How to calibrate a telescope?

[scopenoob]

I originally used the thing that provided was provided with my telescope to calibrate it, however, I've lost it since then. Any one want to help me calibrate the main mirror on my reflector? Google doesn't seem to help.

 

[billslugg]

If you try googleing "collimate" instead of "calibrate" you will have much better results. Also, you were not destined to move it. I will be happy to fill that role. Just tell me where it is. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[Testing]

Be nice, it was a polite request for information, no? If you can not find the info come back for detailed info. Be gentle with your scope. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[billslugg]

Listen, the guy comes in here on his first visit, and shows that he knows nothing about scopes. (OK so far.) Then he throws out that his scope is so large that he cannot move it. He is so unmotivated to do his own reading, that when he comes here for help he cannot even use the right terminology. That is what earned the comments. I have a bad case of scope envy. Mine is only 2.5" Waaahhhhh!! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[adrenalynn]

It's all in how you use that 2.5", Bill... <img src="/images/icons/tongue.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>.</p><p><font size="3">bipartisan</font>  (<span style="color:blue" class="pointer"><span class="pron"><font face="Lucida Sans Unicode" size="2">bī-pär'tĭ-zən, -sən</font></span></span>) [Adj.]  Maintaining the ability to blame republications when your stimulus plan proves to be a devastating failure.</p><p><strong><font color="#ff0000"><font color="#ff0000">IMPE</font><font color="#c0c0c0">ACH</font> <font color="#0000ff"><font color="#c0c0c0">O</font>BAMA</font>!</font></strong></p> </div>

 

[venator_3000]

Hello scopenoob, welcome to SDC and I hope you are enjoying your new and obviously large reflector. <br /><br />What type is it? A Dob or a Newtonian?<br /><br />Here are a few links that might get you started:<br /><br />Sky and Telescope:<br />http://www.skyandtelescope.com/howto/diy/3306876.html<br /><br />and at other sites...<br /><br />http://www.twcac.org/onlinehorizon/collimation.htm<br /><br />http://www.schlatter.org/Dad/Astronomy/collimate.htm<br /><br />I'm sorry you lost the reticle. You should be able to get a replacement from whatever company you purchased it. BTW, it might be best if you identified a local astronomy club in your area. Those folks are typically happy to help and guide you with your new scope.<br /><br />Clear Skies!<br /><br />v3k <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[scopenoob]

To Bill: What? I'm sorry, but I can't believe such a senior member can be so rude. No, I am not a complete newbie. I have reading up a while back, but school took up too much time for me to use the telescope. So, I decided to try to get started again, but now my memory is a bit rusty, so I no longer know the correct term. My signature is merely a bit of remorse when I found out the the base of my dob weight made it even harder for me to actually use the telescope on it. So yeah Bill, you should be happy with the 2.5" scope that you can actually use, while I'm stuck trying to drag the insanely heavy base of my Dob. The scope itself it light enough for a young child to lift it, yet the wood base is about 10 times heavier (There's properly some sort of metal weight hidden in it). <br /><br />Anyways, I would like to thank everyone for their willingness to help.

 

[MeteorWayne]

That's a great tutorial eddie, thanx.<br /><br />This time, I'll save it <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>