Collimation help!

[GTR]

Hi,

I think my scope needs collimation. In fact I know it does as it looks waaay out when I took it out of focus on a star, and I think I've made it worse tweaking the secondary mirror. Does anyone know if there is anywhere in North East/Teesside who can do this? Willing to pay a bit now coz otherwise I can't use it!

Cheers, Rob

[Ouroboros]

What sort of telescope do you have?

I have a SW 200p and I bought a laser collimating for 40 quid or so which I use to collimate my telescope.

[Ouroboros]

Sorry, laser collimator.

[wookie1965]

What scope have you got we can help you then, you maybe able to help yourself with some guidance.

[VigdisVZ]

I'd gladly have helped you in person, but we're in different countries

You should consider a collimator yourself at some point. I have this one, it works pretty good http://www.firstlightoptics.com/collimation/baader-laser-collimator.html

[Ouroboros]

GTR - yes, like Vigdis says, it's easy to to learn how to collimate your telescope yourself.

People use different methods. Using a purpose made laser collimator is quite straightforward. Google 'how to collimate a telescope' and you'll find plenty of instruction on the Internet.

This YouTube video shows how to use a laser collimator to collimate a reflector telescope.

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=yd3mjOr8rc0&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dyd3mjOr8rc0

[GTR]

It's a Dob Skywatcher.

[foundaplanet]

Astrobabys guide is very very good. It is a bit of a pain to learn how to do it at first but well worth spending the time on it to get your head around it.

It does get a whole lot easier after a few goes. Do you not have a local astro club near by where you would get some help.

[Ouroboros]

Ok. So that vid I linked to should give you the principles of what to do.