Collimation?

[Methos]

Hi guys just a quick Q? When I purchase my scope, i'm going to have it delivered, has anybody had any problems with their scope being out of line due to it being in transit or bumped while being put into the delivery van? I've seen and read a bit about Collimation and it sounds a bit scary, and since im a complete novice i dont fancy tweeking and tuning something I don't understand.

Basically how will I know if it needs collimation?

[Dai150PL]

Look around the forum for Astro Babies Guide, its very good. Get yourself a cheshire collimator. http://www.firstlightoptics.com/proddetail.php?prod=SWCheshire. It is not as hard as it looks. You will know buy doing a star test.

[Methos]

Cheers Dai i'll do just that, thank you

[Dai150PL]

Here is a link to it for you - Astro Babys Guide to Collimation

[rowan46]

don't get hung up about it, it took me months to pluck up the courage to do mine a few minutes and it was all done, its critical for the performance for your scope and consequently it sounds more difficult than it is. you only have to loosen and tighten a few screws, how hard can that be

[Methos]

Cheers Dai ive just booked marked that, a bit of light reading before bed I think

[Dai150PL]

What scope are you thinking of, my advise is to look around and ask alot of questions first. The members here are only too happy to help.

David

[Methos]

I'm sure I'll get the hang of it once I get my hands on the scope. Thank you for your words of encouragement Rowan

[Methos]

I'm getting a Skywatcher Skyline 150p dobsonian

[Dai150PL]

Welcome to the forum Scott, the skyliner 150p is a well thought off telescope and is basically the same as mine, so your in for a treat.

[John]

I'm getting a Skywatcher Skyline 150p dobsonian

That's an F/8 scope I believe which makes collimation much easier than, say, an F/5. As newtonians get "slower" (ie: the F/ number increases) the "sweet spot" for collimation gets larger and therefore easier to find and hold.

[Methos]

Cheers Dai, alot of people on here have said how good the scope is, oh i'm Scott I was just answering Rowan46's post, sorry really should've been clearer on that. Thank you Jahmanson, it seems i've got an awful lot to learn, I can't wait

[Dai150PL]

That is the reason I was advised to get the 150pl over the 150p. As it was easier for a novice like myself to keep collimated, as I believe the sweet spot is 8mm compared to just under 2mm for the 150p. I have been surprised at how well it is able to hold collimation and happy.

[Dai150PL]

Sorry am really bad with names so your now called rowan. Have corrected the above reply, sorry scott. You can call me anything you want.

[Methos]

So just so it's a bit clearer for me whats the difference between the P and the PL? P means Parabolic right?

[Methos]

Lol my fault dai

[Dai150PL]

My scope is on an Eq mount and skywatcher do two versions of the 150p,the short one and the 150pl is the longer one, different lengths with different focal ratios. There is a little more to it than that, but covers the basics. And yes about the meaning of P.

[Starblazer]

That's an F/8 scope I believe which makes collimation much easier than, say, an F/5. As newtonians get "slower" (ie: the F/ number increases) the "sweet spot" for collimation gets larger and therefore easier to find and hold.

jahmanson is bang on, it's also a little easier on the wallet when it comes to eyepieces. Not a bad size in such that it will be portable enough for yourself, I know ur not a weakling

Catch ya laters,

Scott

[Methos]

Ahhh right cheers Dai that clears up a few cobwebs. And no Chris you are dead right im not a weakling