It looks more like a tracking error that collimation. The softness could be because the focus is off a little or because the tracking is too aggressive and overshoots and corrects frequently. Since you ate stacking images I would suggest shorter exposures to see what that looks like. ------------------------------ On Tue, May 20, 2014 3:17 PM MDT gazebo4sale@comcast.net wrote:
Don, Thanks for looking. I have a collimation eyepiece for this refractor and it does look good. I will have to check it out with a star ASAP. Here is a 300 second sub from my M20 image that I have enlarged to show the elongation. Do you think this is tracking. The software I use to Stack, (images plus) handles eccentricity quite nicely but the focus becomes a bit soft. Your input will be greatly appreciated. See: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M20Track.jpg
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:49:16 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
That looks like a tracking error not collimation.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of gazebo4sale@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:51 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
Hi, I captured this image of M64 during my trip to Capital Reef 3 weeks ago. I have to get to the bottom of my collimation problem, but the image came out interesting.
see: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M64.jpg
Thanks Steve Gallenson
25X300" Light Subs
Dark,Flats, Bias calibrated.
Staked in Images Plus
Backyard EOS camera control
Hutech Modified Canon T3i
Takahahshi FSQ 106 N for imaging
Takahahsi EM 200 Temma 2 mount
Guided with Starlite Express Loadstar on 500 mm Nikon Lens.
Processed with IP and CS5 using Scott's LRGB techniques. ----- Original Message -----
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I concur with Joe's observation and suggestion. -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:51 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image It looks more like a tracking error that collimation. The softness could be because the focus is off a little or because the tracking is too aggressive and overshoots and corrects frequently. Since you ate stacking images I would suggest shorter exposures to see what that looks like. ------------------------------ On Tue, May 20, 2014 3:17 PM MDT gazebo4sale@comcast.net wrote:
Don, Thanks for looking. I have a collimation eyepiece for this refractor and it does look good. I will have to check it out with a star ASAP. Here is a 300 second sub from my M20 image that I have enlarged to show the elongation. Do you think this is tracking. The software I use to Stack, (images plus) handles eccentricity quite nicely but the focus becomes a bit soft. Your input will be greatly appreciated. See: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M20Track.jpg
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:49:16 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
That looks like a tracking error not collimation.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of gazebo4sale@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:51 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
Hi, I captured this image of M64 during my trip to Capital Reef 3 weeks ago. I have to get to the bottom of my collimation problem, but the image came out interesting.
see: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M64.jpg
Thanks Steve Gallenson
25X300" Light Subs
Dark,Flats, Bias calibrated.
Staked in Images Plus
Backyard EOS camera control
Hutech Modified Canon T3i
Takahahshi FSQ 106 N for imaging
Takahahsi EM 200 Temma 2 mount
Guided with Starlite Express Loadstar on 500 mm Nikon Lens.
Processed with IP and CS5 using Scott's LRGB techniques. ----- Original Message -----
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Don, Joe, Steve, Chuck, Sig, Patrick, anyone who knows: My ignorance knows no bounds. I’ve been reading your posts regarding Steve’s collimation/tracking problems. 1. Do refractors usually require collimation after a period of time? 2. Does it, usually, involve the focuser and not the objective? 3. If it’s the focuser-end of the scope, can it occur because you have put too equipment (weight) on that end and whacked it out? 4. How does one fix it? I don’t have any problems with my scope. I’m just ignorant of the process. I, honestly, didn’t think you collimated refractors. Thanks in advance for any input. Dave On May 21, 2014, at 9:09, Don J. Colton <djcolton@piol.com> wrote:
I concur with Joe's observation and suggestion.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:51 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
It looks more like a tracking error that collimation. The softness could be because the focus is off a little or because the tracking is too aggressive and overshoots and corrects frequently. Since you ate stacking images I would suggest shorter exposures to see what that looks like.
------------------------------ On Tue, May 20, 2014 3:17 PM MDT gazebo4sale@comcast.net wrote:
Don, Thanks for looking. I have a collimation eyepiece for this refractor and it does look good. I will have to check it out with a star ASAP. Here is a 300 second sub from my M20 image that I have enlarged to show the elongation. Do you think this is tracking. The software I use to Stack, (images plus) handles eccentricity quite nicely but the focus becomes a bit soft. Your input will be greatly appreciated. See: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M20Track.jpg
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:49:16 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
That looks like a tracking error not collimation.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of gazebo4sale@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:51 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
Hi, I captured this image of M64 during my trip to Capital Reef 3 weeks ago. I have to get to the bottom of my collimation problem, but the image came out interesting.
see: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M64.jpg
Thanks Steve Gallenson
25X300" Light Subs
Dark,Flats, Bias calibrated.
