Astromania Alignment 1.25" Next Generation Laser Collimator

Description

Astromania Alignment 1.25" Next Generation Laser Collimator for Newtonian Telescopes - with This Laser You can collimate Your Newtonian Telescope in just a Few Minutes!
Description
Newtonian reflectors perform at their best when primary and secondary mirrors are accurately aligned. Such alignment, called collimation, is critical for achieving a sharp, highly resolved view through the telescope. Collimation, while intimidating at first glance, is really not difficult to do. And it’s made all the easier with the Laser Collimator! This handy tool, designed specifically for collimating the optics of Newtonian reflectors, provides a quick, easy way to a) determine if one or both of your telescope’s mirrors need adjustment, and b) make the necessary adjustment(s) quickly and easily. Before You Begin Collimating with the Laser Collimator:Accurate collimation of your telescope’s optics using the Laser Collimator will most easily be achieved if you do a rough collimation of the optics with your eye first. This is because if the optics are grossly misaligned, it may be confusing to interpret which surfaces the laser is being reflected off of. This laser collimator uses a low wattage laser to project a red beam down through the telescope’s focuser. The beam reflects off the secondary mirror to the primary mirror, then bounces back up to the secondary mirror and exits through the focuser onto the angled, bulls-eye viewing screen of the collimator itself. The beam is generally not visible, but you’ll see a bright red dot on each reflected surface. The Laser Collimator works equally well to collimate telescope optics in daylight or at night in the dark. The Laser Collimator has been precisely aligned within its housing at the factory. Astromania Alignment 1.25" Next Generation Laser Collimator for Newtonian Telescopes Adjusting Secondary Mirror: The first step in the collimation procedure is to check the alignment of the secondary mirror and adjust it if necessary. Insert the Laser Collimator into your telescope’s focuser drawtube and secure it with the thumbscrew(s) on the drawtube collar. Then turn the collimator on by turning the knob at the top to the On position. Look down the front of the optical tube. Remember to keep your eyes clear of any direct reflections of the beam. Notice the red spot on the surface of the primary mirror itself; this is the laser beam being reflected from the secondary mirror off the surface of the primary mirror. The red spot should be centered in the collimation target (ring) on the mirror. If it isn’t, adjustments will need to be made to the secondary mirror’s tilt. This is done with the secondary mirror collimation screws, usually located on the central hub of the telescope’s spider vane assembly. Make adjustments to the telescope’s secondary mirror collimation screws until the reflection of the laser beam is centered in the collimation target on the primary mirror. Adjusting the Primary Mirror: The final collimation step is to adjust the tilt angle of the primary mirror. Orient the collimator in the focuser so that the viewing screen is facing the rear of the telescope. While standing at the rear of the telescope, look over at the bulls-eye viewing screen of the collimator. You should see the red laser dot somewhere on the viewing screen. If you don’t, then the collimation is grossly off. In that case, place a piece of paper in front of the open tube and note the position of the laser dot on the paper. Make adjustments to the primary mirror collimation screws to move the laser dot closer to the center and eventually onto the collimator’s bulls-eye viewing screen. Once the laser dot is on the viewing screen, you can perform the final collimation. Adjust the primary mirror collimation knobs until the laser dot hits the center hole of the bulls-eye screen and pretty much disappears, except for some red “spray” around the periphery of the hole. You can make certainthe laser dot is properly aimed into the hole by slightly adjusting one of the collimation knobs to bring the laser dot out of the hole, then return it by turning the collimation screw the other way.Collimation of the optical system is now complete! Go out and enjoy the view! Care and Maintenance: Your Laser Collimator is manufactured of the highest quality components. The internal laser diode is precision aligned with the mechanical axis of the housing at the factory and tested to meet stringent specifications. Like all electronic equipment, the Laser Collimator should be handled with care. If it is dropped or handled roughly, the internal laser could become misaligned. Avoid exposing the collimator to water, dust, heat, or prolonged periods of direct sunlight. To extend battery life, store the collimator in a cool, dry environment. Read more Installing a New Battery: The Laser Collimator is powered by a single CR2032 3V lithium ion “button cell” battery. When the laser beam starts to dim or completely fades, it’s time to replace the battery. To do so, unscrew the knurled battery compartment cap at the top of the collimator. With a knife tip or the end of a paper clip, lift the edge of the expired battery out. Insert a fresh CR2032 battery with the positive (+) side up. Then replace the cap. The CR2032 is a commonly used battery in watches, calculators, cameras, and other electronic devices, so you’ll be able to find one at most drug stores or online. Read more
Features:
Designed for Reflector telescope, fit for standard 1.25 inch diameter. Red laser collimation beam with 7 brightness levels, wavelength 635-655 nm; Output power: less than 5mw, much safer for your eyes. This sturdy laser unit allows you to swiftly and precisely collimate your Newtonian telescope. Only when the optics have been accurately collimated can the telescope offer you its full performance.
Built with metal material. CR2032 Lithium Cell battery (Not include) ; Accurate collimation in a few minutes provide a more clearer image. The telescope can be collimated by just one person.
The precision-made aluminium housing of the laser unit has a front opening from which the laser beam can be emitted. In order to obtain an optimal adjustment, it has a side window allowing a disk oriented at 45 with a central hole to be viewed.This can be then later be used to see whether the laser is reflected back on itself, indicating well collimated optics.
This adjustment tool can be used in all 1.25" focusers. We provide you with precise instructions in German and English, with a step-by-step explanation of how to adjust a Newtonian telescope using this laser unit. So, even if you are a newcomer to amateur astronomy, it is very simple to get the optimum performance out of your telescope.
The laser comes fully adjusted. It can however be further adjusted if required. It has three openings for adjustment, arranged at 120, which are initially sealed. The battery for the laser can be exchanged at any time; the small screw cap at the rear of the laser must be first unscrewed to allow this.
Product Details:
Product Dimensions: 5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches
Item Weight: 3.04 ounces
Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
Item model number: SKU_AM_ZAA1025
New open box
Shipped with USPS First Class.