Which type of Collimator?

[Venusia]

Finally my Skywatcher Skyliner 200p has arrived (still in box) So So happy and excited :) :p

As for a collimator. I am really confused. Theres laser and Cheshire so which do I need? Whats the difference? What do you prefer?

Thanks for your time everyone! x

[laser_jock99]

A Cheshire collimator is recomended for beginers. Laser collimators only work well if:

a) the focuser tube is really well aligned with the optical axis of the scope

the laser inside the collimator is alighned with it's own housing

c) you can centre the laser collimator well in the focuser.

If any of the above are wrong you could end up de-collimating the primary, so use with caution.

[PorkyB]

I have had my first reflector for just a few weeks now. I find a Cheshire very simple to use for aligning the primary mirror, I can do this in the dark whilst setting up my scope by shining my red torch into the angled face of the Cheshire (thanks to a tip on this forum). I also use a collimation cap, just a spare focusser blanking cap with a small hole drilled through the centre, when aligning the secondary as I can't see the all three primary mirror clips through the Cheshire.

[pvaz]

Cheshire is cheap and easy to use. I bought one of the most expensive lasers available and I rarely use it as the cheshire gives me better results. Besides for the cost of a good laser colli you can get a cheshire and still have money left for 1 decent EP.

[Astrosurf]

I've only collimated once, but I used just a collimation cap made from an old film canister. I seem to have done an OK job. What are the pitfalls with a cap, if any? I'm still new to this so need as much help as poss!

[Venusia]

OK I'll go with the Cheshire one. Now where do I find really simple clear instructions? ...like 'collimating for dummies'..........?????

Astrosurf - I am not sure of any pitfalls using a cap or old film canister, sounds interesting, I am just a complete beginner and all the books/forums say to get a Cheshire. I've read some people can use their telescopes out the box, whilst others have had big problems with the mirrors being out. (thet'll probably be me)

Clear Skies everyone xx

[8kids]

The best guide I've used is Astro Babys Guide to Collimation.

[Astrosurf]

The best guide I've used is Astro Babys Guide to Collimation.

She's brilliant. I've also used the Orion Telescopes video on YoutTube. That's what got me collimated as I can see clearly what they mean. I can't get hold of the link at work as the network blocks YouTube. I'm pretty certain it was Orion! It's given by the young American guy, so have a search if you're interested. I'll try to remember to post the link tonight.

[Scott]

i used a film canister for about the first 3 mths and to be honest i was getting pretty good results, however, since getting a cheshire the proces is so much quicker and it removes any uncertainty as to whether or not i've got it right.

+1 for astrobabys guide.

Scott

[Astrosurf]

I forgot, it's Astrobaby's guide which showed me my fast F5 scope's secondary is offset deliberately. I thought I'd got it wrong!

+2 for Astrobaby's guide.

[TheThing]

-1 for A_B's guide.

Use Andy's Shot Glass instead. Much better and not full of errors.

TheThing

[cotterless45]

Cheshire. You can use a laser in a Barlow to fine tune the collimation. This will throw up the reflection of the centre circle on the primary.

Most of your niggles will be with the primary and not the secondary.It's an elegant check, independant of the slop in the focuser.

I've just driven 350 miles roundtrip with the 200 Skyliner beteween the back seats, collimation held.Neat,

Nick.

[Jason D]

-1 for A_B's guide.

Use Andy's Shot Glass instead. Much better and not full of errors.

TheThing

Both are good but A_B's guide is better and more comprehensive

[BlueAstra]

Do a search on Cats Eye Collimation to have a look at the Cats Eye and BlackCat autocollimators. They provide another layer of accuracy above the normal Cheshire if you need it. They are especially useful for fast scopes.

[lancerde]

Cheshire every time.

[TheThing]

Both are good but A_B's guide is better and more comprehensive

But full of errors. For more comprehensive read over complicated! It makes it into a chore rather than a simple job.

TheThing

[Jason D]

But full of errors.

List these errors.

[TheThing]

Find them for yourself. They are quite obvious!

TheThing

[rory]

is that guide really full of errors ? i watched the shot glass video,it is a nice easy to follow guide . i still thought a/b's guide helpfull. i suppose it helps knowing 99% of the time its only the final part that need s doing , the primary, shoukldnt need to mess with the secondary to often.

[rory]

oh, cheshire for me too.

[LeeB]

Which ever guide you use, (don't fall out people, lifes to short) just have a go and try and think it through as you do it, understanding the principle and what is required will do you more good than following a guide book.

[earth titan]

If you get a laser, look at using it 'barlowed' as this is soooooo much easier.

Typed by me, using fumms...

[Jason D]

Find them for yourself. They are quite obvious!

TheThing

Maybe to you. I do not see them. List few. If you can't then stop making these comments about AB's collimation guide.

[TheThing]

Maybe to you. I do not see them. List few. If you can't then stop making these comments about AB's collimation guide.

It's a free forum and I'm not breaking any rules.

I'm not listing them for you if you cannot remember your manners. They cost nothing!

TheThing

[Nevy]

There's only one system I would use and its howie glatter laser & tublug.

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