Staked in Images Plus
Backyard EOS camera control
Hutech Modified Canon T3i
Takahahshi FSQ 106 N for imaging
Takahahsi EM 200 Temma 2 mount
Guided with Starlite Express Loadstar on 500 mm Nikon Lens.
Processed with IP and CS5 using Scott's LRGB techniques. ----- Original Message -----
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Hi Dave, 1. Some refractors require periodic collimation, some don't. It depends on the robustness of the build. The last decade has seen a rise in the popularity of the collimateable objective cell; that is, it has 3 adjustment screws (and 3 locking screws), much like the primary mirror on a Newtonian. 2. It can be either the objective, the focuser, or both. 3. Too great a load on the focuser can cause the drawtube to deflect off-axis slightly, especially when close to fully extended. A heavy focuser load may require a more heavy-duty focuser. Crayford focusers are falling out of favor among refractor users because of slippage under load. Not really a collimation issue, but it's something to be aware of, and it's cause is the same as deflection of the drawtube. Too much load, not enough beef. 4. If the focuser is deflecting, see my answer to question 3. Get a beefier focuser. If it's not a drawtube deflection problem, it may be that the focuser got whacked and is just off-center. A laser collimator inserted into the drawtube should show you if it's off-axis. The dot should be in the precise center of the objective lens. Be careful using a laser on a refractor, don't let the beam enter your eye. You're a scientist so I know that you know the ropes. Focusers that are bolted on can be re-squared by loosening the screws and re-tightening when aligned. Thread-on focusers out of alignment may be damaged and require replacement. Or the main tube could be dinged close to the focuser attachment point. This can cause a mis-alignment in some cases. The returning beam will also tell you if the objective needs collimating. If the objective is tilted, the beam will not return along it's path exactly. If that's the case, you will need to recollimate your objective. If the cell has the three adjustment screws, it's easy. If not, then your options are more limited. If it's a thread-on cell, you may need to shim the objective in the cell. If it's bolted or screwed-on, you may need to loosen the fastening screws or bolts and manhandle the cell until the beam is centered, then re-tighten. If it's a commercial scope and you don't want to perform the surgery yourself, send it back for a factory re-collimation. The laser will only get you 95% of the way there. You'll have to check the diffraction pattern of a star to be sure of perfect collimation (the "star test"). You might get lucky and have it nailed, but you might need to do some tweaking. Does any of this help? I'm off to bed. 3:30 AM gets here all too quickly. BTW, I'm amazed at how bright the eastern sky is at 5 AM these days! C. On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 4:46 PM, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Don, Joe, Steve, Chuck, Sig, Patrick, anyone who knows:
My ignorance knows no bounds. I’ve been reading your posts regarding Steve’s collimation/tracking problems.
1. Do refractors usually require collimation after a period of time?
2. Does it, usually, involve the focuser and not the objective?
3. If it’s the focuser-end of the scope, can it occur because you have put too equipment (weight) on that end and whacked it out?
4. How does one fix it?
I don’t have any problems with my scope. I’m just ignorant of the process. I, honestly, didn’t think you collimated refractors.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Dave
Years ago I check the alignment of the Clark with a Cheshire eyepiece. It was spot on. I don't think there is a need to check unless there is an obvious problem. On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 4:46 PM, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Don, Joe, Steve, Chuck, Sig, Patrick, anyone who knows:
My ignorance knows no bounds. I’ve been reading your posts regarding Steve’s collimation/tracking problems.
1. Do refractors usually require collimation after a period of time?
2. Does it, usually, involve the focuser and not the objective?
3. If it’s the focuser-end of the scope, can it occur because you have put too equipment (weight) on that end and whacked it out?
4. How does one fix it?
I don’t have any problems with my scope. I’m just ignorant of the process. I, honestly, didn’t think you collimated refractors.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Dave
On May 21, 2014, at 9:09, Don J. Colton <djcolton@piol.com> wrote:
I concur with Joe's observation and suggestion.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:51 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
It looks more like a tracking error that collimation. The softness could be because the focus is off a little or because the tracking is too aggressive and overshoots and corrects frequently. Since you ate stacking images I would suggest shorter exposures to see what that looks like.
