Scope Cooldown? Collimation ?

Cassini12 · Apr 14, 2008

Hi all, Now that its getting somewhat nicer, I am going to be using my scope alot more. This is my first scope, so I was wondering what does it mean when people are saying "After the 2-3hr cooldown"? I read it alot and have no idea what they mean.Also, What is Collimation of my scope? I bought this scope used and I want to make sure it is in the right condition. Is it possible to send my scope to Meade or somewhere for a "tune-up"? I just get nervous that I am not using it to its full ability. and being my first scope, I wouldnt know anyways..Scope is a Meade DS-2114 Autostar Go to system Thanks all

MeteorWayne · Apr 14, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Hi all, Now that its getting somewhat nicer, I am going to be using my scope alot more. This is my first scope, so I was wondering what does it mean when people are saying "After the 2-3hr cooldown"? I read it alot and have no idea what they mean.Also, What is Collimation of my scope? I bought this scope used and I want to make sure it is in the right condition. Is it possible to send my scope to Meade or somewhere for a "tune-up"? I just get nervous that I am not using it to its full ability. and being my first scope, I wouldnt know anyways..Scope is a Meade DS-2114 Autostar Go to system Thanks all Posted by Cassini12</DIV> Cooldown: A scope takes time to adjust to the ambient temperature. BEfore that happens, you will have air currents inside as hot air rises and cold air sinks. This will make the images wiggle around and be blurry until everything is at the same temperature. Also the mirrors change size slightly during the cooldown. They are made of a glass type to minimize this, but it's still there. So if you take it from a warm inside to a cool outside it will take some time for all this stuff to stop happening. For a scope your size, I'd siggest taking it outside at least an hour before you intend to use it. It will be worth it. For my 8 inch dob, I usually give it at least 2 hours, sometimes more if it's very cold outside.Collimation:This refers to adjusting the mirrors in your scope so they are properly aligned. If you don't do this images won't be sharp, may be misshapen, or dimmer than they need to be.I found a Meade website that gives a video tutorial on using a scope like yours, I haven't watched it all yet, but it seems like it should answer most of your questions and help you get the most out of it. I'd recommend you watch it! I'll report back after I've watched it myselfWaynehttp://www.meade.com/educational/ds%20videos/qt_chap1.html Here's the Meade Manual for your scope:http://www.meade.com/manuals/TelescopeManuals/Reflectors/DS2000%20manual.pdfHere's the manual index page, in case I'm wrong.http://www.meade.com/manuals/index.htmlFinally, here's a great video on Collimation, someone else suggested it, and I bookmarked it right away. You should too.http://www.andysshotglass.com/Collimating.html   <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Apr 14, 2008

BTW, one of the keys to aligning your autostar is knowing where Polaris (the north star) is. Aren't you glad you practiced??<img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-innocent.gif" border="0" alt="Innocent" title="Innocent" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

Cassini12 · Apr 14, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>BTW, one of the keys to aligning your autostar is knowing where Polaris (the north star) is. Aren't you glad you practiced?? Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV> lol, yes I am. Now I havent cliked any links yet, I will do so after I reply. THANK YOU as once again wayne..Very much.Two quick questions, 1) Is thier a period of "cooldown" that is "too long", If I know I am going to look out tonight through my scope, is it a bad thing to just get home from work and put it on my back porch and let it sit thier untill I am ready to go out? And its deffinetly my case btw cause saturn through my big scope has been "blurry" lately...I forget my other ? lol

MeteorWayne · Apr 15, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'> lol, yes I am. Now I havent cliked any links yet, I will do so after I reply. THANK YOU as once again wayne..Very much.Two quick questions, 1) Is thier a period of "cooldown" that is "too long", If I know I am going to look out tonight through my scope, is it a bad thing to just get home from work and put it on my back porch and let it sit thier untill I am ready to go out? And its deffinetly my case btw cause saturn through my big scope has been "blurry" lately...I forget my other ? lol Posted by Cassini12</DIV>That's not a bad plan, just wait until it's cooler outside than inside. On a hot summer day, inside may be better until later in the evening. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

Saiph · Apr 15, 2008

Meteor gives good advice. If you just let your telescope sit out in the sun...it'll actually take longer to cool down later in the evening than if you had it parked in your air-conditioned house, or even just sheltered in your garage. The main idea of allowing for cooldown is to let the scope reach the same temperature as the environment. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> --------------------SaiphMOD@gmail.com -------------------"This is my Timey Wimey Detector. Goes "bing" when there's stuff. It also fries eggs at 30 paces, wether you want it to or not actually. I've learned to stay away from hens: It's not pretty when they blow" -- The Tenth Doctor, "Blink" </div>

