Hotech SCA Crosshair Laser collimator

[Crusader]

I'm thinking of ordering one of these from the US.

Does anyone have experience with this laser collimator? I'm assuming these would be properly collimated and a nice step up from the normal retail versions of laser collimators.

[multiweb]

Yes - they're excellent.

[erick]

I like mine. I have the 2" version and before the crosshair improvement was made to the production models. It does what I want and I like the concept of the self-centering adjustment.

But the self-centering mechanism takes a bit of effort to insert the collimator firmly. The screw in/out on/off switch could be better. Adjustable brightness would also be good. I did find that I finally chose to tweak the laser's collimation, which was fairly straightforward using the jig I made up and some instructions that Hotech helpfully supplied.

Some reading:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=39137

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=38552

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=34321

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=46205

But, I would say based on what I have read, if you had the money to spend, I'd suggest going up to the Glatter or Astrosystems laser collimators.

[Crusader]

Thanks Eric. I already read all the threads in question.

I don't think my budget could reach for a Glatter. The thing is that the focuser on the XT10 is stock and has quite a bit of slop. That's why I thought the Hotech SCA would be ideal.

[bobson]

Which one is better Glatter or Astrosystems laser collimator?

Astrosystems is selling 2" Barlowed Laser for $129 USD plus postage.
Bintel has Glatter from $189 AUD and so many different ones.

Thanks

bob2.00"

[Crusader]

A couple more questions:

Can you use a 1.25" barlow with the laser? I'm assuming there's a method to insert the barlow into the 2" SCA adaptor?

Can you add eyepieces to the SCA? If I got it right that's not a possibility.

I'm assuming for best results it would be a good idea to get a self-centering adapter for use with EP's as well.

[erick]

If you are buying the 1.25" Hotech, I would expect so. I usually have used a 2" barlow, but I do recall using a 1.25" laser successfully in a 3x televue 1.25" barlow. In most cases, just insert the laser collimator into the barlow to adjust the primary mirror after you have done the secondary mirror un-barlowed.

No, the SCA mechanism is dedicated to the laser collimator. Hotech do make one other SCA mechanism as a holder for a DSLR camera.

We may see a version of a self-centring eyepiece holder at some stage - as an adapter. But it would be great if a focusser manufacturer built it into a focusser.

[Crusader]

Thanks again for the quick reply.

I've found two self-centering eyepiece holders that are available (although seemingly just in the US).

Orion Self Centering Adapter (http://www.telescope.com/control/accessories/adapters-and-cables/orion-precision-centering-adapter)
Antares Twist-Lock self centering adapter (http://agenaastro.com/antares-2-to-1-25-twist-lock-eyepiece-adapter.html)

They seem to be the exact same thing aside from different branding. It is very strange that something like this isn't included as standard in most focuser. Although, I guess if you go up to something like a Feathertouch/Moonlight they might not be necessary.

[erick]

Yes, I should have thought of the Antares.

Both from the same manufacturer, I suspect - two brands.

I have a number of the Antares twist-locks adapters and love them. They go on my 1.25" eyepieces while I am observing. However the adapter itself still goes into a focusser which doesn't have a self-centring approach - either lock screw(s) or compression ring. But still, it is a good adapter for a dob or where you keep the eyepiece pointing upwards. Careful if you hang an eyepiece or camera upside down from one - it could slip out if you don't have it firm!

We ned a combination of this and the Hotech compression rubber rings. Wind the top knob and it tightens inward on the eyepiece, and simultaneously outward on the focusser draw tube!