Hotech ADVANCED CT LASER COLLIMATOR Manuale utente

HOTECH

The Synthesis of Innovation and Design

User Manual

ADVANCED CT LASER COLLIMATOR for CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPES

MANUAL VERSION 9.0 WITH =OH= EDITS

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 1 of 20

User Manual

ADVANCED CT LASER COLLIMATOR for CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Topic Page

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 1

Introduction – Thank You ............................................................................................................................... 3

CAUTIONS & NOTES .................................................................................................................................... 3

Collimation Basics .......................................................................................................................................... 3

How the Collimator Works ............................................................................................................................. 4

Overview of the Basic Co-Alignment Process ............................................................................................... 4

Basic Co-Alignment Process ......................................................................................................................... 4

Package Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 4

1.0. Setting Up the Laser Collimator on the Tripod .................................................................................. 5

1.1. Where to setup the telescope and the collimator .................................................................................... 5

1.2. Mounting the collimator on the tripod ...................................................................................................... 5

2.0. Getting Familiar with the HOTECH Advance CT Collimator ............................................................. 5

2.1. Installing the battery ................................................................................................................................ 5

2.2. Switching the laser to the correct mode .................................................................................................. 5

2.3. Rough adjustment ................................................................................................................................... 5

2.4. Using the Fine-Adjuster .......................................................................................................................... 5

3.0. Installing the Reflector Mirror .............................................................................................................. 6

3.1. Installing the Reflector Mirror into your visual back or focuser ............................................................... 6

4.0. Positioning the Laser Collimator at the Proper Distance ................................................................. 6

4.1. Determine the distance between the laser collimator and your telescope ............................................. 6

5.0. Achieving Basic Co-Alignment of the Collimator and Telescope .................................................... 6

5.1. Center Aim your Telescope to the Collimator ......................................................................................... 7

5.1.a. Alternate Method to Achieve Step 5.1, Telescope Alignment ............................................................. 7

5.2. Aim Collimator Square to the Telescope ................................................................................................ 8

5.3. Basic Co-Alignment Confirmation ........................................................................................................... 8

6.0. How to Read the Diagnostic Result on the Collimator ..................................................................... 8

6.1. Locate the three laser dots ..................................................................................................................... 8

6.2. The Reflector Mirror is not properly installed .......................................................................................... 8

6.3. The Reflector Mirror focus position is out of the telescope’s normal visual range of focus .................... 9

6.4. Your telescope is grossly out of alignment ............................................................................................. 9

7.0. Collimating the Secondary Mirror ....................................................................................................... 9

7.1. Precautions Before Collimating the Secondary Mirror ............................................................................ 9

7.2. Secondary Mirror Collimation ................................................................................................................ 10

8.0. Fine Tuning Collimation ..................................................................................................................... 10

8.1. Star test to fine tune adjustment ........................................................................................................... 10

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 2 of 20

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED

Topic Page

9.0. Possible Scenarios where the Laser Collimation Does Not Agree with Star Collimation .......... 10

9.1. Accurate basic co-alignment was not achieved or is insufficient .......................................................... 10

9.2. “Mirror flop" or "Focus shift" of the primary mirror causing miss-collimation ........................................ 10

9.3. The eyepiece drawtube or visual back is not square to your primary mirror ........................................ 11

10.0. Diagonals, Reducers, and Field Flatteners .................................................................................... 11

10.1. Collimation with a Diagonal Accessory Installed ................................................................................ 11

10.2. Collimation with a Reducer and/or Field Flattener Accessory Lenses Installed ................................. 11

11.0. In-Depth Collimation Procedures .................................................................................................... 12

11.1. Collimation by Final Optics Tilt with Zeroed-Out Secondary Knobs ................................................... 13

11.2. Mechanical Systems Used for Final Optics Axis Tilt Aiming Adjustment ........................................... 15

11.3. Mechanical Systems Used for Corrector Plate Adjustment ................................................................ 16

11.4. Addendum ............................................................................................................................................ 18

12.0. Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 20

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 3 of 20

User Manual

ADVANCED CT LASER COLLIMATOR for CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPES

Thank you for purchasing the state-of-the-art HOTECH

Advanced CT Laser Collimator. This instrument uses the

most advanced laser and optical technology to enable the

user to achieve excellent collimation in a very short distance.

