using hotech collimater for SN scopes?

[cmjrff]

Does anyone know if the hotech collimator works for a Schmidt Newtonian?  This is the one I am curious about: http://cgi.ebay.com/TELESCOPE-HOTECH-1-25-LASER-COLLIMATOR-REFLECTOR-SCT_W0QQitemZ350288777661QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item518ed691bd

Many thank,
Charles Martindell
Homer, AK

[DSOMAN]

Hi Charles,

The [any] laser collimator will do a minimum job of collimation in an SN type scope in my view. Fast SN scopes require very precise collimation which requires very accurate primary and secondary alignment and squaring of the focuser which a laser can't provide [at least I have never been able to get perfect collimation with one and I have tried several]. You can get ok collimation but not perfect.

For perfect collimation I use a 2" Catseye Cheshire, sight tube and auto-collimator, see:

http://www.catseyecollimation.com/

There are others too, be sure to get a 2" dia.

Brent

[cmjrff]

Hello from (surprisingly warmer) Alaska,
Thank you Brent for the advice.  This forum continues to be a marvelous resource for me.
Charles

[mhminor]

Hi Brent,

There seems to be endless options for the 2" Catseye Cheshire, sight tube and auto-collimator that you recomend?  There seems to limitless options, and I'm not sure what are significant differences.

Thanks!

Mike

[DSOMAN]

Hi Mike,

Yes, I know what you mean.

If you go to this website:  http://www.catseyecollimation.com/

Then on the left menu go down to PRODUCTS & PRICING then select the 1st option [2.00" XL & XLK COMBO KITS].

Second up from the bottom is the TRIPLEPACK KIT for $251 which includes all three collimation tools.

That is what I use.

Hope this helps.

Brent

[mhminor]

Hi Brent,

As always, your instructions are perfect.  I've ordered one.

Mike

[DSOMAN]

Great Mike,

They can be a little confusing to use at first. If you have any problems let me know. They do come with pretty good illustrated instructions

Brent

[mhminor]

Thanks Brent, I will.

I collmination is not a hugh deal, but I find the SN10 abit intimidating to work on.  My previous scope was a 4" newt with simple tracking. 

I've been anxious to use a big scope and the SN10 is all that I have dreamed of.  I have been concentrating on lunar and planetary observations and I have found that pinpoint clarity has been lacking.  I have your previous instructions on how to fix the mirrior, but have not done so yet (I'm a coward).  Following the collimination directions that came with the SN10, it didn't look like the scope needed collminating, but because of continous poor seeing, I am begining to be suspicious.  I have reviewed the collmination proceedures from previous posts and referenced websites, but I'd like to try using a standard collmination device before ripping into the scope (cowardace again).

I will let you know when I get the Catseye and give it a go.

Thanks!

Mike

[DSOMAN]

Mike,

If the stars are round you can probably leave the mirror alone. I reworked my mirror mount because the stars were triangular due to the mirror clips pinching the mirror. If you don't see this then no problem.

The SN10 is ok for planetary observations but a Barlow really helps [to get the focal length out to 2000 mm or so]. Where it really shines is for faint deep sky objects due to the fast speed [f4]. Try it visually on the Orion Nebula.

I could never really get precise focus with the stock focuser. It was just too sloppy. I replaced it with a motorized focuser from JMI.

Brent