Tip: when adjusting at the eyepiece end, have the scope pointing down. If you lose grip on the screwdriver it slides down the tube and damages the main mirror. If eyepiece end points down then screwdriver just falls onto floor.
Thank you so so much for this video! I’m a complete beginner and I got this telescope for Christmas but couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. Now I know! Great work
If you don't know how to do it don't make a video to mislead others. This is not how to collimate. You don't even know how to unlock the mirror so you are having to force it with pliers. You are lucky you did not damage the mirror. Maybe you did. Take this video down. Or is this your idea of a joke? Not funny to cause others to damage their equipment that they may not be able to afford to replace.
You needed to loosen the three small screws next to the thumb screws on the primary mirror. They are effectively lock screws. Hopefully, you haven't damaged anything by applying force with the pliers 😕
The small screws on the back are lock screws which you release and the. Adjust the mirror. Once it’s set you can lock it by tightening the lock screws. As others have stated here 🙂
If you haven’t already, center mark that primary mirror. A lazar collimating tool might be over kill but a Cheshire or collimating cap will get you better results.
I'm a total novice but find that the front/eyepiece mirror adjustment is so crudely made that it's an absolute nightmare to adjust accurately. The end of the screws just rub against the back of the mirror base and wobble the mirror in any direction. I'm thinking of getting some M6 or M8 tilt leveling screws, stick the feet/base to the mirror base where the original screws touch and then hopefully when adjusting the screws during collimating it will be much easier and accurate. If it doesn't work I could easily put it back to standard but for the sake of a few pounds and an hour or so I think it's worth a try and nothing to lose. Any if you more experienced had the same problems? Suggestions welcome. 😁
The front is regular hex/allen keys, not sure about the size, and the rear is Phillips and "thumb screws" - in quotation since they were so tight I had to use some pliers to get them going. The specific screwdriver I used is from an iFixit kit.
This is not how you collimate a reflector telescope. This is bad advice. Its a wonder you can see anything with any accuracy. When collimating a telescope you start with a collimation tool such as a cheshire or laser collimator and you adjust the secondary mirror first followed by adjustment on the primary mirror. I own a numbet of reflectors, have been in astronomy for over 30 years and work full time in an astronomy shop professionally collimating scopes.
@@duanedouglas7602 Newtonian reflectors have been aligned for three centuries without a laser columnator (Issac Newton). Laser alignment makes it easier, but you can do it on the spot using Polaris and a steady hand.
@@duanedouglas7602 however this guy is a bit rough and guessing at how to do it. He does miss the purpose of the locking screws and goes immediately to the alignment screws with pliers to force them.
@@duanedouglas7602 there are some better videos, but his basic idea isn't wrong. The scopes have two sets of screws for both mirrors. An unlocking screw(s) and alignment screws. Unlock, align, relock to avoid a mere jostle or bump screwing up the work. Secondary mirror alignment is easier to do than the primary. Try that 1st. When working with tools inside the scope, pivot the mouth down just in case you drop an allen wrench or screwdriver. Good luck. Oh point your scope at Polaris and focus in and out. If you see a symmetrical fuzzy doughnut as you move out of focus, then DON'T DO ANYTHING. You are probably already aligned as well as you could get it yourself. Orion scopes are easier to align than the budget Newtonian Celestrons.
Hi I have just bought this telescope and none of the mirrors are aligned. What can I do? I have read the manual a thousand times - but the manual does not make sense at all. And I called the place where I bought it from, and they are not able to help me. It seems such a waste having a telescope that I cannot use. Hoping for help in here… Which mirror should I try to adjust first, when both are not in place?
I'm really so sorry to say this but, these instructions could potentially result in someone causing damage to their mirrors. Please never force any adjustment screws for either mirror. The three Philips head screws around the main mirror are locking screws that need to be backed off first. The larger screws next to them are the adjustments which should turn easily when the locking screws are loosened. Adjusting the main mirror with them fully tightened will almost certainly distort it and if you go too hard, break it entirely.
I have had this telescope for several years. It works well, but I can't adapt it to astrophotography. Mainly it's about focusing after attaching the DSLR. It seems to me that it is necessary to raise the main mirror. Does anyone have such experience with this telescope?
I bought the same telescope but very disappointed with the performance. The moon is clearly visible but anything else is just a bright dot in the night sky. Planets are nowhere near what you see in photos posted online.
Get y'all some Barlow lenses. I just bought the same telescope, and with a x2 Barlow with a 9mm eye lense, seen 3 of the moons of Jupiter, and Jupiter in color and also Saturn's rings. Being new to all of this, I was very excited.
