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RE: Newtonion Alignment Techniques

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Posted by Rick Crockett on May 17, 2000 18:04:47 UTC

A very simple way to align a Newtonian is to draw a circle the size of the focuser draw tube on a scrap piece of paper. Then make a hole about 1/8" in diameter in the center of that circle. Place the circle centered over the focuser and fold the edges over the same. A rubber band around the paper can help hold it on for convenience. Peering through the small hole, you can see if the spider is out of center and if it is, center it (rarely will you have to work on the spider). The next thing is scew on the secondary. Adjust it until the image of the primary is centered. Then adjust the primary until the secondary is centered.

Generally that last step is all you will need to do on a regular basis. This probably all can be done in less time than it took to type it but if you are having do do this all the time you can do what I did about 30 yrs. ago and make a piece out of plumbing fittings or an old eyepiece (cheap no good 4mm) etc. with the elements removed.

Cheers,
-Rick

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