You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar Telescope Specific Forums >> Meade ACF/RCX / LX / GPS Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Pages: 1 Anonymous Unregistered how to test optics on new scope?       #66444 - 03/05/04 11:21 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hello, I am new here. I recently purchased an LX90 (I know this is an LX200 forum, but my question is related to the OTA which should be identical). The scope I purchased was advertised as "damaged in its initial shipment to the vendor and repaired by the Meade factory." The vendor has a good reputation, so I believe them, and the scope has a full Meade warranty (and a significant discount). When I inquired about the extent of the original damage, the vendor told me the secondary mirror was loose on the corrector plate, and was reattached by Meade and the optics given a clean bill of health. My question is this: how should I go about testing the scope for optical integrity when it arrives? I know about the unfocused star test for collimation, and I've read about the Ronchi grating test (although I don't have such an eyepiece). But are there other simple tests I can do to assure the scope is in good optical condition when it arrives? Thanks in advance for your wisdom... this is my first scope larger than a 60mm! Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Posts: 2172 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: how to test optics on new scope? [Re: ]       #66811 - 03/06/04 08:06 PM Attachment (115 downloads) Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   You have to have pretty steady skies and make sure the scope has cooled off but the image below should give you and idea of what to look for. -------------------- Craig LX200GPS 10" UHTC SMT ETX90EC Orion ED80 APO Meade LPI Canon 10d Meade DSI My Photo Gallery Post Extras:       JerryWise Postmaster Reged: 12/26/03 Posts: 6884 Loc: Lexington, SC Re: how to test optics on new scope? [Re: Grizz]       #67326 - 03/07/04 08:54 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Craig: Is there a reference on each of these errors somewhere and how to correct them? Thanks. -------------------- Jerry LX200ACF 14", Tak FS 152 & TOA 150 AP-1200 & Mach1 Post Extras:       Grizz Carpal Tunnel Reged: 04/24/03 Posts: 2172 Loc: Waldwick,New Jersey USA Re: how to test optics on new scope? [Re: JerryWise]       #67526 - 03/08/04 06:58 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I would recomend this book ---- Book (this is where the image I posted came from) Or you could do a search on each error and see what you can find, I'll give it a try also. -------------------- Craig LX200GPS 10" UHTC SMT ETX90EC Orion ED80 APO Meade LPI Canon 10d Meade DSI My Photo Gallery Post Extras:       JerryWise Postmaster Reged: 12/26/03 Posts: 6884 Loc: Lexington, SC Re: how to test optics on new scope? [Re: Grizz]       #67681 - 03/08/04 02:14 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Good link. We tested X-Ray camera and film resolution at one time with a special pattern. I think I will play with that for a test method also. -------------------- Jerry LX200ACF 14", Tak FS 152 & TOA 150 AP-1200 & Mach1 Post Extras:       Anonymous Unregistered Re: how to test optics on new scope? [Re: JerryWise]       #82030 - 03/31/04 07:45 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Thanks for the link, I'm a newbie with a SCT (only refractors before that LX10 UHTC for $799 deal). I've been looking for a reference for collimating. This seems perfect, I ordered through Amazon yesterday for $25. Post Extras:       Pages: 1 Previous   Index   Next   Threaded   Extra information 0 registered and 7 anonymous users are browsing this forum. 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