Collimation is the process of aligning a telescope’s optics.

The laser collimator makes the collimation process more

efficient and increases collimation accuracy. When carefully

set up, and each step cross checked, it makes it possible to

make fine adjustments to a Cassegrain telescope that

cannot be achieved with traditional star collimation. Your

telescope is aligned at the factory, but rough handling during

shipping can cause misalignment. Some telescopes are not

well collimated when shipped. Misaligned collimation

causes reduced optical efficiency and results in poor image

contrast, astigmatism, and blurry images. The following

describes how to collimate your Cassegrain style telescope with the aid of the Advanced CT Laser Collimator.

Please read the entire User Manual before working with your Advanced CT Laser Collimator

CAUTION – Be aware of the following as you use your Laser Collimator:

Only turn ON the laser(s) when you are going to use it. The laser should only be used with adult supervision, and should only be

used for collimating a telescope. Never point the laser or the reflection of the laser collimator at anyone's eyes.

NOTE – These instructions cover collimation of Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes (SCT), but most Cassegrain type instruments

are collimated in similar fashion. For telescopes with both adjustable secondary and primary mirrors (e.g. Ritchey-Chretien type

telescope), please email or call us for details. All lasers on the collimator are class II (<1mW). For additional information, please

visit our website, www.hotechusa.com, or write us at inf[email protected].

Collimation Basics You Must Know Before Starting

What to Adjust:

For a long time (since the introduction of the SCT), traditional star collimation has been the only reasonable adjustment available

to the SCT user. Traditional star collimation is done using the three alignment screws on the back side of the secondary mirror.

The secondary mirror can be seen in the middle of the clear glass corrector plate that is seen when you look into the front of the

telescope (see illustration below). When used with care and precision, the Advanced CT Laser Collimator instrument provides

users with the precise measurements that are needed to do collimation and optics alignment beyond just the adjustment of the

secondary mirror. However, making precise adjustments requires slow, careful work that involves the iterative processes that

were used to originally align your telescope. Be prepared to take notes (know where you started from) and continually recheck

and crosscheck all alignment procedures before and after any and all adjustments. If you only use the Advanced CT Laser

Collimator to do secondary mirror collimation on your telescope, this adjustment alone can be made with greater precision than

previously available. For ease of manual adjustment, we recommend replacing the stock secondary mirror alignment screws

with knob headed screws (available from several vendors) to allow easier, finer adjustment.

How the Collimator Works:

Reflector

Mirror

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 4 of 20

The Advanced CT Laser Collimator samples the entire optical system (primary, secondary mirror, and the eyepiece axial

position) with a simulated large aperture flat-wavefront light source generated by three parallel lasers positioned behind the

target plate. The target plate provides a clear view of the optics’ alignment condition when the three lasers are reflected back on

the target (FIG. 1). It is extremely critical that the lasers are pointed square-on (co-aligned) to the primary mirror for an accurate

reading. It is just like looking at a distant star and centering the star in the eyepiece field of view during a star test, except –

regardless of the weather conditions – the star is only about one tube length in front of the telescope and it is stationary.

Basic Co-Alignment of the Telescope & Collimator – Basic Co-Alignment is achieved when the collimator and telescope are

centered and squared on the optical axis of the telescope’s primary objective mirror and each other. The diffused laser crosshair

(diffuser strip in place) is projected from the center of the collimator as a guide to optically aiming the primary mirror back to the

center of the collimator target plate. Diffusing the laser crosshair causes it to appear as a circular or donut shaped beam (the

crosshair pattern is no longer visible – just the outer crosshair dimension is preserved as a circle). Centering the donut beam,

centers the collimator on the telescope optical axis (FIG. 2A, Aim Telescope at Collimator, diffuser strip installed). Then, without

the diffuser (crosshair now seen crisp and sharp), center the return laser crosshair reflected from the telescope primary mirror in

order to adjust the collimator to be perpendicular (square) to the telescope’s optical axis (FIG. 2B, Aim Collimator at Telescope,

diffuser strip removed). Most of the time needed to achieve collimation is spent on the initial steps to achieve accurate Basic Co-

Alignment of the collimator and telescope. Be patient and careful; the results will be well worth it!