Apparently that frees up the whole assembly, apparently I was supposed to loosen those before adjusting, but the Celestron documentation that came with my scope wasn't exactly clear on what set of screws did what.
I appreciate your advice little tip helping you take a little criticism please don't film this with audio while you got a cold some of the sound effects were disgusting
It's painful to watch. The little screws free the big screws. There is a center screw in the front. See TH-cam Simple Optics. He nails it. Alignment collimation done right without fancy tools.
@@ljbrazil9326 If you properly calibrate the red finderscope on a telephone pole say 1km away during daytime (find pole 1st with 20x thru eyepiece then adjust vert/horiz and left/right knobs on finderscope), the red dot will be pretty well aligned with the telescope. Just remember to rotate the switch "on" and keep on rotating the same direction to max you'll have no problem to see the red dot in the night sky. I, a noob, was able to "red dot" polaris (end of handle on the little dipper) with the finderscope. I then looked thru the 20x eyepiece and "voila"....there was polaris. Not hard at all...or maybe I just got lucky.
HI THERE!!! I NEED YOU HELP!! I HAVE A 130EQ-MD THE SAME IS YOURS COLLIMATION IS MY PROBLEM AND I ' M SCARE TU DO SOMETHING WRONG!! CAN YOU HELP ME STEP BY STEP PLEASE!!! I HOPE YOU CAN READ THIS MESSAGE THANKS VERY MUCH I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP
Just follow the video, only note as someone else pointed out in the comments is to also loosen the second set of screws in the back, as this will loosen up the assembly and make it easier to turn the other screws there.
@@ZnakeTech THANKS BROTHER!! in the video there are things that confuse me I think the second mirror is the one that this wrong you think if I buy a laser collimator! for the first mirror but if it's wrong the second I can't quite understand the video ............ Sorry
Hi i have the 130eq, had it 2 days, after looking at venus for 2 nights it seens like the shape of a cresent moon so i thought id check the mirrors, followed the video and loosten the small rear screws 1st, and the white wall is a good tip ! You can tell by looking if it seems right, with the primary mirror, you have to get it so you can see the mirror brackets and the circle thingy looks central, With the secondary mirror, as you are looking you can adjust the screws and you can see what your adjustment does, what your trying to do is get the tube central, you know if you look down a loo roll 6 inches away from your eyes you can move it so you can see the inside top, bottom , left , right, get my drift? so your aiming to adjust it so you are looking right down the centre if you keep fiddling you will get it right,theres not that much adjustment to be fair,.just be patient. i really need to test it now on the moon when it comes out, ! P.S i bought the extra lens pack which is worth it, it has a 4mm, 15mm, a 2x barlow,a moon filter and red/blue filter. so add that to the 10mm +20mm theres a choice there.
@@salsasteve7 if you’ve not already found out through experience then you’re seeing a crescent 🌙 Venus as it shows phases just like the moon. I would recommend reading The Sky at Night Magazine (I’m not on commission 😀) it’s good for beginners and experienced as well. The October 2020 issue shows how to collimate a scope using a Cheshire eyepiece. I’m going to collimate my EQ 130 today using a Cheshire, hence why I had a look at this video, though I winced when he was forcing the rear adjustable screws without releasing the clamps first....
Tip: when adjusting at the eyepiece end, have the scope pointing down. If you lose grip on the screwdriver it slides down the tube and damages the main mirror. If eyepiece end points down then screwdriver just falls onto floor.
Great tip
@@geosobservations9496 true
You know it's high quality stuff when the guy burps halfway in the video (12:23)
lmfao😂😂😂
Hahahahahahahahahah!
I read this comment at 9 minutes into the video and only stayed 3 more minutes to witness this event xD
@@ashfun05 - you're welcome, my friend! :)
Down to earth.
Thank you so so much for this video! I’m a complete beginner and I got this telescope for Christmas but couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working. Now I know! Great work
Celestron should give this guy their best telescope.He deserves it.
Thanks. It helped me to colliminate my telescope. Please keep updating us on your search.
Just got this scope myself to make a foray into astrophotography. Thanks for the great collimating explanation.
Thanks! I bought this with the idea of getting into astronomy but was out of my depth after i'd set it up. Luckily I found this vid... Thanks!
If you don't know how to do it don't make a video to mislead others. This is not how to collimate. You don't even know how to unlock the mirror so you are having to force it with pliers. You are lucky you did not damage the mirror. Maybe you did. Take this video down. Or is this your idea of a joke? Not funny to cause others to damage their equipment that they may not be able to afford to replace.
It was cute watching you, calibrate this, I'm getting one when they come in stock.
I just got mine and I have this exact telescope so I’m so exited
@@tdk2668 how is it?
