Figure 8. Collimating the optics. (a) When the mirrors are properly aligned, the view down the focuser drawtube should look like this. (b) With the collimation cap in place, if the optics are out of alignment, the view might look something like this. (c) Here, the secondary mirror is centered under the focuser, but it needs to be adjusted (tilted) so that the entire primary mirror is visible. (d) The secondary mirror is correctly aligned, but the primary mirror still needs adjustment. When the primary mirror is correctly aligned, the “dot” will be centered, as in (e).

Appendix A:

Collimation—

Aligning the

Mirrors

Collimation is the process of

 

 

 

adjusting the mirrors so they

 

 

 

are perfectly aligned with one

 

 

 

another.

Your

telescope’s

 

 

 

optics were aligned at the fac-

 

 

 

tory, and should not need

 

 

 

much adjustment unless the

 

 

 

telescope is handled roughly.

 

 

 

Accurate mirror alignment is

 

 

 

important to ensure the peak

 

 

 

performance

of

your tele-

 

 

 

a.

scope, so it should be

 

 

 

checked regularly. Collimation

 

 

 

is relatively easy to do and

 

 

 

can be done in daylight.

 

 

 

To check collimation, remove

 

 

 

the eyepiece and look down

 

 

 

the focuser

drawtube. You

 

 

 

should

see

the

secondary

 

 

 

 

 

 

mirror centered in the draw-

 

 

 

tube, as well as the reflection

b.

of the primary mirror centered in the secondary mirror, and the reflection of the second- ary mirror (and your eye) cen- tered in the reflection of the primary mirror, as in Figure 8a. If anything is off-center, proceed with the following col- limation procedure.

d.

The Collimation Cap

and Mirror Center Mark

Your SpaceProbe 3 comes with a collimation cap. This is a simple cap that fits on the focuser drawtube like a dust cap, but has a hole in the cen- ter and a silver bottom. This helps center your eye so that collimation is easy to perform. Figures 8b through 8e assume

you have the collimation cap in place.

In addition to providing the collimation cap, you’ll notice a tiny ring (sticker) in the exact center of the primary mirror. This “center mark” allows you to achieve a very precise collimation of the primary mirror; you don’t have to guess where the cen- ter of the mirror is. You simply adjust the mirror position (described below) until the reflection of the hole in the collima-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tion cap is centered inside

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the ring. This center mark is

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

also required for best results

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with

other

collimating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

devices,

such

as

Orion’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LaserMate Laser Collimator,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

obviating the need to remove

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the primary mirror and mark it

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE:

The

center

ring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sticker need not ever be

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

removed from the primary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mirror.

Because

it

lies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

directly in the shadow of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the secondary mirror, its

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

presence in no way ad-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

versely affects the optical

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

performance of the tele-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

scope or the image quality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That might seem counter-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

intuitive, but it’s true!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aligning the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secondary Mirror

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the collimation cap in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

place, look through the hole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in the cap at the secondary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(diagonal) mirror. Ignore the

 

 

c.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reflections for the time being.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The secondary mirror

itself

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

should be centered in the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

focuser

drawtube,

in

the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

direction parallel to the length

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of the telescope. If it isn’t, as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in Figure 8b, it must be

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjusted. This adjustment will

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

rarely, if ever,

need to be

 

 

e.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

done. It helps to adjust the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

secondary mirror in a brightly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

lit room with the telescope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

pointed toward a bright sur-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

face, such as white paper or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wall. Placing a piece of white

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

paper in the telescope tube

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

opposite the focuser (i.e., on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the other side of the second-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ary mirror) will also be helpful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in collimating the secondary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mirror. Use a

small

Phillips

head screwdriver to loosen the three small alignment screws in the center hub of the 3-vaned spider several turns. Now hold the mirror holder stationary (be careful not to touch the surface of the mirrors), while turning the center screw with a larger Phillips head screwdriver (see Figure 9). Turning the screw clockwise will move the secondary mirror toward the front opening of the optical tube, while turning the screw

12

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Image 12
Orion 3 EQ Appendix a Collimation Aligning Mirrors, Collimation Cap Mirror Center Mark, Aligning Secondary Mirror
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3 EQ specifications

The Orion 3 EQ is a state-of-the-art telescope mount that caters to both amateur and professional astronomers. Renowned for its precision and user-friendly design, the Orion 3 EQ is engineered to deliver an enhanced observational experience. This equatorial mount is specifically crafted to support a variety of optical telescopes, making it a versatile choice for stargazers eager to explore the heavens.

One of the standout features of the Orion 3 EQ is its robust construction. The mount is built with high-quality materials, ensuring stability and durability during usage. A notable characteristic of the Orion 3 EQ is its smooth, adjustable movements, allowing users to easily track celestial objects as they move across the night sky. This is especially beneficial for long-exposure astrophotography, where precise tracking is essential for capturing the details of distant galaxies and nebulae.

The mount is equipped with a sophisticated setting circle and latitude adjustment knobs, facilitating accurate alignment with celestial coordinates. This capability simplifies the process of locating objects in the sky, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Additionally, the Orion 3 EQ features slow-motion controls, providing fine adjustments that enable users to center objects with ease.

Modern technology is showcased in the Orion 3 EQ’s optional GoTo system. This innovative technology allows users to input specific celestial coordinates and automatically track objects of interest. The integrated computer system can store thousands of celestial objects, offering a guided experience that enhances the observational journey.

Furthermore, the Orion 3 EQ supports a variety of telescope tubes, accommodating accessories like finderscopes, eyepieces, and cameras for a comprehensive viewing experience. Its compatibility with different mounts means users can customize their setup to suit their particular needs, whether they are engaging in visual astronomy or astrophotography.

In summary, the Orion 3 EQ stands out in the realm of telescope mounts thanks to its robust construction, precision tracking mechanisms, user-friendly features, and optional advanced technologies. Ideal for enthusiasts eager to delve into the cosmic wonders beyond our planet, the Orion 3 EQ represents a blend of tradition and modern innovation that is essential for any serious astronomer.
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