8 replies to this topic

[DLuders]

I have a Japanese-made classic Astroscan 2001 telescope (Serial Number 8540905) that needs collimation.  I've read Gary Seronik's article "How to Collimate An Astroscan" (  http://garyseronik.c...e-an-astroscan/ ), and saw that it's not easy to do.  A month ago, I contacted Scientifics Online (the descendent of Edmund Scientific Co.), and they confirmed that they still perform collimation services on that out-of-production telescope.  See their letter below.

 

My telescope's optics are clean and bright (but out-of-collimation), and the focuser is hard to turn.  I know that these telescopes can have fine optics, because I have another (well-collimated, "Made in USA") Astroscan 2001 (Serial Number 41740) that I successfully pushed to over 100x magnification.

 

Should I get my poorly-collimated Astroscan 2001 refurbished by Scientifics Online?  I could attempt to do the collimation myself by getting a ~$15 Telescope/Camera Lens Spanner Wrench (like this) and popping everything apart.  Has anyone here personally collimated an Astroscan 2001?  If so, would you do it again?      What do you recommend?

 

 

[Richard O'Neill]

DYI would be my choice since I'm a DIY sort but if you don't think you're able then a professional rehab might be the wiser choice. Perhaps Gary would be willing to help you since he has experience but since you already have a working unit as backup why not give it a try yourself?

Edited by Richard O'Neill, 15 April 2018 - 10:11 AM.

[Gil V]

I’ve done it, and would not hesitate to do it again. It is definitely one of the more interesting OTA rebuilds I’ve done.

[Terra Nova]

I have a Japanese-made classic Astroscan 2001 telescope (Serial Number 8540905) that needs collimation.  I've read Gary Seronik's article "How to Collimate An Astroscan" (  http://garyseronik.c...e-an-astroscan/ ), and saw that it's not easy to do.  A month ago, I contacted Scientifics Online (the descendent of Edmund Scientific Co.), and they confirmed that they still perform collimation services on that out-of-production telescope.  See their letter below.

 

My telescope's optics are clean and bright (but out-of-collimation), and the focuser is hard to turn.  I know that these telescopes can have fine optics, because I have another (well-collimated, "Made in USA") Astroscan 2001 (Serial Number 41740) that I successfully pushed to over 100x magnification.

 

Should I get my poorly-collimated Astroscan 2001 refurbished by Scientifics Online?  I could attempt to do the collimation myself by getting a ~$15 Telescope/Camera Lens Spanner Wrench (like this) and popping everything apart.  Has anyone here personally collimated an Astroscan 2001?  If so, would you do it again?      What do you recommend?

 

  Astroscan Collimation.JPG

That looks like a very reasonable service charge considering all that they include.

[davidmcgo]

I'd spend the $59 for that.  It was hard enough on two units I had just to get the optical window off since the retaining rings on the two I had did not have the little holes for snap ring pliers.  I had to flatten coffee stirrers to loop around the ends and pull on the ends to get it free and can't imagine doing that down on the primary to replace the foam pad behind it that holds it against the front of the cell to maintain alignment.

 

Dave

[Gil V]

Dave, it’s not too bad to perform. Hardest part of it is that you have to do it without seeing what you are doing.

I wore a super soft glove on the working hand.

After reassembly, collimation was perfect.

[M_athias]

My Astroscan is out of alignment:

 

 

Time to collimate...

Edited by M_athias, 29 October 2018 - 08:38 AM.

[M_athias]

Done.

[M_athias]

What I have done:

 

- cleaning all parts and optics

- additional foam on the primary mirror (for better fitting)

- re-alignment of the secondary mirror by changing the tilt using thin plastic strips/shims