| Optics that are out of collimation (with optical elements that are not all exactly aligned on the same optical axis) cannot produce good images. Stars will be elongated or lopsided, planetary details will be hazy and low in contrast, and binary stars will be difficult to split cleanly. Regular collimation of reflectors with this highly accurate laser collimator will make sure that you get the best possible image contrast and resolution every night you go out to observe. Precisely centered inside this 1.25" laser collimator’s 5.75" long machined aluminum body is a solid-state 5 milliwatt laser diode. This emits an intense beam of red laser light exactly along the central axis of the black anodized cylindrical collimator body. The laser beam acts as a “reference line" to guide you in adjusting the alignment of your optics to optimize your scope’s collimation. A rotary switch in the side of the nine ounce body turns the laser on and off. The collimator is designed for use with Newtonian reflectors only. It is not designed for use with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. In use, the collimator is placed in the telescope eyepiece holder and turned on. Its laser beam travels through the scope, reflects off the scope’s optics, and returns to fall back on the collimator. A Cheshire-type viewing port in the side of the collimator body allows you to see the returning laser beam falling on the face of a 45° angled aluminized diffuse reflecting surface around the laser aperture. If the returning laser beam falls exactly on the small aperture that is emitting the beam, the scope is in collimation. If the returning beam falls on the diffuse reflecting surface surrounding the emitting aperture, the scope is out of collimation. Out-of-collimation optics are simply adjusted until the returning beam lands squarely on the aperture emitting the beam. There is no danger in viewing the beam’s impact on the diffuse reflector around the laser emitting aperture. The beam impact may also be safely viewed on a mirror or lens surface, if the reflected or transmitted beam is not directed towards your eye. A Newtonian reflector that is badly out of collimation may allow the beam to exit the front of the telescope, so when collimating your scope, check first by pointing the telescope at a wall or screen to see if the beam is getting past the secondary or diagonal mirror. CAUTION: The Class IIIa laser in this collimator has a maximum output of 5 thousandths of a Watt (5 mw). This is quite safe if it is used with reasonable precautions. However, direct or mirror-reflected eye exposure should be avoided! Detectable eye damage can occur if the laser beam is focused on the same area of the retina for as little as 0.25 second. Therefore, take care when collimating your scope to be sure that the beam does not enter anyone’s eye directly, including your own. Keep it locked away when not in use and out of the hands of children. It is not a Star Wars light saber for them to play with. Two important considerations in choosing a laser collimator are the accuracy and stability of the laser beam alignment relative to the cylindrical axis of the collimator body. This collimator’s laser is factory-aligned using three recessed screws in the sides of the collimator body to center and hold the laser within. Do not adjust these screws, as this will adversely affect the accuracy of the collimator. In addition, a strong spring inside the end cap of the collimator body puts the laser unit under longitudinal tension to further help to maintain the stability of the collimation. Do not forget to replace this spring after opening the collimation end cap to replace worn-out batteries. The collimator is powered by three LR44 lithium batteries (supplied). Replacement batteries are widely available (they are commonly used in point-and-shoot cameras). The batteries are replaced by unscrewing the end cap of the collimator. When taking the end cap off, be careful not to lose the strong spring inside the cap. Once the cap is removed, unscrew the brass cap that seals the battery compartment at the end of the laser that is centered within the collimator’s body. Slide the three dead batteries out, making note of the polarity. Insert the new batteries, observing the same polarity. Tightly screw the brass cap on the battery compartment. Replace the end cap on the body, being sure the spring is centered on the brass cap before tightening the end cap.
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