Overview of the

Basic Co-Alignment Process:

You can collimate your telescope at almost any position (e.g. telescope 20 deg. up) as long as

both the collimator and the telescope are Co-Aligned. Many users find that keeping the

telescope optical axis parallel to the floor (level) and keeping the collimator vertical makes it

easier to achieve squared-up, accurate Co-alignment. Once the collimator and telescope are

Basic Co-aligned, adjust the telescope's three secondary mirror alignment knobs (or screws)

carefully by small amounts to move the three projected laser dots to the same collimator target

plate ring.

Basic Co-Alignment Process:

1. Set Collimator distance

2. Install Reflector Mirror in the telescope's visual

back (2-inch or 1.25-inch as appropriate).

3. Aim Telescope at the Collimator (FIG. 2A)

4. Aim Collimator at the Telescope (FIG. 2B)

5. Adjust Secondary Mirror to move the three laser

dots onto the same circle on the target.

Package Content:

1 x Premium Soft Carrying Case

1 x Advanced CT Laser Collimator

1 x Reflector Mirror (1.25” or 2”)

2 x Diffuser strips

1 x Fine-Adjuster (Collimator to Tripod)

1 x 3V, CR123 Lithium Battery

1 x User Manual (in cover pocket)

FIG. 2B

Aim Collimator at Telescope,

Diffuser strip removed

FIG. 2A

Aim Telescope at Collimator,

Diffuser strip installed

Optical Axis

Fine

Adjustor

Reflector Mirror

(2” or 1.25”)

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 5 of 20

1.0. Setting Up the Laser Collimator on the Tripod

1.1. Where to setup the telescope and the collimator

Position both collimator and the telescope on solid ground (no carpeted, wooden floor, or other surface that will flex or vibrate).

Both telescope and collimator must be on the (same) ground floor.

1.2. Setup the collimator on the tripod

a. Attach the fine-adjuster to your tripod using the tripod's 1/4-20 bolt.

b. Attach the collimator to the fine-adjuster using the threaded knob on the

fine-adjuster and the ¼-20 screw hole on the bottom of the collimator.

c. Lock the collimator firmly in place with the lock-knob on the fine-

adjuster's 1/4-20 bolt.

2.0. Getting Familiar with the HOTECH Advance CT Collimator

2.1. Installing the battery

Unthread the battery compartment cap and insert the included CR123 lithium battery with the

positive side up (+ tip side toward the cap) and replace the battery cap.

2.2. Switching the laser to the proper mode

Position the collimator on a tripod about 4 feet from a white wall with the target side facing the

wall. Rotate the rotary knob on the top right corner of the Collimator to activate different laser

modes. You will see the projected laser patterns on the wall at various positions.

Mode 0: Unit off.

Mode 1: Crosshair laser ON.

Mode 2: Crosshair laser and three alignment lasers ON.

Mode 3: Crosshair laser, three alignment lasers, and target backlight ON for night use.

Other modes:

DT: Three alignment lasers ON. BL: Backlight ON.

1L: Crosshair laser and backlight ON. CL: Three alignment lasers and backlight ON.

Please use the recommended mode in each procedure for best result.

2.3. Rough adjustment

Switch the laser to mode 2, lift the tripod and move the collimator and tripod to various distances

from the wall to see how the crosshair expands and contracts in size at various distances.

2.4. Using the Fine-Adjuster

With collimator back on the ground, adjust the fine-adjustment stage as follows (In the Figure to

the right, the arrows indicate which way the Collimator face moves when the associated knob is

adjusted.):

Preparing the Fine-Adjuster:

•The Large Knob on right is for rough adjustment to make the collimator face approximately

square to the front of telescope. Loosen the large knob to adjust then tighten to lock the

large knob in place so that the forward small knob is ready for use.

