3 replies to this topic

[patindaytona]

Are those little rubber pads on the mirror cell that necessary? Mine all fell off. Will try to adhere them again though. Question on collimation...do I offset the center mark of the primary, or not?

[krishnak]

Hi,

1) Since I transport the mirror box in my car while going to dark site and roads are not good, I didn't want to take the risk of the glass sitting on the metal. So I stuck the small white pads back. In my case two of them had fallen down.

2) I didn't understand the offset center mark question. Are you suspecting that the center donut on the mirror is not exactly in the center? I have not checked this.

3) Have you checked that the secondary mirror collimation screws are sitting properly and holding the secondary mirror. In my case when I received the scope one of the screws had popped out. Thanks.

[patindaytona]

Hi,

1) Since I transport the mirror box in my car while going to dark site and roads are not good, I didn't want to take the risk of the glass sitting on the metal. So I stuck the small white pads back. In my case two of them had fallen down.

2) I didn't understand the offset center mark question. Are you suspecting that the center donut on the mirror is not exactly in the center? I have not checked this.

3) Have you checked that the secondary mirror collimation screws are sitting properly and holding the secondary mirror. In my case when I received the scope one of the screws had popped out. Thanks.

ES is sending me a set of those rubber pads again. I found out how to do the offset. Faster scopes like mine (f/4.5) may need that. I see alot say it's not important. In any case when you align the secondary so all concentrics are equally spaced, then align the primary so the center spot (mine has a built in etched on mirror) is centered (straight in middle of focus tube), then the offset if any, is automatically done (it will appear as though the dark secondary is no longer a perfect concentric surrounding the primary center spot. So, no worries.
 

[patindaytona]

I ordered the counter-weights for it, but before it's even arrived, I can see I won't need it. I have the altitude wheels on the upper set of holes installed. Since I don't need it, I wonder if anything would be for the better if I changed the altitude to the lower sets of holes (for using lighter eyepieces etc), in combination of actually using those weights?