@@tdk2668 I'm going to buy it in a few days
You needed to loosen the three small screws next to the thumb screws on the primary mirror. They are effectively lock screws. Hopefully, you haven't damaged anything by applying force with the pliers 😕
Just done mine with a laser. Quite easy but no center dot on the primary mirror so had to judge that by eye.
The small screws on the back are lock screws which you release and the. Adjust the mirror. Once it’s set you can lock it by tightening the lock screws. As others have stated here 🙂
If you haven’t already, center mark that primary mirror. A lazar collimating tool might be over kill but a Cheshire or collimating cap will get you better results.
How can you do that?
I'm a total novice but find that the front/eyepiece mirror adjustment is so crudely made that it's an absolute nightmare to adjust accurately. The end of the screws just rub against the back of the mirror base and wobble the mirror in any direction.
I'm thinking of getting some M6 or M8 tilt leveling screws, stick the feet/base to the mirror base where the original screws touch and then hopefully when adjusting the screws during collimating it will be much easier and accurate. If it doesn't work I could easily put it back to standard but for the sake of a few pounds and an hour or so I think it's worth a try and nothing to lose.
Any if you more experienced had the same problems? Suggestions welcome. 😁
Any update on the result of implementing tilt leveling screws?
This is what we were looking for. THANK YOU!!!! One question I have though, what kind of screwdrivers were you using to do the adjustments?
The front is regular hex/allen keys, not sure about the size, and the rear is Phillips and "thumb screws" - in quotation since they were so tight I had to use some pliers to get them going. The specific screwdriver I used is from an iFixit kit.
This is not how you collimate a reflector telescope. This is bad advice. Its a wonder you can see anything with any accuracy.
When collimating a telescope you start with a collimation tool such as a cheshire or laser collimator and you adjust the secondary mirror first followed by adjustment on the primary mirror.
I own a numbet of reflectors, have been in astronomy for over 30 years and work full time in an astronomy shop professionally collimating scopes.
I thought you were supposed to use a laser pointer through the eyepiece online these
@@duanedouglas7602 Newtonian reflectors have been aligned for three centuries without a laser columnator (Issac Newton).
Laser alignment makes it easier, but you can do it on the spot using Polaris and a steady hand.
@@duanedouglas7602 however this guy is a bit rough and guessing at how to do it. He does miss the purpose of the locking screws and goes immediately to the alignment screws with pliers to force them.
@@STho205 thank you . I'm really new at this it would like to learn more
@@duanedouglas7602 there are some better videos, but his basic idea isn't wrong.
The scopes have two sets of screws for both mirrors. An unlocking screw(s) and alignment screws. Unlock, align, relock to avoid a mere jostle or bump screwing up the work.
Secondary mirror alignment is easier to do than the primary. Try that 1st.
When working with tools inside the scope, pivot the mouth down just in case you drop an allen wrench or screwdriver.
Good luck. Oh point your scope at Polaris and focus in and out. If you see a symmetrical fuzzy doughnut as you move out of focus, then DON'T DO ANYTHING. You are probably already aligned as well as you could get it yourself.
Orion scopes are easier to align than the budget Newtonian Celestrons.
My telescope also has these screws very tight. the first time I couldn't adjust it so tight they were. they should improve that a lot.
The mirror adjust screws are tight because you havent removed the x head screws next to them...
A removed my secure screws right out still had issue with one big screw adjuster not moving at all !
Hi
I have just bought this telescope and none of the mirrors are aligned. What can I do? I have read the manual a thousand times - but the manual does not make sense at all. And I called the place where I
bought it from, and they are not able to help me. It seems such a waste having a telescope that I cannot use. Hoping for help in here…
Which mirror should I try to adjust first, when both are not in place?
P.s. I am based in Copenhagen, if anyone would like to lend me a hand 🙏
I'm really so sorry to say this but, these instructions could potentially result in someone causing damage to their mirrors. Please never force any adjustment screws for either mirror. The three Philips head screws around the main mirror are locking screws that need to be backed off first. The larger screws next to them are the adjustments which should turn easily when the locking screws are loosened. Adjusting the main mirror with them fully tightened will almost certainly distort it and if you go too hard, break it entirely.
Great video! I can see something now LOL cheers!
If you loose 3 screws on the back, the thumb screw goes easier
Thanks for the tip.
I have had this telescope for several years. It works well, but I can't adapt it to astrophotography. Mainly it's about focusing after attaching the DSLR. It seems to me that it is necessary to raise the main mirror. Does anyone have such experience with this telescope?
With a barlow lens the dlsr will focus ;)
Thank you for this
I bought the same telescope but very disappointed with the performance. The moon is clearly visible but anything else is just a bright dot in the night sky. Planets are nowhere near what you see in photos posted online.
