Hotech SCA Crosshair Laser collimator

[Crusader]

I'm thinking of ordering one of these from the US.

Does anyone have experience with this laser collimator? I'm assuming these would be properly collimated and a nice step up from the normal retail versions of laser collimators.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Yes - they're excellent.

[erick (Eric)]

I like mine. I have the 2" version and before the crosshair improvement was made to the production models. It does what I want and I like the concept of the self-centering adjustment.

But the self-centering mechanism takes a bit of effort to insert the collimator firmly. The screw in/out on/off switch could be better. Adjustable brightness would also be good. I did find that I finally chose to tweak the laser's collimation, which was fairly straightforward using the jig I made up and some instructions that Hotech helpfully supplied.

Some reading:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=39137

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=38552

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=34321

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=46205

But, I would say based on what I have read, if you had the money to spend, I'd suggest going up to the Glatter or Astrosystems laser collimators.

[Crusader]

Thanks Eric. I already read all the threads in question.

I don't think my budget could reach for a Glatter. The thing is that the focuser on the XT10 is stock and has quite a bit of slop. That's why I thought the Hotech SCA would be ideal.

[bobson (Bob)]

Which one is better Glatter or Astrosystems laser collimator?

Astrosystems is selling 2" Barlowed Laser for $129 USD plus postage.
Bintel has Glatter from $189 AUD and so many different ones.

Thanks

bob2.00"

[Crusader]

A couple more questions:

Can you use a 1.25" barlow with the laser? I'm assuming there's a method to insert the barlow into the 2" SCA adaptor?

Can you add eyepieces to the SCA? If I got it right that's not a possibility.

I'm assuming for best results it would be a good idea to get a self-centering adapter for use with EP's as well.

[erick (Eric)]

If you are buying the 1.25" Hotech, I would expect so. I usually have used a 2" barlow, but I do recall using a 1.25" laser successfully in a 3x televue 1.25" barlow. In most cases, just insert the laser collimator into the barlow to adjust the primary mirror after you have done the secondary mirror un-barlowed.

No, the SCA mechanism is dedicated to the laser collimator. Hotech do make one other SCA mechanism as a holder for a DSLR camera.

We may see a version of a self-centring eyepiece holder at some stage - as an adapter. But it would be great if a focusser manufacturer built it into a focusser.

[Crusader]

Originally Posted by erick

We may see a version of a self-centring eyepiece holder at some stage - as an adapter. But it would be great if a focusser manufacturer built it into a focusser.

Thanks again for the quick reply.

I've found two self-centering eyepiece holders that are available (although seemingly just in the US).

Orion Self Centering Adapter
Antares Twist-Lock self centering adapter

They seem to be the exact same thing aside from different branding. It is very strange that something like this isn't included as standard in most focuser. Although, I guess if you go up to something like a Feathertouch/Moonlight they might not be necessary.

[erick (Eric)]

Yes, I should have thought of the Antares.

Both from the same manufacturer, I suspect - two brands.

I have a number of the Antares twist-locks adapters and love them. They go on my 1.25" eyepieces while I am observing. However the adapter itself still goes into a focusser which doesn't have a self-centring approach - either lock screw(s) or compression ring. But still, it is a good adapter for a dob or where you keep the eyepiece pointing upwards. Careful if you hang an eyepiece or camera upside down from one - it could slip out if you don't have it firm!

We ned a combination of this and the Hotech compression rubber rings. Wind the top knob and it tightens inward on the eyepiece, and simultaneously outward on the focusser draw tube!