Laser Collimators

[Khuda777]

I couldn't find a definitive answer when searching, so, if this has been answered already, apologies and please direct me to the correct thread.

The Newtonian Reflector I bought from Australian Geographic was astonishingly out of collimation, I've done the best I can, it is harder to do than I thought (especially with 6 screw to play around with).

Anyways, i've seen some videos of people using a Laser Collimator, they look easy enough to use, has anybody had experience with these? Should I splurge and spend the $130 to get one?
http://www.ozscopes.com.au/review/product/list/id/1375/category/7/

Thank-you in advance for your replies and advise.

-Damo

[ausastronomer]

Hi Damo,

It's not what I would recommend. A laser collimator has it's place but it is not suitable for the entire collimation process, only part of it.

I would recommend you read Don Pensacks article on beginner collimation

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-390-0-0-1-0.html

and then go and buy this Orion collimation device from Bintel for $65

http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories/Collimation/Orion-Collimating-Eyepiece/418/productview.aspx

Which can do the entire collimation from start to finish and then read as much as you can about how to use mechanical collimation tools.

There are better mechanical tools available like the Catseye, but they are expensive and the Orion tool will be more than accurate enough for the class of telescope you have.

Cheers
John B

[Khuda777]

Thank-you very much John,

I will read through Don Pensacks article and surely learn a thing or two and definitely invest in one of those collimating eyepieces.

I've just had my first night time look through my telescope. Unfortunately I couldn't see the moon (it was directly above me) maybe later tonight. I looked at a few stars (guessing the next bit from my startracker app); Aquila(?). I think i need to invest in some different eyepieces.

I cannot wait to learn more about astronomy :)

Once again, thank-you for your advice.

[barx1963]

Sound advice from John there Damian. The only other piece of advice I can give is don't stress about collimation. I have seen beginners spend hours tweaking and stressing about slightly imperfect aligments when they would be much better off getting out and actually using their scopes. That doesn't mean being slapdash with it, just that collimation is a game of diminishing returns.
This article by Gary Seronik ( http://www.garyseronik.com/?q=node/169 )has a very simple explanation of why collimation is necessary.

Cheers

Malcolm

[Khuda777]

Thanks Malcolm :) Appreciate the advice.