Vertical Adjustment:

•The forward small knob is for fine adjustment in the vertical Up/Down (Up/Dn) direction.

Horizontal Adjustment:

•The left side small knob is for fine adjustment in the horizontal Left/Right (L/R) direction.

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 6 of 20

3.0. Installing the Reflector Mirror:

3.1. Installing the Reflector Mirror into your visual back or focuser

If the telescope is to be used mostly for visual observation, collimation can be done with your star

diagonal in place. Please note that a poor quality diagonal, one with a misaligned mirror, may

cause collimation problems. However, if photography or CCD imaging is planned, it is best to

insert the reflector mirror directly into the telescope's visual back or focuser. Use either a 1.25-

inch or 2-inch reflector mirror depending on the size of visual back or focuser.

To properly install the reflector mirror, slightly pressure the reflector mirror shoulder against the

focuser rim. Rotate the mirror in the focuser and observe movement on any one of the visible

laser dots projecting on the collimator target plate. Gently turns the thumbscrew to lock the

reflector mirror in place without seeing any laser shifting.

NOTE – For best possible collimation with a diagonal, and if you plan to use a reducer, and/or

field flattener, first perform all the steps to collimate the telescope without the accessories, then,

refer to Step 10.0 to collimate for use with the accessories installed. (The Celestron Edge series

of telescopes already has field flattener lenses installed; this does not change or affect any of the

steps or procedures given in this manual.)

4.0. Positioning the Laser Collimator at the Proper Distance

The distance between the laser collimator and your

telescope varies depending on the diameter and focal length

of your telescope. In general, the greater the distance from

the telescope, the higher accuracy you will achieve. In

practice, distances just beyond the Back Focal Length (BFL)

distance will give larger target patterns with good resolution.

Use the following steps to identify a good collimating

distance for the telescope.

4.1. Determine the distance between the laser collimator and your telescope

a. Position the collimator one tube length's distance in front of the telescope with

the target plate facing the telescope (photo above).

b. Switch the collimator to mode 1 (crosshair laser only).

c. Roughly aim the crosshair toward the telescope.

d. Experiment with the proper distance by lifting the tripod and collimator and

moving the collimator slowly toward and away from the telescope while keeping

the reflected crosshair on the target plate. Don’t worry about getting the

crosshair perfectly centered on the target at this point. You will see how the

crosshair contracts and expands in size on the target plate in relation to the

distance adjustments.

e. Move the collimator to the distance where the crosshair is its smallest. This

point is at the Back Focal Length (BFL) of the telescope primary mirror. Now, to

position the collimator at a distance with good pattern resolution, move the

target away from the telescope until the inner tips of the reflected crosshair are

positioned between the target plate’s ring 1 and 2.

f. Firmly position the tripod at this distance. This will be your collimating distance.

5.0. Achieving Basic Co-Alignment of the Collimator and Telescope

This is the critical step where you achieve Basic Co-alignment of the Collimator and Telescope for an accurate reading of the

Telescope’s optics alignment. Step 5.0 is broken down into three linked Sub-Steps 5.1, 5.2, & 5.3 that must be repeated

(iterated) to lock-down Basic Co-Alignment. These iterative processes are similar in nature to the processes used to originally

align the telescope.

NOTE – DO NOT use the back of the secondary mirror housing as a crosshair centering reference. The secondary mirror

might not be perfectly centered on the optical axis of the primary mirror. Referencing the center of the back of the secondary as

the pointing axis does not mean the primary mirror is also on the axis. You can use it as a quick rough check for aiming, but

not to achieve co-alignment.

