Intes M500 collimation?

[pgc hunter]

Well, it turns out my Intes M500 mak is completely out of collimation. Attempted to use it this morning, focusing was not possible.

While I found instructions on the net about collimating russian maks and will follow those, I've got a question about the primary mirror. It has 3 large hex bolts on the back, each paired up with a smaller flathead screw. Now, which one is used to adjust the mirror? Also I heard that the secondary has to be squared on to the optical train before attempting primary collimation. How do I know if/when it is properly aligned?

Also when attempting collimation, the secondary housing got loose and was easily rotating....I tightened it back up, but will pulling it tight introduce astigmatism via possible warping of the meniscus, or should loosen it off a bit, but still have it just barely tight enough to hold its position?

cheers

[Lismore Bloke (Paul)]

Hi PGC, I thought that h0ughy had one of those scopes. Might be worth a PM.

I also found some info on another page, Word doc attached. Cheers, Paul.

[gbeal]

Don't mess with it, not until you know what you are doing, and I mean that in the nicest way, not a condescending way, sorry.
Get back on the net and do as much research as you can.
The hex bolts and associated flat-head screws are likely the push/pull system, but check first.
The secondary will have it's own set of adjusting screws. Maks are simple to adjust, but like others have found if you are just guessing it can go pear-shaped without you realising it.
Best way to start is to sit it on a mount or tripod, at eye height. Look directly at the front, from a distance of perhaps 3 - 4 meters, and see how the reflections line up. If they are all close to bang on then it is good enough to take out and tune with a star. I tend to get the scope close as I can from the front the tickle it with a star (or artificial star).
Get some help from someone who has done it before, and is close by.
Gary