6 replies to this topic

[epdesibabu]

Hello Forum Friends,

 

I pulled out my Orion SkyView 6" Deluxe after more than 8 years in storage, after all the heating and cooling I am sure it is out of collimation.  Is there anyone in the Austin/Round Rock TX area who has collimation tools offer me a hand?  I can bring my scope to any park close to where you live.

 

Thank you

-Anand

[truckerfromaustin]

Your best bet is to join the Austin Astronomical Society and attend on of their star parties. You should be able to find someone that can show you how to collimate your scope and might even have the tools for the job. Another option is to find a youtube video showing how to visually collimate the scope. In theory I live in Round Rock, but it's rare that I'm home.

Clear Skies and best wishes,
Greg

[David Castillo]

If you are a Facebook member, log in and search the AAS roster and see if you can reach out for help here (if not they are hosting a star partyFeb 2):

 

https://www.facebook...lSociety/events

Edited by David Castillo, 24 January 2023 - 06:55 PM.

[sevenofnine]

Collimation is very easy with the Orion Lasermate Deluxe ll. This video will show you how to do it 

 

https://www.telescop...rion lasermate .

 

https://www.youtube....G98RTP6jbY&t=5s.

Edited by sevenofnine, 28 January 2023 - 12:21 AM.

[Philip Jodry]

My thought is test your telescope before worrying about collimation. Too much fuss is ok for a princess, but not necessarily a mechanical device.

[Meterman]

As suggested above find a local club and ask for help. Most are filled with friendly people who are willing to help. 

 

If you purchase a laser be careful, especially with cheaper ones. A laser is useless if it isn't properly aligned and can put your scope out of alignment. My main go-to alignment tool is a basic collimation cap. I normally only use the laser to check after dark. 

 

This thread is a good starter on collimation and there are many YouTube videos, too. 

 

https://www.cloudyni...your-newtonian/

 

Learn what a "star test" is, too. It's a good way to check collimation. 

Edited by Meterman, 28 January 2023 - 02:14 PM.

[Spile]

Feel free to give my guide a try https://astro.catshi...limation-guide/