(Continued Next Page)

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 7 of 20

5.1. Center Aim your Telescope to the Collimator

With the collimator switched to mode 1, the laser crosshair (a single-point light source) is emitted from the center of the

collimator into the telescope and reflected back to the collimator target plate. With a diffuser strip installed over the crosshair

laser, the primary mirror reflects a filled cone-shaped beam back onto the collimator’s target plate as a donut shaped beam

(the secondary mirror shadow is in the center of the beam). Adjust the donut until it is concentric with an equal-sized printed

ring on the target. This step centers the telescope’s primary mirror’s optical axis to the center of the collimator center crosshair

laser and collimator face printed target cross pattern.

a. Place one of the provided diffuser strips (matte-finish tape) over the center crosshair laser (mode 1) in the center of the

target plate to diffuse the laser crosshair into a donut shaped beam.

b. Use the telescope’s fine adjustment knob or its hand control to center the donut light beam until the donut pattern is

concentric with an equal or similar-sized ring on the target plate.

c. Unless you are very familiar with your telescope aiming control, it is recommended that you line up one axis at a time, e.g.,

adjust telescope for vertical Up/Down (Up/Dn), then horizontal Left/Right (L/R).

Adjust Up/Dn until the donut moves, and the top and bottom of the donut as the same distance to one of the target rings,

then adjust L/R until the light beam L/R sides are equal in distance to the same target ring.

d. Iterate Step 5.1.c until the donut light beam and collimator target plate ring are as concentric and centered as possible.

Donut is off from ring 1

Donut is centered

5.1.a. Alternate Method to Achieve Step 5.1, Telescope Alignment - With the diffuser

strip removed you can use the outer edge tips only of the laser crosshair lines instead of the

outer diameter of the donut to line up with an equal-sized (or similar) ring on the target plate.

That is using the laser crosshair tips only instead of diameter, and move the telescope until

the crosshair tips are concentric with a ring on the target plate. (With the diffuser strip in

place, the donut beam masks the crosshair itself but not the location of the crosshair tips

which is of value to prevent confusion with the next Step, 5.2.)

Continue the Alternate Method Step 5.1a by performing Step 5.1.b, .c, & .d above to

complete this step.

NOTE – For Alternate Step 5.1.a, telescope alignment, it can help to visualize a box around the crosshair that is perpendicular to

and just touching the outer edge tips of the laser crosshair lines, then move within this imaginary box with respect to the chosen

target plate circle until the target circle is centered inside the box. The crosshair lines need not be centered on the printed target

cross, and at this point, they probably are not. See photo illustration. (The exact position of the laser crosshair lines with respect to

the center of the collimator printed target cross is adjusted in the following Step 5.2, Collimator alignment.)

FIG. 2A

Aim Telescope at Collimator,

Diffuser strip installed

Vertical offset

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 8 of 20

5.2. Aim Collimator Square to the Telescope

After the telescope is initially center aimed at the collimator in Step 5.1, in this Step, 5.2, the collimator is adjusted to center the

laser crosshair lines in the center of the printed target cross on the collimator target plate. This will adjust the collimator to be

perpendicular (squared) to the telescope primary mirror optical axis. When the reflected laser crosshair lines are centered on

the printed target cross, this completes the first full iteration cycle necessary to achieve Basic Co-alignment. Usually at least

three iterations, at a minimum, of Steps 5.1 & 5.2 are necessary to achieve accurate Basic Co-alignment.

a. Remove the diffuser strip to see the projected laser crosshair.

b. Use the fine-adjustor knobs to line up the laser crosshair with the printed cross on the target plate.

c. Again, line up one axis at a time. Start with collimator vertical Up/Dn adjustment, then horizontal L/R adjustment.

d. Place the diffuser strip back on the center laser to see if the donut light beam is still centered (or without diffuser, the laser

crosshair tips only are still centered). If not, repeat Step 5.1.

5.3. Basic Co-Alignment Confirmation

Continue to iterate the procedures in Step 5.1 & 5.2 adjusting the telescope until the donut or laser line tips are centered and

concentric with one of the printed target circles, adjusting the collimator until the laser crosshair is centered in the printed target

cross. When you achieve this, it means the telescope & collimator are Co-Aligned. For all intents and purposes, it's as if the

telescope were pointed at a distant star. You are now ready to diagnose your optics.

