{"title":"Collimating Tools","description":"\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOptics that are out of collimation (with optical elements that are not all exactly aligned on the same optical axis) cannot produce good images. Stars will be elongated or lopsided, planetary details will be hazy and low in contrast, and binary stars will be difficult to split cleanly. \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSome telescopes, such as reflectors, can easily be knocked slightly out of collimation, even by the simple act of carrying them outdoors. Catadioptric telescopes (Schmidt-Cassegrains) are less prone to lose their collimation, but should be checked regularly to maintain peak performance. Refractors rarely need collimation, unless they have been treated roughly.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRecollimating most optics to restore the best images is a relatively simple task, and should be done on a regular basis. The collimating tools below are mechanical and optical aids that will help you keep the optics of your telescope at their peak to give you the best possible image contrast and resolution every night you go out to observe.\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"collimating-tube","title":"Takahashi Collimating tube  TKA00442","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Takahashi TCE0030 collimating tube provides crosshairs to convert the Takahashi TCE0020 collimating eyepiece into a sighting tube for collimating Newtonian reflectors.The Takahashi TCE0030 collimating tube is used in conjunction with the Takahashi TCE0020 collimating eyepiece. The TCE0039 collimating tube provides the crosshairs and added length needed to convert the TCE0020 collimating eyepiece into a sighting tube for more easily collimating Newtonian reflectors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221632233545,"sku":"TKA00442","price":92.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/3296_1.jpg?v=1662966644"},{"product_id":"collimating-eyepiece","title":"Takahashi Collimating eyepiece  TKA00441","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Takahashi TCE0020 is a collimating eyepiece used to collimate Newtonian and Cassegrain telescopes.The Takahashi TCE0020 is a short body Cheshire-type collimating eyepiece used to collimate Newtonian and Cassegrain telescopes. The TCE0020 has a precisely centered sighting hole with a cutout in the side of the tube containing a 45° angle matte silver reflecting surface.. It is also often used with a Takahashi TCE0030 collimating tube, which provides crosshairs for more easily collimating Newtonian reflectors.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221636558921,"sku":"TCE0020","price":74.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/3874_1.jpg?v=1662966787"},{"product_id":"collimating-scope-for-ritchey-chretiens-dall-kirkhams-and-refractors","title":"Takahashi Collimating scope for Ritchey-Chrétiens, Dall-Kirkhams, and refractors  TKA00443","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis Takahashi 6 x 18mm collimating scope is designed to help you align the optics of Dall-Kirkham, Ritchey-Chrétien, and refractor telescopes.The Takahashi collimating scope is a 6 x 18mm telescope used to collimate Takahashi Mewlon Dall-Kirkham and Baker Ritchey-Chrétien reflectors, plus Astro-Tech and GSO Ritchey-Chrétien astrographs, and Takahashi refractors 1000mm in focal length and longer. The secondary mirror of your reflecting telescope \u003cem\u003emust\u003c\/em\u003e be center spotted to use this collimating scope. If your scope does not have a center-spotted secondary, do \u003cem\u003enot \u003c\/em\u003eorder this collimating scope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThe collimating scope requires an optional Takahashi S coupling #TSP0030 to connect directly to Takahashi refractor focuser drawtubes. To use it with the 2\" focuser of Takahashi reflectors and other brands and types of telescopes, such as the Astro-Tech Ritchey-Chrétien astrographs, you will need to add an optional TCN0050 2\" adapter.\n\u003cp\u003eThe collimating scope threads into the optional S coupling, which threads into your Takahashi telescope focuser drawtube. It cannot be used with a star diagonal. The focusing eyepiece at the top of the collimating scope is pulled in and out to focus on the different components within the telescope being collimated. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA highly polished mirror is threaded into the front of the objective lens of the collimating scope. The mirror has a sighting hole in its center that the collimating scope looks through. The reflecting surface of the mirror faces the telescope being collimated, and is set at a 45° angle to the scope's light path, similar to the polished surface in a Cheshire collimating tool. Its face is illuminated by shining a light through an opaque white window in the side of the collimating scope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe illuminated mirror in the scope forms a circular white target with a central sighting hole that is used to align the optics of the telescope being collimated. Because the collimating scope slips into the focuser of the telescope being aligned, it is always precisely centered in the light path. This, combined with the magnification of the collimating scope, assures a high level of accuracy during collimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Takahashi collimating scope comes with a well-illustrated instruction manual, although the Japanese to English translation of the instructions may occasionally require a moment's extra reflection to grasp completely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221642883145,"sku":"TCE0100","price":354.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/5048_1.jpg?v=1662966988"},{"product_id":"3-collimating-knobs-for-celestron-c14-w-allen-or-slotted-collimation-screws","title":"Bob’s Knobs 3 Collimating Knobs for Celestron C14 w\/Allen or Slotted Collimation Screws","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese knobs make it easy to collimate your Celestron C14 for optimum image quality. You don't need any tools, so you never have to worry about losing a tiny Allen wrench or screwdriver in the grass in the dark. While it is a long reach, you can probably still adjust the collimation yourself while looking through the eyepiece, so there's instant feedback about how your optics are performing. