[SJAAboard] Collimation tools for scopes

[Rich N]

To be more clear about my "simple" comment, I mean simple
to use and still be effective.

Rich

> 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)
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> **************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living.      
>> (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/
>> 2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598)
>> _______________________________________________
>> SJAABoard mailing list
>> SJAABoard at sjaa.net
>> http://sjaa.net/mailman/listinfo/sjaaboard_sjaa.net
>>
> 
> _______________________________________________
> SJAABoard mailing list
> SJAABoard at sjaa.net
> http://sjaa.net/mailman/listinfo/sjaaboard_sjaa.net
>