6.0. How to Read the Diagnostic Result on the Collimator

With the telescope and collimator Basic Co-Alignment completed (Step 5.0), you can determine collimation errors present in

the telescope’s optical system by observing the deviation of the three collimating lasers’ three reflected dots relative to one of

the concentric rings on the collimator target plate.

6.1. Locate the three laser dots

a. Switch to mode 2 or mode 3 (with panel backlight) to turn on the three collimating lasers and the crosshair laser.

b. Verify Basic Co-Alignment (Step 5.0). Check that the crosshair outer tips are concentric on the same target plate ring (Step

5.1), and that the crosshair lines are centered on the printed target plate cross (Step 5.2).

c. Observe the three collimating laser dots on the target plate – ideally they will be close to the same target plate ring.

d. If the three laser dots are visible on the target plate, go to Step 7.0 to collimate the telescope.

e. If the three laser dots are not visible or are only partially visible on the target plate, continue to Steps 6.2 and/or 6.3.

6.2. The Reflector Mirror is not properly installed

a. The reflector mirror reflects the lasers for visual back or focuser axial alignment. You must install the reflector mirror

correctly (square in the visual back or focuser drawtube). The axial position of the visual back or focuser drawtube affects

the alignment of the entire telescope optical system. Refer to Step 3.0 for correct reflector mirror installation.

b. When you have verified that the reflector mirror is correctly installed, but the three collimating laser dots are still completely

or partially invisible, continue to the next step. Otherwise go to Step 7.0.

(Continued Next Page)

6.3. The Reflector Mirror focus position is out of the telescope’s normal visual range of focus

FIG. 2B

Aim Collimator at Telescope,

Diffuser strip removed

Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 9 of 20

a. This can happen if the telescope was last focused with a diagonal in place (and a diagonal is not installed now), or a focal

reducer was in the optical train the last time the telescope was focused. The focal plane is too far out, and is not at the

normal visual position it would be in if the telescope were focused without a diagonal or focal reducer. If you do not want

to use the diagonal during collimation, you will need to adjust the telescope's focus. Continue to Step 6.3.b).

b. Adjust the focus to bring at least two laser dots onto the full view on the target plate. Adjust the focus in one direction first

to see if any of the laser dots are moving toward the center direction of the target. If the laser(s) is moving or expanding

away from the center of the target, reverse the focusing direction to bring at least two laser dots onto the full view of the

target plate. Go to Step 7 to collimate your telescope.

6.4. Your telescope is grossly out of alignment

When your telescope is grossly out of alignment, the collimating laser dots may be reflected completely away from the target

plate. If you believe this to be the case, begin the collimation process anyway and see if you can bring the three laser dots

onto the target plate.

Mechanical Method to get Collimation into Ballpark – Make a preliminary mechanical adjustment of the secondary mirror

adjustment knobs or screws to achieve a good rough adjustment of the secondary mirror. If you have not replaced the

secondary mirror adjustment screws with knobs, this would be a good time to do so. Since this procedure is essentially the

same as the one used to install knobs in place of the screws and greatly expedites secondary mirror adjustment. From this

point on, the expression “knobs or screws” will be replaced with “knobs”. To make the ballpark adjustment, remove the knobs

turn counterclockwise one at the time (DO NOT REMOVE THE KNOBS ALL AT ONCE). Mark the knobs with index marks.

While unscrewing one, gently pull on it while counting the number of turns and fractions of turns until you see exactly how

many turns and fraction of a turn were made until the threads disengaged. Write down the number of turns and the associated

knob location (which knob). If you are replacing screws with knobs, do it now. Reinstall each knob – making the noted number

of turns so it is back to its original position. Do this, one knob at a time. Now, add up and average the number of turns. And re-

adjust all the knobs, one at the time, to the average number of turns. Begin with the knob threaded the most turns into the

secondary and remove it (CCW). The secondary mirror will be a bit loose at this point, reinstall the knob to the average

number of turns. Go to the next longest knob (always one at the time) and remove and re-turning it to the average number of

turns. Finally set the last knob to the average number of turns. When complete, ensure all the knobs are snug (CW) against the

secondary mirror.

