How to Collimate With the LaserMate Laser Collimator
Reflective telescopes are very sensitive to alignment errors. Even tiny shifts can degrade the performance of the telescope. Amateur astronomers who want to keep their reflective telescopes in top condition will need to align the mirrors, using a process called collimation. Laser collimators are tools to make that process easier. The LaserMate Collimator is a specific version of laser collimator developed by Orion Telescopes. Although it's an Orion product, the LaserMate will work with other telescope brands as well.
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Instructions
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Collimate Your Telescope
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1
Remove the covers from the aperture of the telescope tube and the focusing tube.
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2
Verify the primary mirror has a target marking the center of the mirror. Orion telescopes, for example, have a doughnut shape surrounding the center of the primary mirror.
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3
Insert the LaserMate Collimator into the focusing tube, with the angled target facing toward the primary mirror. Tighten the retention knob to keep it in place.
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4
Place the telescope in a horizontal position. Turn on the laser.
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5
Verify the laser beam is not exiting the aperture of the telescope by putting a piece of paper or your hand across the telescope aperture and looking for the reflection of the beam. If the beam is present, identify the location and avoid looking toward the primary mirror back along the laser beam when doing the next step.
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6
Look at the laser spot on the primary mirror. Adjust the secondary mirror with the adjustment tool until the laser spot is in the center of the primary mirror.
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7
Walk to the back of the telescope and look at the reflected laser spot on the angled face of the LaserMate. Adjust the angle of the primary mirror to bring the reflected laser spot right back on itself. This will show as a small ring of red light around the center hole on the angled face of the LaserMate.
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Tips & Warnings
The on switch for the LaserMate is the knurled knob at the back; just give it a twist.
Different telescopes have different adjustment mechanisms. Be sure you know how to loosen the adjustment locks before doing the alignment and then tighten them after the alignment steps are complete. Do not tighten too much.
Other manufacturers also offer laser collimators that use essentially the same alignment steps.
Avoid looking directly at the laser beam, as it could temporarily degrade your vision.
By keeping the telescope horizontal during the adjustment, you minimize the chances of dropping something on the primary mirror.
References
Resources
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