Hi folks,
I got a Newt 12" f/4 from GSO for this Jupiter apparition. I already have the scope assembled on an EQ-6 mounting which surprisingly was able to deal with the scope's plus camera's load very well.
I run a quick star test on the scope noticing a total out of collimation situation. To collimate the beast I used the following tools:
Auto collimator
2" Laser collimator from Howie Glatter
2" TuBlug from Howie Glatter (Barlow collimator accessory)
Chishare
I proceed then with the following steps:
1- I measured the size of each spider's vanes to check on the symmetry of the secondary holder. It was OK, I didn't touch it.
2- I blocked the primary mirror with to check on the shape and symmetry of reflex of the secondary mirror using the auto-collimator. It was OK, I didn't touch it.
3- With the laser collimator I checked the alignment between the primary and secondary mirror. It was totally out, then I recenter the mirrors using the target on the primary mirror.
4- Then using the TuBlug, I checked the tilt of the primary. It was totally out and I adjusted it.
5- I repeated 3 and 4 interactively 5 times to get good adjustment in both alignments.
6- Re-run the star test: horrible !!!
...but I noticed that the star shape is different when the defocus changes from inner to outter.
Obviously I am in that situation where everything is right but nothing works and now I am running out ideas to try to solve the problem.
Does anyone have some ideas to try ? I would appreciate any help.
Thank you,
Fernando