Issues collimating Celestron 130 SLT Newtonian Reflector

[LukeL90]

Hi All,

I'm brand new to this hobby. I recently purchased a 2nd hand Celestron NexStar 130 SLT.

My problem was when attempting to collimate the scope, the 3 small recessed Allan screws on the secondary mirror just wouldn't budge. The alan key would connect with the screw but as I turned it, the spider vanes would flex under the pressure and then the the allan key would pop out of the screw. 

Now after overdoing it I'm afraid I may have stripped the heads of these small screws as the Allan wrench just gives a tiny bit of resistance. If I have threaded these screws; is there anything I can do, or have I essentially busted my new telescope

P.S I've also tried loosening the central Phillips screw but that is also extremely tight... Even trying a electric screwdriver on a low setting. I've just read that celestron advise that you should not touch this at all anyway..

[Ricochet]

I would only try to loosen the central screw. Turn it anti clockwise, but only use a manual (PH, not PZ) screwdriver, not a powered one. It looks like you've already damaged it and you don't want to make it any worse. Once you have loosened that screw the others will be easier to move, but if the heads are damaged I would suggest that you remove one to deduce the size, and then purchase replacements. 

[Kriss Craik]

Agree, you need to loosen the centre screw first and then the 3 Allen bolts will be free to move in/out to adjust the mirror. Once adjusted you will need to tighten up the centre screw to lock the mirror in place again, but not too tight.
Hope this helps. 

[Pixies]

I think once you have loosened then, you'll need to think about replacing them! They are easy to source, and you can get some better thumb adjusters, rather than the little hex headed machine screws.

Keep the scope horizontal, there might be some swarf knocking around.

[Pixies]

I imagine the previous owner has overtightened everything. Once you have things loosened, you might want to check the secondary mirror holder where the adjuster screws meet it, ok case they have dug in. That would make it hard to do any rotational adjustment.

Edited July 26, 2020 by Pixies