[SJAAboard] Collimation tools for scopes

[Rich N]

Hi Steven,

We are looking into relatively inexpensive alignment tools
that are effective.    

A scope with an OTA that must be assembled each time it is used
should have an alignment tool.  IMO, all of the Newts should have an 
alignment tool available since you never know when or by how much 
they may get out of collimation.  But, this is an issue for the next board 
meeting.  Rob has been doing a fine job looking into the different tools 
available, which scopes need them, and instructions on using these tools.
I agree with Rob that simple is good, in this case.

Rich

> As Rich suggested - Cheshire tools can work very well,
> and lasers can have problems if they are not collimated
> or if  the focus tubes are loose fits.
> 
> I had no problem using the Cheshire tool supplied
> with #39  17" Zeider Dob.
> 
> #14 with a easily turning secondary - The only real
> problems I had with #39 (after setting up a dozen
> times) was with the secondary which also can turn
> when bumped.  To a person unfamiliar with mirrors,
> this often results in them moving the primary or
> secondary tilt to try to compensate.  Loctite?
> 
> # 35 8" f/6 Meade Newt
> I'm using this now.  The tiny reflective cap aligner
> is adequate, but not super impressive.  Sort of a
> minimum price Cheshire.
> 
> How many scope have "center mark" on primary?
> 
> 
> Tools for the program (not each scope)?
> A great several hundred dollar laser is the one
> that sends out concentric rings of light and
> radial lines using a diffraction mask within
> the laser.  This is excellent for lots of things -
> including the gross placement of the secondary.
> 
> Another tool (Sac Valley has this) is a CO2
> "snow" cleaner for mirrors.  This is $2K but
> is 'semiconductor' grade technology and also
> used at professional observatories. (which
> still use distilled water, dish soap, alcohol, and
> lots of cotton)
> 
> 
> 
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