Actual Step |
Step 1: Adjusting the Primary Mirror |
updated: 2025-10-09 |
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Purpose |
Aligning the primary mirror with the optical axis of the telescope |
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Resource(s) |
Mastering Small Ritchey-Chrétien Collimation for Astrophotography | High Point Scientific |
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Primary Mirror Collimation:
- before you start, slightly untighten the fixation screws on the backside of the mirror using a 2.5 mm Allen key
- only slightly rotate the collimation screws clockwise or counter-clockwise during the collimation using a 3mm Allen key
- don't forget to tighten the fixation screws again when done
Primary Collimation Alternatives
There are a couple of ways to correct the orientation of the primary mirror (ordered by ascending cost)
- use a star on a clear night (for free)
- use an artificial star, also during daytime (~ 100 €)
- use an optical collimator tool, such as TS RCKOLLI ( + 150 €)
- use an OCAL Electronic Collimator PRO (~290€)
- using a second telescope
- using a Takahashi Collimation Telescope TCE0100 for RC, Dall Kirkham, Schmidt Cassegrain Telescopes (~ 400 € including required 2" adapters)
- using Hotech Advanced CT Laser Collimator (~ 600 USD including the reflection mirror)
- using Howie Glatter Product Laser pointers (~ 540 € +~ 200 € (Concentric Circle Pattern) + ~ 390 € (tuBlug 2"))
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