Laser Collimator

[EdF_uk]

I'm on the verge of buying a SkyWatcher 200P and HEQ5 syntrek mount. Whislt I wait for stock to be shipped to the UK I thought that it would be a good idea to start buying some useful accessories, especially a power tank and a laser collimator. I have had a look at power tanks and will probably buy a power tank from Maplin but I'm unsure about the laser collimator. I've been onto youtube to see how to collimate the scope and how to use the collimator but does anyone have any suggestions for a good value collimator.

Many thanks

Ed

[Si W]

Nice scope Ed, with regards to a collimation tool, i see that this scope is and F5 from the spec on FLO, so quiet fast, are you using it for imaging, or just visual,, if your doing visual you might as well get a Cheshire collimator rather than a laser, cheaper and it doesn't have to be spot on for visual, I do confess i use a laser on my F4, but i Ialso image so it needs to be on the mark, I also have a Cheshire as well just to double check that the Laser Collimator itself is collimated as they can go out of alignment.

[Andyfx]

If going for a laser collimator I'd not buy anything other than the Hotech.

[Ad Astra]

I use a LaserMate Deluxe from Orion USA - you can get one on Amazon and see it HERE. I like this a lot as I can see the target from the rear end of the scope while I fiddle with the collimation knobs. This means a much easier one-man job.

I had a different model (very simple early model) and it was a lot of 'tweak the knob at the back - then check the alignment from the front" Back and forth over and over again. The new model is a HUGE improvement and is very accurate.

Dan

[JamesM]

I would second the Hotech but its not cheap. Lasers are great but of course that is assuming tat they are collimated themselves.

Power wise I would go for a leisure battery as it will maintain supply in very cold weather, will provide more than you need to slew around the sky all night if your using scope for visual. If imaging is your thing, then of course the extra power is useful in powering up a laptop and various other imaging 'toys'. My theory is that as you are not entirely sure what your needs might be, it is wise to future proof yourself for the longer term. I take my battery on an evening or camping and is plenty to run an NEQ6 with a large scope on it, dew heaters and laptop.

Clear skies

James

[cotterless45]

Baader Laser collimator Mark 111. Easy to use , £50 well spent. try and change your secondary mirror bolts for Bobs Knobs hand twirling bolts, saves messing about. Super scope, best wishes, Nick.

[EdF_uk]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the info. With regard to my intentions, I plan to initially use the scope for visual viewing however my goal is to move onto astrophotography. Bearing this in mind I'm trying to future proof my equipment to some degree so that I don't have to buy new equipment. I've already made the decision (with hekp from you guys) to go for the HEQ5 rather than the EQ5.

I will probably gor for the 6 in 1 power tank as I can see a lot of uses for it. As you say it will be very useful for general camping and in the event that i need to jump start my car (which i have to say has happened twice in the past few months even though it's less than years old)

Anyway, thankyou for the suggestions for the collimation devices, i'll check those out now.

Ed

[Viv]

this scope is and F5 from the spec on FLO, so quiet fast

I think it's wrong on FLO.

The 200 P is F10

The PDS is F5

But I don't think the choice in collimnator wil be any different.

[ZEbbEDY]

Why do some laser collimators need collimated? Do you use a collimator collimator to get them collimated?

[ollypenrice]

Assuming your laser CAN be collimated (mine just has three allen screws for this purpose) then doing so is a total non issue. You make V blocks by the simple technique of banging in two pairs of nails on which you then roll the laser while its beam is pointing at a distant wall. If in rolling it the beam describes a circle, it is out. Just tweak it till the beam does not move as you roll the laser on the 'V nails!!'

Olly

[Neil McRae]

I have the 200P and used the cheshire and had great results.

Scarlet the scope is F5 as the focal length is 1000mm divided by the apeture 200mm is 5.

[Big Jim Slade]

I'll just add another vote for the Hotech. Got mine the other day, never collimated before, had the whole thing done in 10 minutes flat. Superb.