Calling all Colimators!

[04Stefan07]

Waiting for my new RCA 6" OTA to arrive this week and looks like I need to invest in a collimator (didn't have once since my Newtonian).

Can anyone here recommend me one for this tube?

Something like this maybe?

http://agenaastro.com/farpoint-1-25-2-laser-collimator-650nm-red-laser.html

Cheers,
Stefan.

[Paul Haese]

If this is a GSO scope or an RC, using a laser is not going to work for you. You are better off using a Tak collimation scope. :)

[Paul Haese]

If the RCA scope is a Newtonian, then forget please forget my comment.

[04Stefan07]

Looks like they might be a little tricky to find.

Any other alternatives?

[Paul Haese]

Not from my experience Stefan. Lasers don't really work for RC's only Tak scopes. You can buy them from OPT and they are reasonably affordable.

[04Stefan07]

Thanks mate.

You think any chance of a second hand one will pop up here?

[04Stefan07]

Looks like this guy is using a Cheshire and Howie Glatter.

http://stevesastro.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/collimating-my-gso-rc8-telescope.html

[Paul Haese]

I doubt it would be as affective to be honest.

[DJT]

Hi Stefan

I use a Tak Collimator and its a piece of cake. Just remember not to fiddle about with the primary unless really necessary and use Als Collimation tool for final tweaks when star testing (search ICE).

Just be aware that the Tak device plus screw adapters from precise parts (without which the whole tak thing is pretty pointless) is probably over capitalizing for the RC 6. But its not much more than going down the laser path and as Paul says am not sure laser is effective for an RC anyway.

Do you plan to image? If not, a Cheshire will probably get you close enough?

Best gadget for an RC is a set of Bobs Knobs for collimation..an absolute godsend.

If the RC8 is permanently mounted, I have found it holds collimation really well so that probably applys to the 6 as well

enjoy.

[04Stefan07]

I plan to do imaging mostly but also do some observing. It won't be permanently mounted so I may have to do a collimation a bit more often like with Newtonians.

The Tak method does look a lot easier, just a bit harder to get that item over the Howie lasers over at Bintel.

I am assuming the Knobs would be these ones? http://agenaastro.com/bobs-knobs-at8rc-gs.html

How much do the custom adapters at Precise Parts go for?

[DJT]

Hi Stefan

The adapter from a moonlight 2.5 to the Tak Scope was $116US, $145US landed, hence you are starting to over capitalise. You would have to get the quote from their site using their parts builder thing though

On the bobs knobs, it looks right.

[04Stefan07]

Yeah after conversion including the Tak scope it will be around $370 AUS which is quite a lot for collimation equipment for a 6"! If I had the 10" version then I would purchase the collimation stuff in a flash.

Do you have any other alternatives that could help me out?

[DJT]

In which case go with the advice in these site

http://deepspaceplace.com/gso8rccollimate.php

[04Stefan07]

That would have been handy if I had live view on my Canon. I have an older model that doesn't have it.