------------------------------ On Tue, May 20, 2014 3:17 PM MDT gazebo4sale@comcast.net wrote:
Don, Thanks for looking. I have a collimation eyepiece for this refractor and it does look good. I will have to check it out with a star ASAP. Here is a 300 second sub from my M20 image that I have enlarged to show the elongation. Do you think this is tracking. The software I use to Stack, (images plus) handles eccentricity quite nicely but the focus becomes a bit soft. Your input will be greatly appreciated. See: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M20Track.jpg
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:49:16 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
That looks like a tracking error not collimation.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of gazebo4sale@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:51 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
Hi, I captured this image of M64 during my trip to Capital Reef 3 weeks ago. I have to get to the bottom of my collimation problem, but the image came out interesting.
see: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M64.jpg
Thanks Steve Gallenson
25X300" Light Subs
Dark,Flats, Bias calibrated.
Staked in Images Plus
Backyard EOS camera control
Hutech Modified Canon T3i
Takahahshi FSQ 106 N for imaging
Takahahsi EM 200 Temma 2 mount
Guided with Starlite Express Loadstar on 500 mm Nikon Lens.
Processed with IP and CS5 using Scott's LRGB techniques. ----- Original Message -----
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-- Siegfried
I haven't heard of collimation problems with refractors, but I suppose almost anything might go wrong with a telescope. On Wednesday, May 21, 2014 11:43 PM, Siegfried Jachmann <siegfried@jachmann.org> wrote: Years ago I check the alignment of the Clark with a Cheshire eyepiece. It was spot on. I don't think there is a need to check unless there is an obvious problem. On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 4:46 PM, Dave Gary <davegary@me.com> wrote:
Don, Joe, Steve, Chuck, Sig, Patrick, anyone who knows:
My ignorance knows no bounds. I’ve been reading your posts regarding Steve’s collimation/tracking problems.
1. Do refractors usually require collimation after a period of time?
2. Does it, usually, involve the focuser and not the objective?
3. If it’s the focuser-end of the scope, can it occur because you have put too equipment (weight) on that end and whacked it out?
4. How does one fix it?
I don’t have any problems with my scope. I’m just ignorant of the process. I, honestly, didn’t think you collimated refractors.
Thanks in advance for any input.
Dave
On May 21, 2014, at 9:09, Don J. Colton <djcolton@piol.com> wrote:
I concur with Joe's observation and suggestion.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:51 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
It looks more like a tracking error that collimation. The softness could be because the focus is off a little or because the tracking is too aggressive and overshoots and corrects frequently. Since you ate stacking images I would suggest shorter exposures to see what that looks like.
------------------------------ On Tue, May 20, 2014 3:17 PM MDT gazebo4sale@comcast.net wrote:
Don, Thanks for looking. I have a collimation eyepiece for this refractor and it does look good. I will have to check it out with a star ASAP. Here is a 300 second sub from my M20 image that I have enlarged to show the elongation. Do you think this is tracking. The software I use to Stack, (images plus) handles eccentricity quite nicely but the focus becomes a bit soft. Your input will be greatly appreciated. See: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M20Track.jpg
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:49:16 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
That looks like a tracking error not collimation.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of gazebo4sale@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:51 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
Hi, I captured this image of M64 during my trip to Capital Reef 3 weeks ago. I have to get to the bottom of my collimation problem, but the image came out interesting.
see: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M64.jpg
Thanks Steve Gallenson
25X300" Light Subs
Dark,Flats, Bias calibrated.
Staked in Images Plus
Backyard EOS camera control
Hutech Modified Canon T3i
Takahahshi FSQ 106 N for imaging
Takahahsi EM 200 Temma 2 mount
Guided with Starlite Express Loadstar on 500 mm Nikon Lens.