I thought the same... I'm trying to figure out how to see planets. Nothing but a white dot on my case
Get y'all some Barlow lenses. I just bought the same telescope, and with a x2 Barlow with a 9mm eye lense, seen 3 of the moons of Jupiter, and Jupiter in color and also Saturn's rings. Being new to all of this, I was very excited.
What happens if you take out the (small screws) secure screw right out ?
Apparently that frees up the whole assembly, apparently I was supposed to loosen those before adjusting, but the Celestron documentation that came with my scope wasn't exactly clear on what set of screws did what.
Next time when you for on your 130 their are three screws in the it takes that merrier don't play with the big nobes
I appreciate your advice little tip helping you take a little criticism please don't film this with audio while you got a cold some of the sound effects were disgusting
It's painful to watch. The little screws free the big screws. There is a center screw in the front. See TH-cam Simple Optics. He nails it. Alignment collimation done right without fancy tools.
Now I can't find the red dot on the finder..pls help
On the finder there should be switch if you press it the red dot will activate also make sure the battery isn't dead
Jyotsna Bhosale don’t use it! Fit a Telrad View Finder, it’s a million times better and easier to use
@@lysanderhunter4230 Thanks..looks like the battery has drained out
@@lysanderhunter4230 yep! Mine wuz dead. Get a CR2032 watch battery, dude. Energizer or Duracell.
@@ljbrazil9326 If you properly calibrate the red finderscope on a telephone pole say 1km away during daytime (find pole 1st with 20x thru eyepiece then adjust vert/horiz and left/right knobs on finderscope), the red dot will be pretty well aligned with the telescope. Just remember to rotate the switch "on" and keep on rotating the same direction to max you'll have no problem to see the red dot in the night sky. I, a noob, was able to "red dot" polaris (end of handle on the little dipper) with the finderscope. I then looked thru the 20x eyepiece and "voila"....there was polaris. Not hard at all...or maybe I just got lucky.
That mouth slapping tho...
Very annoying
VERY annoying! 😡
What's up with that?
6:50 don't do that, first release the axle brakes .. it will damage the mount
Had This 4 years could never set it up to see anything. Lol guess I’m dumb. Guess I’ll sell it
Is that perfect dark in the Nintendo 64? 😂
It might be, I do own that game.
Obviously a danish accent haha. Goddag
HI THERE!!! I NEED YOU HELP!! I HAVE A 130EQ-MD THE SAME IS YOURS COLLIMATION IS MY PROBLEM AND I ' M SCARE TU DO SOMETHING WRONG!! CAN YOU HELP ME STEP BY STEP PLEASE!!! I HOPE YOU CAN READ THIS MESSAGE THANKS VERY MUCH I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP
Just follow the video, only note as someone else pointed out in the comments is to also loosen the second set of screws in the back, as this will loosen up the assembly and make it easier to turn the other screws there.
@@ZnakeTech THANKS BROTHER!! in the video there are things that confuse me I think the second mirror is the one that this wrong you think if I buy a laser collimator! for the first mirror but if it's wrong the second I can't quite understand the video ............ Sorry
Hi i have the 130eq, had it 2 days, after looking at venus for 2 nights it seens like the shape of a cresent moon so i thought id check the mirrors, followed the video and loosten the small rear screws 1st, and the white wall is a good tip !
You can tell by looking if it seems right, with the primary mirror, you have to get it so you can see the mirror brackets and the circle thingy looks central,
With the secondary mirror, as you are looking you can adjust the screws and you can see what your adjustment does, what your trying to do is get the tube central, you know if you look down a loo roll 6 inches away from your eyes you can move it so you can see the inside top, bottom , left , right, get my drift? so your aiming to adjust it so you are looking right down the centre
if you keep fiddling you will get it right,theres not that much adjustment to be fair,.just be patient.
i really need to test it now on the moon when it comes out, !
P.S i bought the extra lens pack which is worth it, it has a 4mm, 15mm, a 2x barlow,a moon filter and red/blue filter.
so add that to the 10mm +20mm theres a choice there.
@@salsasteve7 if you’ve not already found out through experience then you’re seeing a crescent 🌙 Venus as it shows phases just like the moon. I would recommend reading The Sky at Night Magazine (I’m not on commission 😀) it’s good for beginners and experienced as well. The October 2020 issue shows how to collimate a scope using a Cheshire eyepiece. I’m going to collimate my EQ 130 today using a Cheshire, hence why I had a look at this video, though I winced when he was forcing the rear adjustable screws without releasing the clamps first....
Stop pecking. This is frustrating.
Nurrrrd