Indispensable for fast and convenient collimation of Newtonians! You will wonder how you ever lived without one. Our collimator uses a 650nm, 4.5mW, class IIIA red diode laser that is very easy to see and safe. Collimate either day or night! The body accurately fits into the focuser and can be adjusted for an accurate fit using the nylon set screws. You'll be able to collimate your telescope mechanically and optically. Also allows you to diagnose loose or misaligned parts. The body is CNC machined from solid aircraft aluminum, then gold anodized. The handy Barlow lens is magnetically attached to the laser. The Barlowed laser achieves the accuracy of Cheshire collimator with the ease and simplicity of a laser collimator in three easy steps.
Step 1. Mechanically position the optical components and supports (need only be done once) using the laser in single beam mode.
Step 2. Adjust the tilt of the secondary mirror to center laser spot in the primary mirror center ring, using the laser in single beam mode.
Step 3. Attach the concave lens "Barlow" to the laser and adjust tilt of the primary. The return image is a silhouette of the primary mirrors center ring. It is easy to see and accurately center on the white reflective cap.
Axial beam lasers are subject to minor centering errors on the return spot from the primary mirror that can be difficult to detect. These minor errors can make a substantial difference in achieving accurate collimation on shorter (f/6 or less) telescopes. When using a Barlowed laser, it is possible to achieve 20 thousandths of an inch centering or better on the return beam. This is usually precise enough collimation for general observing, but can be followed up with our autocollimator for tack sharp images. A thorough 12 page instruction booklet is included as well as the 2 AA batteries on which it operates.