Processed with IP and CS5 using Scott's LRGB techniques. ----- Original Message -----
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-- Siegfried _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
Joe, refractors have an optical axis, like any other telescope, and it must be aligned with the focuser for the telescope to perform properly. By their construction nature, well-built refractors don't require periodic adjustment unless dropped or damaged. As Siegfried noted, no need to check unless you suspect a problem. Most of the time, the problem is at the focuser end. If the tube end has been machined truly square, and the objective cell has been machined correctly and attached robustly, a collimated objective will remain that way. Focuser deflection probably accounts for most refractor collimation issues. This can be a problem with both Crayford and rack-and-pinion focusers. Many amateur refractor builders use an adjustable cell because they lack the tools or skill to produce a tube with a truly square tube end, or use unstable materials such as PVC for the main tube. In those cases, the objective will require collimation. But commercially made refractors are typically built pretty well (except the low-end stuff) and will probably not require any adjustment during the instrument's lifetime. Collimation errors can be introduced if an objective is removed for cleaning, and not re-installed correctly. A good reason to practice good housekeeping when using your telescope, try to not introduce foreign material such as dust into the OTA interior. Cap the focuser when not in use. Like reflectors, the faster the f-ratio, the more critical the collimation requirements with a refractor. Longer f-ratios can be off a tad and still produce a good image. Short f-ratios have to be dead-on. On Thu, May 22, 2014 at 12:09 AM, Joe Bauman <josephmbauman@yahoo.com>wrote:
I haven't heard of collimation problems with refractors, but I suppose almost anything might go wrong with a telescope.
Hi Steve and Dave, The Takahashi FSQ 106 should not ever need collimation unless it has been severely jarred (dropped on the ground etc.). It has an 88 mm image circle so even if it was out of collimation a little it wouldn't be noticeable. Steve's images show tracking and focus errors not collimation. Getting good focus is not trivial since a fast scope like the FSQ has a very narrow good focus position. You need an electronic focuser at a minimum. Tracking is also not trivial and very accurate polar alignment is a must. If you use PhD guiding you can bring up the graph and see how the guiding is going. Most refractors never need collimation but I have looked through a few that did. Some can be collimated such as the Takahashi TOA 150 but others like the FSQ 106 and the TEC refractors are permanently collimated at the factory and must be returned if they need re-collimation. Clear Skies, Don Colton -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dave Gary Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 4:46 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image Don, Joe, Steve, Chuck, Sig, Patrick, anyone who knows: My ignorance knows no bounds. I've been reading your posts regarding Steve's collimation/tracking problems. 1. Do refractors usually require collimation after a period of time? 2. Does it, usually, involve the focuser and not the objective? 3. If it's the focuser-end of the scope, can it occur because you have put too equipment (weight) on that end and whacked it out? 4. How does one fix it? I don't have any problems with my scope. I'm just ignorant of the process. I, honestly, didn't think you collimated refractors. Thanks in advance for any input. Dave On May 21, 2014, at 9:09, Don J. Colton <djcolton@piol.com> wrote:
I concur with Joe's observation and suggestion.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:51 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
It looks more like a tracking error that collimation. The softness could be because the focus is off a little or because the tracking is too aggressive and overshoots and corrects frequently. Since you ate stacking images I would suggest shorter exposures to see what that looks like.
------------------------------ On Tue, May 20, 2014 3:17 PM MDT gazebo4sale@comcast.net wrote:
Don, Thanks for looking. I have a collimation eyepiece for this refractor and it does look good. I will have to check it out with a star ASAP. Here is a 300 second sub from my M20 image that I have enlarged to show the elongation. Do you think this is tracking. The software I use to Stack, (images plus) handles eccentricity quite nicely but the focus becomes a bit soft. Your input will be greatly appreciated. See: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M20Track.jpg
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:49:16 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
That looks like a tracking error not collimation.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of gazebo4sale@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:51 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
Hi, I captured this image of M64 during my trip to Capital Reef 3 weeks ago. I have to get to the bottom of my collimation problem, but the image came out interesting.
see: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M64.jpg
Thanks Steve Gallenson
25X300" Light Subs
Dark,Flats, Bias calibrated.
Staked in Images Plus
Backyard EOS camera control
Hutech Modified Canon T3i
Takahahshi FSQ 106 N for imaging
Takahahsi EM 200 Temma 2 mount
Guided with Starlite Express Loadstar on 500 mm Nikon Lens.
