cpc800 collimation

[zakkhogan]

Hey peeps.

it's come to my attention the my collimation is out on my scope.

Firstly, is this why im not getting great detail when imaging saturn, is no cassini devision?

Ive read up a little on collimating, do you guys recommend doing it myself or gettign it serviced and where? also how much would somthing liek that cost?

Cheers

#

Craig

[Vega26]

Collimation of SCT is relatively straight forward once you know what you are doing. I was a little nervous when I first attempted it, but now it is relatively straight forward, and as such there is no reason why you should be paying anyone to do it for you.

It certainly can be the reason you are missing out on the subtle detail in the images you are seeing.

As an aid to collimation, check this link out. It is instructions for making and using a Duncan mask. I find it makes collimation a whole lot easier!

http://www.astrovox.gr/forum/download.php?id=17658&sid=646453d99bbd6eef6845f3d3254b6ff9

[zakkhogan]

Thanks Vega26, really appreciate the advise

[kirkster501]

I will check that out myself. My CPC1100 is drifting out of alignment. I will get some bob's knobs before attempting it.

[Freddie]

Metaguide (free download) has a nice function to help collimation using a webcam or similar. Makes things a lot easier.

[zakkhogan]

thanks for the advise, made a duncan mask the other day, went out this evening 15 - 20mins all done... (i hope)

will try and get some of that finer detail now,

thanks for the help guys

[Uplooker]

With my Celestron C8 SCT I found Al's Colimation Aid to be a real aid - pun intended. I founf it far easier to do especially with a web cam.

Couple of links:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=62932

and

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/136286-als-collaid-sct-collimating-assistant/

good luck getting it sorted.

Ian

[Charon]

Get a set of Bobs Knobs, it makes the process that much easier.