Collimation of astromaster 130eq

[Onebrow3]

Hi all,

I recently bought a laser collimator to check the alignment of the mirrors of my telescope.

Glad I did, cause they were out by a mile!!

I checked the collimation of my collimator before checking my scope.

Having messed about with the secondary, and then the primary, I think I've got it sorted, though I have nothing to compare it to, so I'm not sure if it's done right!!

I've read loads of threads on SGL, including astrobaby's site. I've also watched loads of YouTube clips!!

Does anyone have any advice on collimating/checking if it's done correctly??

Thanks,

Kenny

[wookie1965]

I have used this site in conjunction with astrobabys find it shows the steps better, i myself dont use a laser i use a Cheshire. Once done only real way check is to get your scope out there and do a star test or just look at the stars and see if they a pin sharp.

http://www.schlatter.org/Dad/Astronomy/collimate.htm

[Onebrow3]

Thanks, I'll give it a go.

Well, I will if the cloud cover clears!!

Cheers,

Kenny

[Ally8446]

Is your primary mirror centre marked?

If not, the laser is useless.

My first scope was an AM130EQ so I'm talking from experience.

Clear skies

Ally

[Onebrow3]

Hi Ally

there was no centre mark on my primary, so I used a ring binder reinforcing ring and put one on it the other day.

Simple enough, plus by removing the primary mirror I've learned how my scope is constructed too. ;-)

Cheers

Kenny

[Uplooker]

Well done big man ;-)

Ian

Sent from ma fone using Tapatalk

[MattJenko]

http://www.celestron.com/c3/images/files/downloads/1219957574_astromasterinst.pdf

This is the official Celestron 130EQ manual which has a section on how to collimate for information purposes. The 'specialist tool' mentioned for adjusting the secondary mirror screws is nothing more than a 3mm allen key from what I can make out...