Cassini12 · Apr 15, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Meteor gives good advice.If you just let your telescope sit out in the sun...it'll actually take longer to cool down later in the evening than if you had it parked in your air-conditioned house, or even just sheltered in your garage. The main idea of allowing for cooldown is to let the scope reach the same temperature as the environment. Posted by Saiph</DIV>Yes thanks.Last night I let it sit out for a bit before using, I used it to seen the moon and it looked great, clear, sharp image. Then again, i used it to see Saturn and it still seems to be  a little "too bright", I cant figure out why, becasue with my  little scope it seems smalled of course but yet clear. and then my big scope just seems to be a little bit off, I am thinking it is the collamation of the scope, I did try to adjust it last night, but I dont know If I know exactly what I am doing. so I am hoping for the best.. We should see tonight.

crazyeddie · Apr 15, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Yes thanks.Last night I let it sit out for a bit before using, I used it to seen the moon and it looked great, clear, sharp image. Then again, i used it to see Saturn and it still seems to be  a little "too bright", I cant figure out why, becasue with my  little scope it seems smalled of course but yet clear. and then my big scope just seems to be a little bit off, I am thinking it is the collamation of the scope, I did try to adjust it last night, but I dont know If I know exactly what I am doing. so I am hoping for the best.. We should see tonight. Posted by Cassini12</DIV>It probably just needs collimation, did you view the Andy's hot Glass website?  Here's a user's review forum with feedback from other people who own your particular model, you may find some good pointers:http://www.astronomyforbeginners.com/reviews/reviews.php?id=13&name=Meade%20DS-2114ATS <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

Cassini12 · Apr 16, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>It probably just needs collimation, did you view the Andy's hot Glass website?  Here's a user's review forum with feedback from other people who own your particular model, you may find some good pointers:http://www.astronomyforbeginners.com/reviews/reviews.php?id=13&name=Meade%20DS-2114ATS Posted by crazyeddie</DIV> Well I think I screwed it up.. I have no idea what I am doing i guess. This sucks now. I really didnt want to buy that laser eyepeice as its probably expensive. I am going to have to watch that video like 100 times and then re do it. I have a cap just doesnt have a hole in the middle of it. I need to see if there is a store I can go to and buy a collimation cap or something, I would rather go to a local place than keep having to wait and order everything online.

MeteorWayne · Apr 16, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'> Well I think I screwed it up.. I have no idea what I am doing i guess. This sucks now. I really didnt want to buy that laser eyepeice as its probably expensive. I am going to have to watch that video like 100 times and then re do it. I have a cap just doesnt have a hole in the middle of it. I need to see if there is a store I can go to and buy a collimation cap or something, I would rather go to a local place than keep having to wait and order everything online. Posted by Cassini12</DIV>From what the reviews said, it's a real bear to keep collimated, so you need to get the right tools for the job. The good news is the tools can still be used on any future scope you buy... <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

Cassini12 · Apr 16, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>From what the reviews said, it's a real bear to keep collimated, so you need to get the right tools for the job. The good news is the tools can still be used on any future scope you buy... Posted by MeteorWayne</DIV> Quick question. If I am in my house trying to collimate the scope, What should I have it looking at or does it matter? Is it easier to do this while outside at night? with the cover on or off? Thanks

crazyeddie · Apr 17, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'> Quick question. If I am in my house trying to collimate the scope, What should I have it looking at or does it matter? Is it easier to do this while outside at night? with the cover on or off? Thanks Posted by Cassini12</DIV>Well, the star test is considered the best indicator of the status of your collimation, but the initial aligning can and should be done in daylight, or in a well-lit room.  The final tweaking should be done at night with the scope pointed at Polaris.....the best choice for a test star, because it's reasonably bright and doesn't move.  Then you defocus the image of the star until you see a series of concentric rings.  If they are not concentric, if you have more work to do.  Here's a link to a book that's considered the "bible" of collimation:http://www.willbell.com/tm/tm5.htmScroll down to see some examples of what to expect.By the way, some people prefer to use an "artificial star" indoors when they collimate.  You can buy them or make one yourself with inexpensive materials. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

Cassini12 · Apr 17, 2008

Replying to: <DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Well, the star test is considered the best indicator of the status of your collimation, but the initial aligning can and should be done in daylight, or in a well-lit room.  The final tweaking should be done at night with the scope pointed at Polaris.....the best choice for a test star, because it's reasonably bright and doesn't move.  Then you defocus the image of the star until you see a series of concentric rings.  If they are not concentric, if you have more work to do.  Here's a link to a book that's considered the "bible" of collimation:http://www.willbell.com/tm/tm5.htmScroll down to see some examples of what to expect.By the way, some people prefer to use an "artificial star" indoors when they collimate.  You can buy them or make one yourself with inexpensive materials. Posted by crazyeddie</DIV> Thank you! I just purchased the following. anybody have any reviews and or adivce about either of the two products? I am looking forward to using them this weekend as I will have them tommorow (overnight shipping

) http://www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/collimation-tools/zhumelldeluxelasercollimator.cfmhttp://www.telescopes.com/telescope-accessories/maps-books-software/meade506astrofindersoftwareandcableconnectorkitforetx7080atandds2000series.cfm thanks again all

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