Alternate Method for Gross Alignment – A Mirror Reflections Check for a grossly mis-collimated scope can be done by

observing the reflections of the telescope mirrors by looking directly down the tube. You will have to stop using the collimator.

Turn off the laser before proceeding. Cut a small hole in the center of a white letter size sheet of paper. Holding the paper at a

distance of about 7.5 times the diameter of your telescope, look through the hole as straight as you can into the center of your

Optical Tube Assembly (OTA). Move back and forth until you see white and black (or dark) rings. The white rings are mirror

reflections of the white paper in the primary and secondary mirrors kind of like barbershop mirror reflections where you sit in a

chair with a mirror in front of you and a parallel mirror in back of you, and you see reflections of yourself getting smaller and

smaller off to infinity. The dark rings are the OTA barrel and secondary housing reflections. Find a distance where you can see

three white rings. What you want is to see all the rings, both white and dark to be perfectly concentric. If you are reading this,

the rings are not concentric yet. Now, when you begin to adjust the three secondary mirror collimation knobs always remind

yourself to work with all rings simultaneously. You can’t get just two rings concentric or you could be off the center optical axis

one way or the other. To use this method to achieve gross alignment you must work with all the reflected rings (white and dark)

simultaneously, or the optical axis alignment will be skewed to one side.

7.0. Collimating the Secondary Mirror

7.1. Precautions Before Collimating the Secondary Mirror

PRECAUTIONS –Be aware of the following when adjusting the secondary mirror collimation knobs (or screws) located on the

back of the secondary mirror housing assembly:

a. Never touch the central screw which holds the secondary mirror (usually only older SCTs will have this central screw).

b. The three knobs must be turned in by very small amounts. No screw being over-tightened or totally unscrewed. When

secondary mirror collimation adjustment is complete, all three adjustment knobs must be tight. If collimation knobs are

loose, collimation will not be maintained for long! ALWAYS finish adjustment by tightening knobs ONLY. In the process of

adjusting the knobs too achieve collimation – when turning a screw would over tighten it – loosen the opposite knob(s) to

continue moving the original Knob in the proper direction.

c. As you adjust the collimation knobs, observe the collimating lasers three dots position on the collimator target plate to

determine which knob(s) to turn, and by how much. When collimation is close and the three collimation knobs are snug,

finishing adjustments will be on the order of 1/32 turn and less.

NOTE – You will need to constantly re-check telescope & collimator Basic Co-Alignment during the adjustment process to

make sure proper alignment is maintained.

(Continued Next Page)

Indice

Altri manuali Hotech Accessori

Hotech

Hotech Advanced CT Manuale utente

Manuali Accessori popolari di altre marche

Hillco

Hillco 2810 Manuale utente

Siemens

Siemens QSA2700D Manuale dell'operatore

Contours

Contours ZY024 Manuale utente

Saivod

Saivod VS621 Manuale utente

Virtuox

Virtuox VirtuCLEAN 2.0 Manuale utente

SCE

SCE ENVIRO-THERM SCE-TE170B24VSS Manuale utente

Z-Wave

Z-Wave HSD-200Z Manuale utente

turck

turck FMX-IM-2UPLI63FX Manuale utente

Decagon Devices

Decagon Devices 10HS Manuale utente

UPPAbaby

UPPAbaby Cup Holder Manuale utente

Elko

Elko SmartSensor Leakage Wireless Manuale utente

Grizzly

Grizzly H8371 Manuale utente

Panasonic

Panasonic HG-T Series Manuale utente

IFM Electronic

IFM Electronic Efector 250 Series Guida di riferimento

DigiDesign

DigiDesign 888/24 I/O Manuale utente

PROZIS

PROZIS QUAY Manuale utente

patagonia

patagonia PSI Vest Manuale utente

SFC Energy

SFC Energy EFOY GO! Manuale utente