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Thanks David that’s really helpful! I’ll speak to Orion and follow these steps. sean

Thanks!

Thanks! I’ve done it with the old focuser and didn’t realise the laser could be out. Tested it by twisting and it’s no wonder my planets were just fuzzy balls with no definition. it’s too long to reach hence the laser which I guess I can use with my Barlow. what does the Cheshire do? Help line up the mirrors? I have centre spotted it yesterday which should help. I live ten minutes from Orion and they are going to fit the new focuser (requires cutting which is beyond me) am I safe to assume they will make sure the focus tube and secondary are aligned? what tools do I need to check that? Will the Cheshire do that? thanks again!

Hi all, I’m getting really confused with collimation. I’ve read a big post by Astro baby but wanted to clarify a few things. I’ve got a 10” F4.8 Newtonian and ordered a Baader steeltrack focuser. My focuser will do 2” and 1.25”. I have the Baader vip Barlow which again will do both sizes.. I have a cheap nasty laser which has been causing me all sorts of problems and cannot be collimated. For my speed of telescope would a 2” collimation cap and using my cheap laser in my Barlow cover all aspects of collimation? Or do I need to spend big bucks and buy something like the OCAL electric Collimator? Primary mirror alignment Secondary mirror alignment Making the secondary mirror look like a circle. Aligning the secondary mirror in the centre of the tube/mirror. Are these all the steps (not in order) I need to cover and what equipment will cover what? I’m new to the hobby so don’t assume I know anything 😂🙈 I only do visual at the moment but I’m making sure all my equipment can transition to astrophotography in the future to save buying twice. thanks all in advance! Sean