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Newtonian reflectors perform at their best when primary and secondary mirrors are accurately aligned. Such alignment, called collimation, is critical for achieving a sharp, highly resolved view through the telescope. Collimation, while intimidating at first glance, is really not difficult to do. And it's made all the easier with the Laser Collimator!
This handy tool, designed specifically for collimating the optics of Newtonian reflectors, provides a quick, easy way to a) determine if one or both of your telescope's mirrors need adjustment, and b) make the necessary adjustment(s) quickly and easily.
This laser collimator uses a low wattage laser to project a red beam down through the telescope's focuser. The beam reflects off the secondary mirror to the primary mirror, then bounces back up to the secondary mirror and exits through the focuser onto the angled, bulls-eye viewing screen of the collimator itself. The beam is generally not visible, but you’ll see a bright red dot on each reflected surface. The Laser Collimator works equally well to collimate telescope optics in daylight or at night in the dark. The Laser Collimator has been precisely aligned within its housing at the factory.
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Adjusting Secondary Mirror:The first step in the collimation procedure is to check the alignment of the secondary mirror and adjust it if necessary. Insert the Laser Collimator into your telescope's focuser drawtube and secure it with the thumbscrew(s) on the drawtube collar. Then turn the collimator on by turning the knob at the top to the On position. Look down the front of the optical tube. Remember to keep your eyes clear of any direct reflections of the beam. Notice the red spot on the surface of the primary mirror itself; this is the laser beam being reflected from the secondary mirror off the surface of the primary mirror. The red spot should be centered in the collimation target (ring) on the mirror. If it isn't, adjustments will need to be made to the secondary mirror's tilt. This is done with the secondary mirror collimation screws, usually located on the central hub of the telescope's spider vane assembly. Make adjustments to the telescope's secondary mirror collimation screws until the reflection of the laser beam is centered in the collimation target on the primary mirror. |
Adjusting the Primary Mirror:The final collimation step is to adjust the tilt angle of the primary mirror. O rient the collimator in the focuser so that the viewing screen is facing the rear of the telescope. While standing at the rear of the telescope, look over at the bulls-eye viewing screen of the collimator. You should see the red laser dot somewhere on the viewing screen. If you don't, then the collimation is grossly off. In that case, place a piece of paper in front of the open tube and note the position of the laser dot on the paper. You can make certainthe laser dot is properly aimed into the hole by slightly adjusting one of the collimation knobs to bring the laser dot out of the hole, then return it by turning the collimation screw the other way. Collimation of the optical system is now complete! Go out and enjoy the view! |
Care and Maintenance:Your Laser Collimator is manufactured of the highest quality components. The internal laser |
Installing a New Battery:The Laser Collimator is powered by a single CR2032 3V lithium ion "button cell" battery. When the laser beam starts to dim or completely fades, it's time to replace the battery. To do so, unscrew the knurled battery compartment cap at the top of the collimator. With a knife tip or the end of a paper clip, lift the edge of the expired battery out. Insert a fresh CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side up. Then replace the cap. The CR2032 is a commonly used battery in watches, calculators, cameras, and other electronic devices, so you'll be able to find one at most drug stores or online. |
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