Aligning C14 Optics (or SCTs in general)

[mcrossley]

I have put a page together showing how I 'improved' on the factory optics alignment of my C14. The process should be applicable to any SCT.

http://www.wilmslowastro.com/tips/c14_optics_alignment.html

Mark

[philsail1]

Some good tips for SCT's Mark.

I liked the procedure you have devised for centralising the main mirror on an SCT, but the daunting part is the removal of the main mirror to apply shims.

Having just re-assembled my Celestron C8i (after disassembly to paint tube), I can understand how one would certainly need to feel confident enough to tackle the procedure.

As you say, it's a procedure to follow - only if the main mirror is very far out.

Regards,

philsail1

[mcrossley]

Thanks Phil. You don't actually have to remove the main mirror, just the collar that retains it. Removing the mirror has been the procedure (I would say 'of choice' but that may not be accurate!) adopted by people who have done this before. But that IS a major job, especially on C14s where the mirror is effectively glued to the casting with a stiff RTV.