[alpal]

Update:
I was wondering about my laser and if it was suitable for precise collimation?
I found out that it wasn't orthogonal.

After some internet research I discovered that the laser is easily tested
by clamping it in a vice and aiming it at a graph on the wall.
When first tested the error was over 8cm at my target 4.3 meters away.
Luckily the laser has adjustment Allen head grub screws.
They were sealed with silicone so I removed that and preceded to adjust it.
The least error I could get after 1 hour of tinkering was a 4.2 cm or 42 mm. see pics.

My testing involved rotating and re-tightening the clamping screw
in the 2" to 1.25" adapter- - which has a compression ring.
The fact that I could rotate the laser a full 360 degrees back to zero degrees and be on the same spot gives me confidence that my testing method is sound.
A 42 mm error at 4.3 meters away equals
inverse Tan of 42/4300 = 0.56 degrees.
My 10" f4 telescope has a FL of 1016mm
so the error in collimation will be 42/4300 x 1016 = 9.9mm
when projecting the laser spot on to the paper reinforcement circle.
That to me seems hopeless to use as a collimating too?
see pics below.
can anyone please comment?


cheers
Allan