Collimating Tool Suggestions

[anthonyc1]

I just recently collimated my 10" dob for the first time (which was wayyyy overdue seeing as though I have had it for a year now) using just the collimation cap that came with it. I didn't find it too difficult, but it did take me quite some time to adjust the primary mirror into the correct position.

I'm guessing it is normal to get quicker at collimating as you do it more often, but is it recommended that I get a tool that will help me do it a lot quicker? If so, what collimating tools are usually recommended?

Thanks!

[JB80]

I have used a laser collimator which has seemed adequate but I recently just bought a Chesire collimating tool which always gets a lot of praise.
I've not had the chance to use it yet but I think between that and the laser it should be OK.

But if your collimation is alright using the cap then stick with what works.

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

[ausastronomer]

Hi,

With a Newtonian telescope at a minimum you need to collimated it every time you take it out, if you want it to perform at it's best and give sharp images and pinpoint stars. Over a long nights observing I might recheck my collimation a couple of times and make some very minor adjustments.

The deluxe Orion collimating tool Jarrod has pointed you to is the best place to get started. It enables you to check "everything" in the collimation process and end up with an accurate result. Some people will suggest a laser device. This isn't what you need as it does not facilitate checking the positioning of the secondary mirror and can in some circumstances give an inaccurate result.

Cheers
John B

[wavelandscott]

Sound advice from Jarrod and John and exactly what I was going to recommend.

A lot of folks will suggest laser collimation and laser collimation (and its derivatives) does have its place and is a valuable tool but I like the "low tech" simple solution offered by the Orion tool. Simple., accurate and never needs batteries!

[anthonyc1]

If I am needing to collimate it every time I go out it is probably best that I do purchase that Orion tool, at least I know my telescope will always be at peak performance. Not only that, I don't know how accurate my first attempt at collimating using the just the collimating cap was :lol:

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[ColHut]

If cash is no object then some of the Howie Glatter gear is nice, especially at night. (Tublug etc here http://www.collimator.com/). But in daylight a combination Cheshire is just fine, and reliable.

regards

[Skieswatcher]

I just received my Orion Laser Delux Collimator today. Collimation was pretty simple being the noob that i am, could have been quicker with bob knobs though. Really happy with my purchase.

[ausastronomer]

Well in fact it's very nice. As is the 2" Astrosystems barlowed laser device that I own. Unfortunately these are not the best tools for a beginner to get started with. These tools are excellent for adjusting the primary mirror tilt in the field and saving time. They are not the right tools to use to collimate a telescope from scratch. In fact, if the secondary mirror is incorrectly adjusted in relation to it's distance positioning from the primary and it's axial rotation, the primary mirror can be adjusted to give results with the laser that make it appear properly collimated, when in fact it is not. This is the reason I avoid recommendimg a laser device to beginners. If you are good enough to "eyeball" the secondary and get it right, or know the secondary is right, the laser is an excellent time saving tool. Otherwise, I can think of far better ways to get started with collimation.

Cheers,
John B

[ausastronomer]

Just as an aside to the above. I also own an EZ laser collimator which was an early version of the Glatter tblug and a set of Tectron tools, which are a very early version of the Catseye system. I have also used a whole raft of other laser devices, including holographic lasers. The Tectron tools consist of an old fashioned mechanical "sight tube". An old fashioned "Cheshire", and a mechanical "autocollimator".

I am yet to find any laser device that can improve on the collimation obtained with the Tectron autocollimator. Whilst I don't own the Catseye system, I have no doubt it does just as well as the Tectron tools.

Cheers
John B