[mldee (Mike)]

As a totally non-qualified person, I do feel that as long as one respects ALL the laws of optics and physics in general, many of the items mentioned in this thread, and many of the posts, are correct.

Firstly, Doug's question re the laser collimator, I still feel that it has a use, as long as one respects the laws above and makes sure it is accurately centred in its beam, and collimated for zero eccentricity and that it mounts accurately and firmly in the focuser mount.

It should then be capable, once the focuser assembly is also correctly mechanically tested as being aligned, of showing a true picture of the focuser to secondary mirror situation. And only that, as Brendan points out.

The next step, as Brendan says, is to then get the primary mirror aligned correctly with this focuser/secondary mirror unit. This needs an artificial star, again, under correct conditions of distance and size, etc, or alternatively a real star with the mozzies and darkness......I prefer the artificial star gadget, which is basically a laser-drilled very small hole I bought that clamps on to the front of a small one-LED torch, which is then clamped to a sturdy pole some distance away, preferably in a dark location. I use my backyard shed and have the scope about 75m away in the kitchen, looking though a window at the shed door opening.

And yes, there will be some to'ing and fro'ing to get it all right, but one should finish up with a well aligned RC. I realise I've oversimplified things, but the point I am trying to make is that none of it is impossible rocket science, but it does require EACH STEP being correct in all optical detail before proceeding to the next.

I'll be the first to confess that I have yet to do all this with the RC, I did it with the C8s and Newt and it worked out OK. I'm looking for comments before I take the big step with the CF RC, which to date is my favourite scope due to its optical and physical solidity, and performance potential. It's the sweet spot for my EQ6.