Collimation the easy way

middy · #1 24-10-2007, 11:35 PM

I don't know about everyone else but I find it very hard to see the centre spot through the cheshire collimation eyepiece in amongst all the crosshairs and images on images on images.

Well I was thinking what would happen if I put an SLR lens on my DSI Pro, mounted it on a tripod and pointed it straight down the pinhole on the collimation eyepiece.

Lo and behold there is an easy to see image of all the reflections complete with centre spot displayed in all its glory on my laptop screen. Here is a picture of the setup and a before and after shot. Collimation is now a breeze.

ballaratdragons (Ken) · #2 24-10-2007, 11:41 PM

I like it

And you can sit at the end of the scope with the laptop

middy · #3 25-10-2007, 07:47 AM

That was with the 35 mm lens. It doesn't get the full view in, but then I don't need the camera to do the first steps of the collimation. I only need it for the last part where you have to centre the dot under multiple reflections of cross hairs and spider vanes.

I haven't tested the collimtion with a star test yet as it is cloudy at the moment.

astro_nutt · #4 25-10-2007, 11:51 AM

Damn good idea Andrew!!!

StarLane · #5 25-10-2007, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by astro_nutt

Damn good idea Andrew!!!

I'll second that...Top idea