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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.
Before You Begin Collimating with the Laser Collimator:Accurate collimation of your telescope's optics using the Laser Collimator will most easily be achieved if you do a rough collimation of the optics with your eye first. This is because if the optics are grossly misaligned, it may be confusing to interpret which surfaces the laser is being reflected off of.
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.
Astromania Alignment 1.25" Next Generation Laser Collimator for Newtonian Telescopes
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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. |
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. |
Care and Maintenance: Your Laser Collimator is manufactured of the highest quality components. The internal laser |
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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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