The Meade DS-2130AT – Understanding Its Collimation Process
Your Meade DS 2130 is a precision instrument, similar to various other telescopes offered by Meade; and thus, needs to be treated with care and precaution. When taking care of your Meade DS-2130AT-TC, there is another significant factor that you need to concern yourself with, and that is the collimation of your telescope. Collimation refers to the optical alignment of refracting telescopes.
Most of the Meade DS 2130′s are collimated at the Meade factory before shipment. However, there are instances where the optical alignment of your telescope is affected due to the rough handling during shipment. In such circumstances, it becomes essential to re-collimate the telescope for optimal performance. All the same, the process of collimation can be easily done if you have a good understanding of the various optical parts.
The optical system of your Meade 2130 consists of the following important parts – the primary mirror, the secondary mirror, the secondary mirror-holder, the secondary mirror-vanes, and of course, the primary mirror-tilt screws. The collimation process of the Meade DS 2130 consists of the following.
Verifying Alignment
To verify whether your DS 2130AT is correctly aligned; you need to remove the eye-piece and look down the focuser drawtube. You will see the reflections of the primary mirror, the secondary mirror, the three vanes, and the observer’s eye. If the alignment is perfect, these reflections should be concentric. If you see any deviations of the Meade’s parts with the eye, then you need to adjust the secondary mirror holder and, at times, even the primary mirror cell.
Adjusting The Secondary Mirror-Vane
When the secondary mirror is misaligned to the left or right of the focuser, then you need to loosen the 3-vane adjustment knobs, seen on the outside surface of the main tube. Then, slide the secondary mirror holder up or down the slotted holes till the mirror becomes centered. On the other hand, if the secondary mirror is above or below the tube, then you need to thread one knob inward while unthreading another. At a time, you must adjust only two knobs.
Adjusting the Secondary Mirror-Holder
In case, it is the primary mirror that is misaligned in the reflection, then you need to unscrew the secondary tilt screws of your Meade DS 2130ATS. Do this till the secondary holder can rotate parallel to the main tube. Now, try to center the primary mirror’s reflection and thread back the tilt screws. You need to ensure that the primary mirror is centered within the secondary mirror’s reflection.
Adjusting the Primary Mirror of the Meade DS 2130
In case the misalignment is thanks to the reflection of eye and secondary mirror, then you need to adjust the primary mirror tilts. These tilts are located behind the primary mirror of your Meade DS-2130ATS-LNT. However, you need to adjust the three hex-head primary lock screws before you adjust these. This alignment is achieved through trial and error.
Now, your Meade DS 2130 is collimated perfectly. It is recommended that you verify this occasionally to ensure optimal performance.
For the Main Telescope Critics site click: Telescope
For Related Information CLICK on the following links:
