PowerSeeker 114EQ Dovetail Base Finder Scope Mount

This is a Agena Synta / Vixen style dovetail base specifically designed to fit in the stock finder scope mounting location on a Celestron PowerSeeker 114EQ Newtonian Reflector Telescope. The outer diameter of the tube on this telescope is 5.152", so the bottom of this is curved to fit exactly along the contour of the tube. There are two counterbored holes for using 8-32 socket head cap screws to mount this to the tube in the stock holes that come pre-drilled for the stock finder scope. The 8-32 socket head cap screws should be at least 1/2" long and it is recommended to use nylon insert lock nuts on the inside of the tube so that they never loosen.

The clamping mechanism is a sliding jaw to provide more even clamping force than other dovetail bases on the market. To use this mechanism, you will install a tapping insert and then use a thumbscrew to attach the sliding jaw to the base. I designed this for McMaster-Carr tapping inserts part number 99362A400 and am using McMaster-Car part number 98816A243 for my brass thumb screw.

To install the threaded inserts I have never bought the over priced installation tool. Instead what I do is take a socket head cap screw in the same thread size and an extra nut, thread the nut on to the screw, then thread on the threaded insert until the insert threads are fully on the screw, then tighten down the nut against the threaded insert. Now with a Allen key or t handle Allen wrench - straight head, not a ball - screw in the insert until it’s fully installed in the piece, then whole still holding the Allen wrench, loosen the nut, and back the whole socket head cap screw out. The next time I have some out to play with I’ll try to take a photo to add to this post.