Do you have to collimate a Mak?

[Stargazer33]

Hi,

I am getting really good views in my Skymax 102 Maksutof/Cassegrain but am wondering if I can get it any better.

I have been reading about collimation and was wondering if I need to collimate my scope?

I have read that Maks don't need this as the primary and secondary mirrors are fixed.

However there are three sets of double screws on the rear case of my scope. They look very much like the locking screw and adjustment screw that appear in collimation articles.

So my question is - should/can I colimate my scope?

Thanks in advance, Bryan

[Cornelius Varley]

First check the telescope actually need collimating by doing a star test. If you see concentric circles when the telescope is defocused on a star you don't need to collimate your telescope. Maks hold their collimation very well and rarely need adjustment.

Peter

[Stargazer33]

Thanks Peter!

I will do that the next time we get a clear night here!

Bryan