INSTRUCTION MANUAL Orion® LaserMateTM Collimator #5680 Marking the Primary Mirror To achieve best accuracy when collimating with the Orion LaserMate, you will need to mark the center of the primary mirror with one of the supplied collimation targets. This will not affect the telescope's performance. If you do not wish to mark your primary mirror, you will need to judge the primary mirror's center by eye during the collimation procedure. While this is not recommended, it is possible to get adequate alignment of the optics without marking the primary mirror's center. To accurately locate and mark the mirror's center point, you will need to make a paper template. First, remove the primary mirror from your telescope. If you are unsure how to do this, consult your telescope's instruction manual. If the primary mirror is glued into its cell, it is not necessary to remove it from the cell. Handle the mirror by its edges only, and be careful not to touch the surface with your fingers. Get a clean sheet of paper that is big enough to cover the entire mirror's surface. For large diameter mirrors, you may need to tape several sheets of paper together. Lay the primary mirror on the paper and trace its outline with a pencil (Figure 1). Next, cut out the circle you have just traced with a pair of scissors. Fold the paper circle into quarters by folding the circle precisely in half, and then folding it in half again (Figure 2). Now, cut about 1/4 inch off the tip of the paper wedge you have Figure 1: Trace the outline of the mirror on the paper. Newtonian reflectors perform at their best when their mirrors are accurately aligned. While it's not difficult to do, collimation can be a chore if you do not have the proper tools. The Orion LaserMate provides a clear, easy way to determine if your telescope's mirrors need adjustment, and which adjustments need to be made. With the highly precise alignment provided by the LaserMate, you'll be enjoying better, crisper views in no time! The LaserMate's laser diode has been precisely aligned within it's housing at the factory. Do not drop the LaserMate or otherwise roughly handle it, or it may need to be returned for re-alignment. Re-alignment is a service that is not covered in the product's limited warranty. Also, do not remove the label on the LaserMate or otherwise attempt to make adjustments to the LaserMate's alignments screws; doing so will void the terms of the warranty. WARNING: The LaserMate emits laser radiation, so it is important not to shine the beam into your or anyone's eye. During the collimation procedure, it is also important to avoid direct reflections of the laser beam into your eye. Rather, look only at offaxis reflections to determine the position of the laser spot on the mirrors. It is safe to view the laser when it is reflected off a surface that will diffuse the light, such as the bottom surface of the LaserMate. It is also safe to view the reflection off a mirror surface as long as the beam is not directed into your eye. Because of the potential danger from the laser beam, store your LaserMate out of the reach of children. Figure 2a, 2b: Fold the paper circle in half, and then in half again. Customer Support (800) 676-1343 E-mail: support@telescope.com Corporate Offices (831) 763-7000 Providing Exceptional Consumer Optical Products Since 1975 P.O. Box 1815, Santa Cruz, CA 95061 created (Figure 3). Unfold the paper, and you will find that you have a paper template of your mirror with a hole at the center. Make sure the template is still clean; place the paper template over the surface of the primary mirror. Carefully register the template edge with the edge of the mirror (Figure 4). Now, take one of the supplied collimation targets and affix it to the center of the mirror's surface through the hole of the paper template (Figure 5). The center of the primary mirror is now marked, and you can reinstall the primary mirror in the telescope (Figure 6). Figure 3: Cut the tip off the paper wedge. the same way the center of the primary mirror was marked. This is generally undesirable due to the large area of the supplied collimation targets compared to the total area of the secondary mirror. Since centering the secondary mirror under the focuser is an adjustment that very rarely, if ever, needs to be done, we recommend simply making this adjustment by eye. Again, refer to the collimation instructions in your telescope's manual for the procedure on how to do this. If you wish to use the LaserMate for centering the secondary mirror under the focuser, refer to the appendix section at the end of this manual. 2"-to-1.25" adapter Note: For mirror cells that use mirror clips to secure the primary mirror in place, it is Figure 4: Place the important not to overtighten template on the mirror the mirror clips. For Orion surface and carefully reflector telescopes, tighten register its edge. the mirror clip anchor screws until just snug, and then back off each screw by 1/2 turn. Overtightened mirror clips will put stress on the primary mirror's figure, and will introduce astigmatism into the optical system as a result. Figure 7a, 7b: The LaserMate fits directly into the drawtube of 1.25" focusers (left). If you have a 2" focuser, you will need to use an optional 2"-to-1.25" adapter (right). Adjusting the Tilt of the Secondary Mirror The first collimation adjustment made with the LaserMate will be to adjust the tilt of the secondary mirror. Insert the LaserMate into your telescope's focuser drawtube (Figure 7). Secure it in place with the thumb screw on the drawtube. Then turn the LaserMate on by turning its thumb screw clockwise. Before looking into the optical tube, take a sheet of white paper and place it across the front aperture of the telescope. If you see a red laser spot on the sheet of paper, then your telescope is considerably out of collimation (Figure 8). Take note of the position of the red spot, and be careful not to place your eye in that position. Remember, it is safe to view the reflection of red laser spot the laser beam off mirror surfaces as long as the beam is not directed into your eye. Figure 8: Place a piece of white paper in front of the open tube. If you see a laser spot on the paper, be careful not to place your eye in that position. Look down the front of the optical tube. Remember to keep your eyes clear of any direct reflections of the beam. Notice the red spot on the surface of the primary mirror itself; this is the laser beam being reflected from the secondary mirror off the surface of the primary mirror. The red spot should be centered on the primary mirror's surface. If it isn't, adjustments will be need to be made to the secondary mirror's tilt (Figure 9). This is done with the secondary mirror collimation screws, usually located on the central hub of the telescope's spider vane assembly. Figure 5: Affix the ring label to the mirror surface through the hole in the template. Figure 6: The primary mirror's center is now marked, and it is ready to be reinstalled. Before You Begin Collimating Using the LaserMate Accurate collimation of your telescope's optics using the LaserMate will most easily be achieved if you do a rough collimation of the optics with your eye first. This is because if the optics are grossly misaligned, it may be confusing to interpret which surfaces the laser is being reflected off of. Refer to your telescope's instruction manual for the procedure on how to do a rough collimation with your eye. Note About Centering the Secondary Mirror Under the Focuser Centering the secondary mirror under the focuser is an adjustment that can be made with the aid of the LaserMate, but it requires marking the center of the secondary mirror in 2 laser spot on primary mirror drawtube should appear similar to Figure 11. Go out and enjoy the view! The alignment of the mirrors should not need to be adjusted again unless the telescope is moved. If you handle the telescope gently during transport, then only slight adjustments will need to be made to the mirrors. Use the LaserMate before each observing session to check and make Figure 11: When collimated, the view looking straight down the focuser drawtube should appear similar to the above image. Before After Figure 9a, 9b: To center the red laser spot on the primary mirror, you will need to adjust the tilt of the secondary mirror. Make adjustments to the telescope's secondary mirror collimation screws until the reflection of the laser beam is centered on the primary mirror. If you have marked your primary mirror, then the red spot should fall directly in the center of the collimation target. Adjusting the Tilt of the Primary Mirror The final collimation adjustment is to adjust the tilt of the primary mirror. Look down at the primary mirror and you will see the reflection of the secondary mirror. In this reflection of the secondary mirror you will see the bottom of the LaserMate's black aluminum housing. Notice the very bright red spot in the center of the LaserMate's bottom surface; this is the laser beam exiting the LaserMate. If your primary mirror is not too misaligned, then you should also see a dimmer red spot somewhere on the bottom surface of the LaserMate. This is the return laser beam that has left the LaserMate, reflected off the secondary mirror, off the primary mirror, back to the secondary mirror, and finally onto the bottom of the LaserMate. Adjust the tilt of the primary mirror until the dim red spot is centered on the bottom of the LaserMate (that is, when it disappears in the bright red spot) (Figure 10). This is done by making adjustments to the telescope's primary mirror collimation screws, found on the bottom of the primary mirror cell. It is easiest to make these adjustments with two people; one adjustments to the mirrors as needed. Care and Maintenance of Your LaserMate Your LaserMate is manufactured of the highest quality components and is carefully aligned and tested at the factory. Like all electronic equipment, it should be handled with care. If it is dropped or handled roughly, it may need to be returned to the factory for re-alignment. It should not be exposed to water, dust, heat or sunlight. To extend battery life store in a cool, dry environment. Installing New Batteries When the LaserMate's laser beam starts to dim or completely fades, it is necessary to install new batteries. To change batteries, you must unthread the top of the LaserMate's black aluminum case (Figure 12). This will expose the laser houstop of LaserMate's batteries (3) case spring + - LaserMate's case top of laser laser housing housing Figure 12: To install new batteries, remove the top of the LaserMate's case and the top of the laser housing. ing. Be careful not to lose the spring that goes between the top of the case and the laser housing. exiting laser spot (brighter) return laser spot on bottom of LaserMate (dimmer) Do not attempt to remove the laser housing from the LaserMate unit, or your collimator will need to be re-aligned at the factory. Also, removing the laser housing will void your factory warranty. It is necessary, however, to remove the top of the laser housing to access the battery compartment. Unthread the top of the laser housing. The battery compartment will now be exposed. If you have difficulty unthreading the top of the laser housing, slip a straightened paper clip or small rod through the hole in the top of the housing for extra leverage. Remove the spent batteries and install three fresh batteries. The batteries should be inserted so that the positive (+) end of the batteries face the open end of the battery compartment. After installing new batteries, replace the top of the laser housing, the spring, and the top of the LaserMate's case. Battery life is approximately three hours, so remember to keep the LaserMate turned off when not in use to maximize battery life. Orion has sets of three LR-44 batteries available, so call Orion Customer 3 Before After Figure 10a, 10b: To center the return laser spot on the bottom of the LaserMate, adjust the tilt of the primary mirror. When centered, the dimmer return laser spot will disappear in the much brighter exiting laser spot. person to look at the position of the red spot, the other to make adjustments to the collimation screws. Collimation of the optical system is now complete, and the view with your eyes when looking straight down the focuser Service at 1-800-447-1001 or visit our website at www.telescope.com to order a new set. Specifications Laser power: less than 5mW Laser wavelength: 650nm Alignment: ± 3 arcmin Focuser size: 1.25", fits 2" with optional 2"-to-1.25" adapter Case: aluminum, black anodized Dimensions: 3.4" long x 1.6" diameter Weight: 5.4 oz Batteries: LR-44, quantity 3 Battery life: approximately 3 hours Certification: meets all FDA regulations applicable at the time of manufacture Appendix: Centering the Secondary Mirror ...