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Old 12-05-2010, 07:22 PM
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Collimating a SkyWatcher 8" Dob

Bought a Laser Collimator today to give the Dob its first service

Things i noticed

When placing the Collimator in the 1.25", there was still a bit of slack and when tightened up it could still shift. So i placed it in what i thought was a good position.

Adjusting the Secondary to get the laser in the donut.

The 3 Allen key bolts were so tight they would not loosen.
So i brought the laser into the donut by adjusting the 4 vein knob, is this OK ? The laser was on the edge of the donut, try as i might, i could not get it bang in the middle


Adjusting the Primary

Very Straight forward and no obvious issues. After it was done the secondary was still lined up fine


If i have done anything wrong please let me know
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Old 12-05-2010, 07:29 PM
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multiweb (Marc)
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Originally Posted by Stu Ward View Post
Adjusting the Secondary to get the laser in the donut.

The 3 Allen key bolts were so tight they would not loosen.
So i brought the laser into the donut by adjusting the 4 vein knob, is this OK ?
You'll need to get those 3 bolts loose so you can tilt the secondary.
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Old 12-05-2010, 08:22 PM
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OK so i got em undone and had another go

What really worries me is the slack that is between the 1.25 fitting and the Collimator.

How do you know if you are aligning properly ?
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Old 12-05-2010, 08:56 PM
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Which one did you buy Stu? Slack is not good. (hopefully someone may have a solution for you)
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Old 12-05-2010, 09:17 PM
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I bought the $59 GSO Laser Collimator from Andrews Communications
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Old 12-05-2010, 09:59 PM
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You might need to wrap the collimator in something (contact?) to make it fit the focuser better.
And if you loosened the spider vanes at all you'll need to tighten them back up.
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Old 12-05-2010, 11:44 PM
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erick (Eric)
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Yep, the stuff you used to put on the school books - well we did in my day! "Contact". Try one wrap and see if that takes up the gap between the collimator and the 1.25" adapter. If that doesn't work, try two wraps. I have found one wrap of a GSO collimator was sufficient. You want it nice and snug, but you don't want the contact on only one side - ie. not half a turn or 1.5 turns.

Last edited by erick; 13-05-2010 at 09:51 AM.
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Old 13-05-2010, 06:09 AM
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Thanks Eric

So it must be a common problem ???

Now where do i find "Contact" !

Stu
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Old 13-05-2010, 06:22 AM
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wavelandscott (Scott)
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Quote:
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Thanks Eric

So it must be a common problem ???

Now where do i find "Contact" !

Stu
Most any News agent will likely carry it (or other place that has school supplies)...It is a big item (at least in Roseville, NSW) for the primary school teachers who insist that all workbooks and similar are covere in it!

I developed quite a skill in covering things in it.

Cheers,
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Old 13-05-2010, 09:55 AM
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Image doesn't capture it all, but you can see a wrap around the barrel of this Cheshire. Yes, I know, flowers - I pinched a piece from my wife who had been doing the insides of the kitchen drawers!
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Old 13-05-2010, 10:31 AM
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eric, im getting worried about IIS's, more and more floral decor is showing up, First Steve (kinetic) with his floral scooter mount, now you with your Floral contact. lord don't let me tred this path! hehehe
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Old 13-05-2010, 07:35 PM
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Thanks for the contact tip guys, worked a treat and is now rock steady.

Got my Collimation all sorted, but now its cloudy and raining !!!!
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Old 14-05-2010, 07:20 AM
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eric, im getting worried about IIS's, more and more floral decor is showing up, First Steve (kinetic) with his floral scooter mount, now you with your Floral contact. lord don't let me tred this path! hehehe
Perhaps a few of these on the primary?
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Old 14-05-2010, 07:21 AM
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Thanks for the contact tip guys, worked a treat and is now rock steady.

Got my Collimation all sorted, but now its cloudy and raining !!!!
Onya Stu! Easy solution.
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Old 14-05-2010, 10:27 AM
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good lord eric. i think its nearly driving me to change my avatar! :S
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Old 14-05-2010, 07:48 PM
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I hope you dont change your avatar Brendan! Its one of my "constants" in IIS. You contribute heaps of knowledge to the forums. As a bonus you have that "mad young scientist" look which matches well with your engineering and astronomical skills!!
My avatar is our Jack Russell Bonnie Boo - thats what I wake up to if I doze off on the couch! You can see what she's thinking - "slacking off again bub - how about a game?"

Last edited by Vanda; 14-05-2010 at 07:52 PM. Reason: added text
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Old 18-05-2010, 11:43 AM
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damn, i have become a knowledge bearing piece of furniture... daym! now im definately going to have to change the avatar.... don't worry itll have the same mad scientist flava! hehehe
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Old 21-05-2010, 09:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by erick View Post
Yep, the stuff you used to put on the school books - well we did in my day! "Contact".
There was a post some time ago about some self adhesive stuff that looked like carbon fibre from Supercheap Auto. I can't find the thread again, perhaps someone can recall the name of it? It had a metallic base, I think.
Cheers
Graeme
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Old 21-05-2010, 10:36 PM
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That was me again

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?p=595704

I have just updated the thread with one more post and photos of the result.

I should really replace my contact with the Trimbrite stuff. But I don't really need to. I now use Antares Twist lock adapters:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=50200

They pull up nice and tight on any 1/25" barrel and centre it well.
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