it for years.
Waooooo.
Great Tip Jason. 👍👍😊
Trouble with using reduced aperture instead of e.g. an ND filter or crossed polarisers is that you're also reducing the angular resolution of the scope. If the seeing is half decent you will be able to pick up much finer details with a full aperture with filter than a stopped down one -- unless of course you have plenty of aperture to spare (12 inches or more for reflectors with a central obstruction or 6+ inches for unobstructed refractors).
I really appreciate your videos! Started out with cheap scopes,AKA Tasco,lol.I purchased my first scope in November of 2022.Celestron 10 inch Dobsonian.You have helped me a lot with just the simple things.Weather has been really frustrating!Spent almost the whole month of January in the fog and clouds.This last Sunday night, finally was spectacular here in the Northwest United States.Orion was awesome, Jupiter was ok I need better eye pieces now.Any good recommendations? I have found your videos very helpful and I am waiting on more.Thank you Sir!
That’s interesting! I usually go right and left out of focus. Then turn the knob in between the two out of focuses. I like this better. What diameter holes are those?
¡Excellent! Regards from the skies of south ameri a.
Thank you my friend :)
please keep making videos
Great vid.
Does that also work with refractor telescopes?
Regards, Jas.
VK4FJGS
Rocky Qld
Hello Jay, thanks buddy, yes works great with refractors too 👍
ALL THE KNOWLEDGE!
Gee... I was thinking this morning, if I use the cap to cover my telescope, and only use the small hole on it, would it help to reduce the brightness of the moon. Now, you made this video that I am right. Will try this trick tmr night. Haha
Oh~ this was made four month ago. 😄
Hello John, Yes, using the small hole for lunar observations is a great idea if you haven't got a moon filter, really does reduce the glare:)
I've got a similar scope and can't find any videos on how to use them 😭
Cool! Question though, will this still work with the collapsible skywatchers?
Hi steel440 Yes absoltely, It will work with all types of telescopes, including refractors.
Nice, thank you! I'll try it tonight, if it's not raining again that is. Keep up the good work, it is appreciated.
@@steel440 Your welcome, clear skies buddy.