One recommendation - turn the laser collimator such that the opening is facing the mirror end; then you can see the target and laser while you're adjusting the primary collimation screws.
It should be noted that the primary mirror should never be collimated with the telescope positioned horizontally. The primary mirror is free in its cell to avoid deformation and astigmatism. So it's highly probable that positionned horizontally, the primary is not fully in support on its fulcrums, and then is not positioned as it will be when pointing sky.
@@regp5 I'd say 45 degrees or more; keep in mind that when you're using your telescope, you're NEVER going to be looking at something dead on the horizon.
Put the laser in a Barlow for the primary adjustment. You get a projection of the centre primary mirror donut marker that is a lot easier to get exactly centred on the 45 degree laser target.
Thanks for good introduction. I have an issue with collimation of the recently bought TSO-ONTC 606 Newton. After the collimation of the secondary and primary mirrors is done with a Cheshire, residual off-axis of the focuser drawtube is observed which is quite severe and exceeds by times the secondary mirror offset appropriate for a fast f/4 scope. It seems, the 2" TS focuser needs collimation as it is obviously mounted non coaxial with the light path after the secondary mirror. Please advise whether this particular model of the TS focuser allows collimation. Thanks in advance.
I think you should actually start with a sight tube to verify the secondary is rotated to be square to the focuser. Otherwise, the image could vignette, although it shouldn't change the shape or look of the stars. I put a white piece of paper on the inside wall behind the secondary. Then I push a sight tube into the focuser until the mirror almost fills the view. I like to make sure I can see as little of the sides of the secondary as possible.
The barlow makes a shadow of the center spot of the primary miror instead of visualising a returning laser spot. So it helps in case the laser is slighlty tilted in the eyepiece holder by eliminating the tilt error.
The Barlowed method is highly effective in avoiding errors due to misalignment of the laser in the focuser, or the laserdiode in the laser housing itself. Even a tiny bit of tilt will lead to errors. With the Barlow, the Barlowedlaser beam ensures we overtake these tilt errors. Just a drawback: the returned beam is really weak, and it's difficult to see it during daylight. No problem in the dark.
I have a laser-collimator which does not stay centered but draws circles. And my 8 inch Stella-Lyra has the same primary mirror screws, but they do not turn as smoothly as in the video and one spring seems to be not as flexible as the others... I ordered two new lasers to compare them to my old one...
Hi Gunnar, some lasers have 3 little screws on the side, where you can adjust the alignment, but not the simple ones. Hope the other lasers will perfom better!
I have zhumell 100mm reflector and during shipping the cullamation was off. I used a lazer and adjusted the secondary mirror and got it centered in primary mirror. However, there is no adjustments screws for primary mirror. How you cullamate a fixed primary mirror?
Dear Mike, i'm afraid, there is no solution. This telescope cant be collimated by the user. If its really off, you should get in contact with the seller or the manufacturer to find a solution. Hope you can solve the problem
you don't explain much. when you unscrew the center of the secondary mirror, do you have to tight it after? if you unscrew too much does it fell off? what does it do unscrewing? rotate the mirror? what the other 3 screws do? nothing is explained unfortunately.
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This is by far the most helpful instruction on collimation. I really appreciate this. Thank you.
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Best video about collimation so far
Thank you very much!
One recommendation - turn the laser collimator such that the opening is facing the mirror end; then you can see the target and laser while you're adjusting the primary collimation screws.
Thats absolutely right. With small tubes (or shorter arms) it's not an issue, but with longer tubes that is the way to go.
EXCELLENT tutorial, thank you so much! Just picked up the TS Photon 6" f5 and look forward to using it! Best wishes from Scotland! :)
Thank you very much!
That's excellent, easily the best guide I've seen on TH-cam, thanks so much 💖
It should be noted that the primary mirror should never be collimated with the telescope positioned horizontally. The primary mirror is free in its cell to avoid deformation and astigmatism. So it's highly probable that positionned horizontally, the primary is not fully in support on its fulcrums, and then is not positioned as it will be when pointing sky.
Is there a particular position the scope should be pointing up?
@@regp5 I'd say 45 degrees or more; keep in mind that when you're using your telescope, you're NEVER going to be looking at something dead on the horizon.
Put the laser in a Barlow for the primary adjustment. You get a projection of the centre primary mirror donut marker that is a lot easier to get exactly centred on the 45 degree laser target.
Thanks for good introduction.
I have an issue with collimation of the recently bought TSO-ONTC 606 Newton. After the collimation of the secondary and primary mirrors is done with a Cheshire, residual off-axis of the focuser drawtube is observed which is quite severe and exceeds by times the secondary mirror offset appropriate for a fast f/4 scope. It seems, the 2" TS focuser needs collimation as it is obviously mounted non coaxial with the light path after the secondary mirror. Please advise whether this particular model of the TS focuser allows collimation. Thanks in advance.
Hi, do I use this same technique for 6” F4?
Hi Jeff, yes thats exactly the same process!
@Sergio Cory I care
I think you should actually start with a sight tube to verify the secondary is rotated to be square to the focuser. Otherwise, the image could vignette, although it shouldn't change the shape or look of the stars.
I put a white piece of paper on the inside wall behind the secondary. Then I push a sight tube into the focuser until the mirror almost fills the view. I like to make sure I can see as little of the sides of the secondary as possible.
Hello, I always use a barlow when adjusting the primary. I forget the reason!
Because its more precise :) Especially for the faster types (f/4 and below) a barlowed laser is a good choice!
The barlow makes a shadow of the center spot of the primary miror instead of visualising a returning laser spot. So it helps in case the laser is slighlty tilted in the eyepiece holder by eliminating the tilt error.
The Barlowed method is highly effective in avoiding errors due to misalignment of the laser in the focuser, or the laserdiode in the laser housing itself.
Even a tiny bit of tilt will lead to errors. With the Barlow, the Barlowedlaser beam ensures we overtake these tilt errors.
Just a drawback: the returned beam is really weak, and it's difficult to see it during daylight. No problem in the dark.
@@bezain7663 does it matter x2 or x3 or would it just be dimmer with the x3
I have a laser-collimator which does not stay centered but draws circles. And my 8 inch Stella-Lyra has the same primary mirror screws, but they do not turn as smoothly as in the video and one spring seems to be not as flexible as the others... I ordered two new lasers to compare them to my old one...
Hi Gunnar, some lasers have 3 little screws on the side, where you can adjust the alignment, but not the simple ones. Hope the other lasers will perfom better!
I have zhumell 100mm reflector and during shipping the cullamation was off. I used a lazer and adjusted the secondary mirror and got it centered in primary mirror. However, there is no adjustments screws for primary mirror. How you cullamate a fixed primary mirror?
Dear Mike, i'm afraid, there is no solution. This telescope cant be collimated by the user. If its really off, you should get in contact with the seller or the manufacturer to find a solution. Hope you can solve the problem
👍👍
Has this guy a name? Would be just a properly behavior to introduce himselve
you don't explain much. when you unscrew the center of the secondary mirror, do you have to tight it after? if you unscrew too much does it fell off? what does it do unscrewing? rotate the mirror? what the other 3 screws do? nothing is explained unfortunately.
I collimated mine with a laser, and I swear the view gotten worse. Idk, maybe its the dew tonight. Starting to second guess getting the newtonian...
There junk all lazers they need collimating the cheap ones are not collimated use a cheshire