|
Hi Nightingale,
There are lots of things to love about a Schmidt-Cassegrainian telescope, but ease of collimation is not one of them. Generally, once collimated they hold it very well unless serious abused. Newtonains on the other hand while pretty easy to collimate, unless mounted permanently, require frequent adjustment.
Collimating a Schmidt-Cannegrainian is somewhat to much more difficult than a Newtonian. You need to do it on a star or other point source and examine the out of focus star images -- a laser is of practically no assistance. It is far more convenient to do it as a two-person operation with one gently adjusting the collimation screws, while the other examines the eyepiece image and provides directions to the other person.
If you don't have much experience with telescopes, I'd suggest getting it done professionally. There is a Meade dealer in Adelaide -- Adelaide Optical Centre, and I'm sure one of the staff there will have it done quickly, won't cost that much (in context) and you'll know it's right. You can also try other places as well, but this is a Meade dealership.
Best,
L.
|