Laser Collimator Question

[refractordude]

Hello There


Got a laser collimator to make adjusting the primary a lot easier. Youtube videos show people looking down the tube at the laser's reflection to adjust the secondary. Is looking at the laser's reflection damaging to the eyes?


Thanks to you all

[OzEclipse]

Refractordude,

No, not dangerous because you only look at the spot on the mirror, and you don't let the beam reflect back into your eyes. This is only a risk if the primary mirror is way off collimated.

If the scope is anywhere near collimation, the beam will reflect back to the secondary and towards the focuser. It should not miss the secondary and go into your eyes.

You adjust the secondary to centre the spot on the mirrors' centre mark, then adjust the primary to centre the reflected beam to the centre of the 45 degree angled projection area up at the collimator in the focuser.

The main point of failure is if the laser is not centre collimated. Turn the laser in the focusser and its image on the mirror should not move. If is traces a small circle, the laser needs to be centred.

Joe

[erick]

Yes, what Joe said. If collimating regularly, the reflected laser beam is usually hitting the secondary mirror so won't come out of the open end of the reflector which is the only real risk of getting the beam into your eye. BUT, it is always wise to just hold a piece of paper or wave your hand over the open end when you switch the laser on to check nothing is drastically wrong and the laser beam is missing the secondary. You'll see the spot on the paper or your hand quickly enough and can take appropriate care while you correct/adjust. This might happen with a strut or collapsible scope if for some reason the struts/poles haven't been fitted or extended correctly - not common but possible.

[refractordude]

Joe and Erick


Cool and thanks a mil.