Brain surgeons have it easier. However, brains come in all different shapes and sizes , just more variables than scopes.
Regarding your collimation, the one I once played with was by making the push/pull at the edge of the mirror cell and orthogonal. This gave me two points for X-Y collimation. Each of the collimation bolts were allen headed. Since collimation was to be done from the front of the scope, the bolt heads faced that way as well. I made up long rods (about 1.25 metres) with one end filed to fit into the allen head and spot welded them into position. The rods were held captive at the front end of the scope by small tabs with a hole drilled through them. Two small black anodized, knurled volume knobs were put on the ends for grip. Collimation could be done at any time through the night without having to crawl under, or kneel behind the scope.
Similar to Roger's idea I had a 9.5" f11 reflector ( Ex-BAA) where the square tube was made from 4 lengths of 18mm RHS tubing and the mirror cell was a Y shaped piece of steel plate with a ring to hold the mirror, the leg of the Y was fixed by a bolt and two nuts to the frame, at the ends of the arms of the Y I had long threaded rods ( 3/16") which went all the way to the eyepiece end of the tube through the RHS tube, a couple of big knobs and there you are. This is NOT and original idea, Hargreaves in the 1930's had a similar concept. Works well and easy to use. Got a photo somewhere.
Muddy, I did quick google search and didnt find anything really useful except for a mention that to collimate your scope isnt an easy task and maybe best left for a dealer.
You might find help on the nexstar 4gt yahoo group.
Good tip Starkler!
Have joined the group (cos they make you) and on within I found a set of instructions. My scope is collimated using screws which adjust the primary mirror and these are hidden beneath the cap to the rear which is easily removed. (just a bit of hassle refitting the cap so the eyepiece can be used to check the effects of any adjustment. Looks easy but longwinded but worth a go.
Decided to carry out my first collimation last night and what a difference. I still feel I could fine tweak even more but i was too excited and wanted to get viewing with my new clarity. Thanks guys for all the help, I feel ready for santas delivery of my new ep in a couple of days now. Rumples has it right....Collimate, Collimate, Collimate!
Brain surgeons have it easier. However, brains come in all different shapes and sizes , just more variables than scopes.
Regarding your collimation, the one I once played with was by making the push/pull at the edge of the mirror cell and orthogonal. This gave me two points for X-Y collimation. Each of the collimation bolts were allen headed. Since collimation was to be done from the front of the scope, the bolt heads faced that way as well. I made up long rods (about 1.25 metres) with one end filed to fit into the allen head and spot welded them into position. The rods were held captive at the front end of the scope by small tabs with a hole drilled through them. Two small black anodized, knurled volume knobs were put on the ends for grip. Collimation could be done at any time through the night without having to crawl under, or kneel behind the scope.
That is a fabulous idea. Now I've started thinking about a new mirror cell with this arrangement so I can adjust the mirror tilt from the front of the scope...
