Advanced CT Laser Collimator Manual (V9.0 =OH=) Page 18 of 20
touch, but the corrector plate is free to move.
3. There are four corrector plate adjustment setscrews installed 90
º
apart in a cross pattern. This means you can slide or
move the corrector plate on one crossbeam by moving the two setscrews that are 180
º
apart (turn one out (CCW) to
make room, then turn the other one in (CW) to push the Plate). Only turn one setscrew in (CW) by the amount you
turned its opposing partner out (CCW). The plate will slide through the other two setscrews on the other crossbeam
that should be adjusted to be just touching the corrector plate and act as guides.
4. To get the feel of moving the corrector plate and to free it up from taking a set, pick two opposed setscrews to be guide
setscrews to slide between. Ensure the guide setscrews are torqued to be just touching the corrector plate. On the
crossbeam to the guide setscrews beam, move the corrector plate by backing out a setscrew two turns (CCW) noting
the position of the allen wrench to know the number of turns exactly. Go to its opposed partner and note its starting
wrench position, (this will be the end position for this exercise), then turn it in two turns (CW) to move the corrector
plate. Now back out (CCW) the same setscrew two turns to its noted starting position. Then go to its opposed partner
and turn it in (CW) two turns to put the corrector plate back to its starting position. This (two turns movement) was a
substantial movement; final adjustments will be 1/8 turn and less. Use this system to go around the corrector plate and
move it back and forth, Noting where you started from and returning to that position. Do this till the corrector plate is
freed up and you feel confident.
5. Use the method presented in
Step 11.3.a
to determine which way the corrector plate will need to be moved for an
adjustment. To start making an adjustment back out a setscrew closest to the go to direction. Back it out by an amount
you guess you will need to move the corrector plate (start with ¼ turn CCW). Now go to its opposed partner and turn it
in ¼ turn CW to push the corrector plate in the adjustment direction. By working in increments after each adjustment all
setscrews are set to be guide setscrews before the next movement. Always start an adjustment by backing out the
setscrew (CCW) in the chosen go-to direction.
6. When the corrector plate is observed to be centered per
Step 11.1.g
, torque (CW) all the retainer ring screws to the
“final torque”, and re-check that the corrector plate is centered.
7. Re-check corrector plate adjustment. Iterate
Steps 11.3.d.5 & .6
as necessary to end with a well-adjusted and secure
corrector plate.
11.4. Addendum
a. Tripod Equipment Solutions for Performing In-Depth Co-Alignment:
1. Tripod with a worm geared elevating center
column:
Example website found for this type item –
http://www.adorama.com/SLMCL.html?gclid=CJ
bAks2x4sUCFZA8gQodFbMAqQ
2. Tripod quick release assembly with fine-sliding
rail movement:
Example website found for this type item –
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/318567-
REG/Giottos_MH621_M621_Quick_Release_Ass
embly.html/prm/alsVwDtl
3. The tripod quick release adapter “Red Button” camera safety catch can be removed by removing its retaining screw
that allows removing the Red Button and its spring. This removes the center “detent” so that the fine-sliding rail can
slide totally free for its entire length. (The center detent is not desired when adjusting the collimator in the L/R
(X-dimension.) This makes this inexpensive item ideal for collimator fine lateral adjustment, but care must be taken not
to slide the collimator too far so that the rail disengages from the adapter tracks. At extra expense a longer rail plate is
available from the example website (see the Accessories Tab). The rail in the figure has ~ 1.18” total adjustment (when
the tripod is close – 0.5” is plenty); the Long Rail has ample adjustment on either side of the center detent (Red Button
left in place), and the long slot for the collimator attachment screw allows centering the collimator over the tripod head.
The Long Rail overhangs the adaptor offering easier handling for the lateral sliding adjustment. A little graphite powder
lubricant makes the sliding rail movement very smooth. (The Red Button and its associated hardware can be saved
and reinstalled if it is also desired to use the adapter with a DSLR camera and macro lens.)
4. When performing the Corollary
Step 5.1
, in lieu of moving the telescope, reach for the tripod elevation crank to adjust
the Up/Dn (Y dimension), and reach for the fine-sliding rail to adjust the L/R (X-dimension). Be exacting and
methodical when using these controls in lieu of moving the telescope.
5. The equipment stacks from the ground up: 1) Tripod with geared elevating center column, 2) Quick release
adaptor with fine-sliding rail, 3) supplied fine-adjuster, and 4) on top – the collimator.
(Continued Next Page)