Quote:
Originally Posted by JethroB76
So an autocollimator will still possibly show significant miscollimation after the use of a decent barlowed laser collimator? So it would be worthwhile to get one as a finishing touch?
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It all comes down to tool quality and knowledge.
For example, a quality barlowed laser tool used correctly will yield better results than an average autocollimator used incorrectly.
For example, Astrosystem autocollimator instructions are incomplete and will not get you the best results even if a perfect autocollimator is used. Their instructions ask the user to adjust the secondary mirror until all reflections converge and the background darkens. But that is insufficient. Just check the attached photos. As you can see, reflections seem to have converged and the background is darkened but collimation is way off for two while the third is OK. Astrosystems instructions are akin to asking someone to keep adjusting the secondary mirror until the laser beam retraces its path but that is not enough since the laser beam can retrace its path even when it strikes the primary mirror few inches off center.
Interestingly, Nils Olof Carlin and Vic Menard published enough information explaining the theory and the proper instructions to use single-pupil autocollimators several years ago yet Astrosystems did not make any effort to update and correct their instructions.
Jason
Proper instructions are in
http://www.catseyecollimation.com/IN...e%20-%20R2.pdf