Decisions,decisions

[astronut (John)]

Hi Stellarquest,
I bought my collimation knobs from www.Astronomy-Shoppe.com Tony Costanzo is a nice fellow to deal with.
You can also purchase the knobs from www.Bob'sKnobs.com
I bought the shroud from Astrozap, it works very well with a draw string at each end. With a wide plastic band at each end it holds the shroud out of the lightpath.
The springs are from centuryspring their code number is S-436.
After you exchange the springs, it is unneccessary to use the locking pins.
As a matter of fact I would use these springs on the 8" and 10". The locking pins turn a simple task into a nightmare, so ditch them.
Keep using the chesire, the lazer is just a gimmick to make you spend more money. I've carried out a high magnification collimation check and the chesire is always spot on.
I hope this helps, if you need further info, please let me know. John.

Originally Posted by stellarquest

This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Thank you. We did find the collimation at the site a real hassle, as all the scopes present were stock standard. I am not sure if it is allowed to post suppliers of you're parts stockists, but if it is possible would you please?Have seen the ad for Bobs Knobs and liked them.I believe Meade is manufacturing their own brand Shroud. Even though I usually use a Cheshire, I am upgrading to a Laser collimator, for obvious reasons.Thanks for the post John.Cheers for now.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Hi,

You can buy a full collimation upgrade kit from Tony Costanzo

www.astronomy-shoppe.com

Tony is a sponsor of Cloudy Nights. www.cloudynights.com

Click on "Dob Kits" then scroll down to "Meade Rescue Kits"

The one you need is the 3rd one down under Meade Rescue Kits and it is called "Recue Kit #1". It costs $US44.95 for everything excluding postage. This kit includes the thumbscrews for the secondary holder, the larger springs and the collimation knobs for the primary. I recently purchased this kit for my 10" GSO dob. The total cost to me was $AUS 83 which included shipping and conversion to $AUS. The kit is excellent and well worth the money IMO. All componenets are high quality. These Meade upgrade kits will fit all 8",10" and 12" GSO dobs as well as the Meade Lightbridge scopes. The threads are the same (4mm x 0.7mm on the secondary holder and 7mm x 1.0mm on the primary cell).

If you want the azimuth knob get #4. I just bought a plastic knob from Bunnings for about $3 and it works very well.

CS-John B

[stellarquest]

Hi guys,Thank you both for the excellent information. I will be definately be buying the kit and using it on the 10. I will also tell both my mates about it. Maybe we will put together a decent size order and save some money on the postage as well!! Took a quick look at the shop site and it is going in my favourites folder. Will keep to the Cheshire. I was brought up with it.Have always thought of Cloudynights at a must have quality site. So professional yet still so focussed on telling what you need to know, instead of some company trying to tell us what they want us to know.Will be starting up another thread, probably this evening, that should have everyone thinking. Of course I will still keep a close watch on this thread, so if anyone else has any input, please feel free.Thanks to everyone so far for the support.Cheers,Stellarquest