Processed with IP and CS5 using Scott's LRGB techniques. ----- Original Message -----
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_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
Don, Thanks. I have a motor focus for the Tak. There were wind issues the night I imaged M64 and that could be a comtributing factor. It was dead calm the night I imaged M20 and PHD was basicaly flat lined. I wll do a star test, hopefully tonight. I think that to agreesive tracking parameters on PHD could also be involved as you suggested. The setings on PHD have somewhat mystified me. When I started imaging I was attempting to use a wedge mounted Celestron GPS 11".That was a frustrating year but I did learn the software and became very well aquainted with all of our mutual friend Murphy. My settings had to be aggressive and since that time I hwve never changed them. I will play with that. By the way I have just began using Backyard EOs and it is a sweet program for capture if your imaging with a Canon DSLR. I was using Nebulosity before and it is a great program also but it applies a stretch to captured 16 bit files that were causing me grief when processing. Thanks Steve Gallenson ----- Original Message ----- From: Don J. Colton <djcolton@piol.com> To: 'Utah Astronomy' <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Thu, 22 May 2014 15:54:16 -0000 (UTC) Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image Hi Steve and Dave, The Takahashi FSQ 106 should not ever need collimation unless it has been severely jarred (dropped on the ground etc.). It has an 88 mm image circle so even if it was out of collimation a little it wouldn't be noticeable. Steve's images show tracking and focus errors not collimation. Getting good focus is not trivial since a fast scope like the FSQ has a very narrow good focus position. You need an electronic focuser at a minimum. Tracking is also not trivial and very accurate polar alignment is a must. If you use PhD guiding you can bring up the graph and see how the guiding is going. Most refractors never need collimation but I have looked through a few that did. Some can be collimated such as the Takahashi TOA 150 but others like the FSQ 106 and the TEC refractors are permanently collimated at the factory and must be returned if they need re-collimation. Clear Skies, Don Colton -----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Dave Gary Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 4:46 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image Don, Joe, Steve, Chuck, Sig, Patrick, anyone who knows: My ignorance knows no bounds. I've been reading your posts regarding Steve's collimation/tracking problems. 1. Do refractors usually require collimation after a period of time? 2. Does it, usually, involve the focuser and not the objective? 3. If it's the focuser-end of the scope, can it occur because you have put too equipment (weight) on that end and whacked it out? 4. How does one fix it? I don't have any problems with my scope. I'm just ignorant of the process. I, honestly, didn't think you collimated refractors. Thanks in advance for any input. Dave On May 21, 2014, at 9:09, Don J. Colton <djcolton@piol.com> wrote:
I concur with Joe's observation and suggestion.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Joe Bauman Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 6:51 PM To: utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
It looks more like a tracking error that collimation. The softness could be because the focus is off a little or because the tracking is too aggressive and overshoots and corrects frequently. Since you ate stacking images I would suggest shorter exposures to see what that looks like.
------------------------------ On Tue, May 20, 2014 3:17 PM MDT gazebo4sale@comcast.net wrote:
Don, Thanks for looking. I have a collimation eyepiece for this refractor and it does look good. I will have to check it out with a star ASAP. Here is a 300 second sub from my M20 image that I have enlarged to show the elongation. Do you think this is tracking. The software I use to Stack, (images plus) handles eccentricity quite nicely but the focus becomes a bit soft. Your input will be greatly appreciated. See: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M20Track.jpg
Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Don J. Colton" <djcolton@piol.com> To: "Utah Astronomy" <utah-astronomy@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 2:49:16 PM Subject: Re: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
That looks like a tracking error not collimation.
-----Original Message----- From: utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:utah-astronomy-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of gazebo4sale@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2014 1:51 PM To: Utah Astronomy Subject: [Utah-astronomy] M64 Image
Hi, I captured this image of M64 during my trip to Capital Reef 3 weeks ago. I have to get to the bottom of my collimation problem, but the image came out interesting.
see: http://home.comcast.net/~galico/M64.jpg
Thanks Steve Gallenson
25X300" Light Subs
Dark,Flats, Bias calibrated.
Staked in Images Plus
Backyard EOS camera control
Hutech Modified Canon T3i
Takahahshi FSQ 106 N for imaging
Takahahsi EM 200 Temma 2 mount
Guided with Starlite Express Loadstar on 500 mm Nikon Lens.
Processed with IP and CS5 using Scott's LRGB techniques. ----- Original Message -----
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_______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options". _______________________________________________ Utah-Astronomy mailing list http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Send messages to the list to Utah-Astronomy@mailman.xmission.com The Utah-Astronomy mailing list is not affiliated with any astronomy club. To unsubscribe go to: http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/utah-astronomy Then enter your email address in the space provided and click on "Unsubscribe or edit options".
participants (6)
-
Chuck Hards -
Dave Gary -
Don J. Colton -
gazebo4sale＠comcast.net -
Joe Bauman -
Siegfried Jachmann