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knob set works with all 14\" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes that use recessed headless set screw-style Allen or slotted collimation screws, including those with the \"Trifid\" rotary secondary housing that has a cover with three raised legs that rotate to cover and uncover the collimation screws. If your scope has the rotary \"Trifid\" secondary cover, the cover must remain open after these knobs are installed. The cover is cosmetic only and will not affect the operation of the telescope. The Bob's Knobs collimating screws themselves are made of black anodized aluminum alloy. Their knobs are black plastic, 19 mm (3\/4\") in diameter. The factory dust cover will fit on the scope normally with Bob's Knobs installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three collimation screws hold the secondary mirror and its mounting plate to the secondary housing. The mirror mounting plate pivots on a tang or spring at its center, and the collimation screws, which are threaded into the plate, adjust the mirror tilt (or collimation). \u003cem\u003eDo not \u003c\/em\u003eremove more than one of the original collimation screws at a time when installing Bob's Knobs, as the secondary mirror might fall off (if all three screws are removed at the same time), or the secondary can pivot inside the tube, scratching the corrector plate (if two screws are removed simultaneously). By removing only one factory collimation screw at a time, replacing it with a knob, and repeating this process for the other two collimation screws, there's no danger of dropping the secondary mirror. The instructions also recommend pointing the optical tube assembly slightly downward during the installation of the knobs for an added safety measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome versions of the C14 have a fourth screw in the center of the secondary housing. This central screw usually holds the secondary mirror assembly to its housing. The collimation screws, which are typically headless set screws, press against the mirror mounting plate rather than threading into it. When installing your Bob's Knobs on these scopes, it's still important to remove only one collimation screw at a time to reduce the risk of rotating the secondary mirror and disturbing its alignment with the primary mirror. Do not adjust the center secondary screw if present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome scopes with the Fastar option have a fixed central knob mounted on the secondary housing for the user to hold while unscrewing the outer ring. The three collimation screws on this telescope thread into the secondary mirror mounting plate and hold it in place. As with the non-Fastar scopes with a central secondary screw, do not attempt to adjust this central Fastar knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details: \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\" class=\"table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003eNo Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221647372361,"sku":"BKC14A","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/5723_1.jpg?v=1662967144"},{"product_id":"3-collimating-knobs-for-celestron-c14-with-phillips-head-collimation-screws","title":"Bob’s Knobs 3 Collimating Knobs for Celestron C14 with Phillips-Head Collimation Screws","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese knobs make it easy to collimate your Celestron C14 for optimum image quality. You don't need any tools, so you never have to worry about losing a tiny Allen wrench or screwdriver in the grass in the dark. While it is a long reach, you can probably still adjust the collimation yourself while looking through the eyepiece, so there's instant feedback about how your optics are performing. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knob set works with all 14\" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes that use Phillips-head collimation screws. The Bob's Knobs collimating screws themselves are made of black anodized aluminum alloy. Their knobs are black plastic, 16 mm (5\/8\") in diameter. The factory dust cover will fit on the scope normally with Bob's Knobs installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three collimation screws hold the secondary mirror and its mounting plate to the secondary housing. The mirror mounting plate pivots on a tang or spring at its center, and the collimation screws, which are threaded into the plate, adjust the mirror tilt (or collimation). \u003cem\u003eDo not \u003c\/em\u003eremove more than one of the original collimation screws at a time when installing Bob's Knobs, as the secondary mirror might fall off (if all three screws are removed at the same time), or the secondary can pivot inside the tube, scratching the corrector plate (if two screws are removed simultaneously). By removing only one factory collimation screw at a time, replacing it with a knob, and repeating this process for the other two collimation screws, there's no danger of dropping the secondary mirror. The instructions also recommend pointing the optical tube assembly slightly downward during the installation of the knobs for an added safety measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details: \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\" class=\"table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003eNo Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221647437897,"sku":"BKC14P","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/5724_1.jpg?v=1662967146"},{"product_id":"3-collimating-knobs-for-meade-16-lx200-with-three-collimating-screws","title":"Bob’s Knobs 3 Collimating Knobs for Meade 16\" LX200 With Three Collimating Screws","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese knobs make it easy to collimate your older three-screw secondary Meade 16\" LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain for optimum image quality. Current 16\" Meade SCTs have six screws in their secondary mirror holder and need Bob's Knobs set #BKM16S. You don't need any tools, so you never have to worry about losing a tiny Allen wrench or screwdriver in the grass in the dark. While it may be a long reach for some people (unless you're a basketball player), you may still adjust the collimation yourself while looking through the eyepiece, so there's instant feedback about how your optics are performing. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knob set works only with older 16\" Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes have a three-screw secondary mirror holder. Recent Meade 16\" Schmidt-Cassegrains and LX200R Advanced Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes have six screws in their secondary mirror housing, as shown in the feature image below. These scopes require Bob's Knobs set #BKM16S instead of this set. Do not use this set of knobs for the three-screw secondary on the current six-screw secondary. The screws of the three-screw knob set are too long to work with current scopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bob's Knobs collimating screws themselves are made of stainless steel. Their knobs are also stainless steel, 19 mm (3\/4\") in diameter. The factory dust cover will fit on the scope normally with the collimation knobs installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three collimation screws hold the secondary mirror and its mounting plate to the secondary housing. The mirror mounting plate pivots on a tang or spring at its center, and the collimation screws, which are threaded into the plate, adjust the mirror tilt (or collimation). \u003cem\u003eDo not \u003c\/em\u003eremove more than one of the original collimation screws at a time when installing Bob's Knobs, as the secondary mirror might fall off (if all three screws are removed at the same time), or the secondary can pivot inside the tube, scratching the corrector plate (if two screws are removed simultaneously). By removing only one factory collimation screw at a time, replacing it with a knob, and repeating this process for the other two collimation screws, there's no danger of dropping the secondary mirror. The instructions also recommend pointing the optical tube assembly slightly downward during the installation of the knobs for an added safety measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details: \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\" class=\"table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e1.6 oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003eNo Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221647503433,"sku":"BKM16","price":25.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/5730_1.jpg?v=1662967149"},{"product_id":"3-collimating-knobs-for-celestron-11-sct-with-trifid-secondary-not-edge-hd","title":"Bob’s Knobs 3 Collimating Knobs for Celestron 11\" SCT with Trifid Secondary (Not Edge HD)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese no-tool collimation knobs fit late model aluminum optical tube and most carbon These knobs make it easy to collimate your non-Edge HD Celestron C11 for optimum image quality. You don't need any tools, so you never have to worry about losing a tiny Allen wrench or screwdriver in the grass in the dark. While it may be a long reach for some people, you can usually adjust the collimation by yourself while looking through the eyepiece, so there's instant feedback about how your optics are performing. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knob set works with late model aluminum optical tube 11\" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and most carbon fiber optical tube versions. These scopes have a raised \"Trifid\" rotary secondary housing that has a cover with three raised legs that rotate to cover and uncover the recessed set screw-style collimation screws. These screws are too long for a C11 optical tube with a flat secondary housing, no matter what tube material it is made from. Most 11\" aluminum optical tube scopes, and a few of the carbon fiber tube scopes, have a flat non-rotating cover secondary housing that requires the #BKC11M knobs designed for the metal tube versions of the scope. If you have this type of flat secondary housing, do not buy this knob set. The Bob's Knobs collimating screws themselves are made of black anodized aluminum alloy. Their knobs are black plastic, 16 mm (5\/8\") in diameter. The factory dust cover will fit on the scope normally with Bob's Knobs installed. The rotary \"Trifid\" secondary cover must remain open when Bob's Knobs are installed in place of the recessed set screw-type collimation screws. The cover is cosmetic only and will not affect the operation of the telescope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three collimation screws hold the secondary mirror and its mounting plate to the secondary housing. The mirror mounting plate pivots on a tang or spring at its center, and the collimation screws, which are threaded into the plate, adjust the mirror tilt (or collimation). \u003cem\u003eDo not \u003c\/em\u003eremove more than one of the original collimation screws at a time when installing Bob's Knobs, as the secondary mirror might fall off (if all three screws are removed at the same time), or the secondary can pivot inside the tube, scratching the corrector plate (if two screws are removed simultaneously). By removing only one factory collimation screw at a time, replacing it with a knob, and repeating this process for the other two collimation screws, there's no danger of dropping the secondary mirror. The instructions also recommend pointing the optical tube assembly slightly downward during the installation of the knobs for an added safety measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details: \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\" class=\"table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e1.6 oz.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e1 year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221652025417,"sku":"BKC11T","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/10914_1.jpg?v=1662967299"},{"product_id":"3-collimating-knobs-for-celestron-11-sct-with-flat-secondary-housing","title":"Bob’s Knobs 3 Collimating Knobs for Celestron 11\" SCT with Flat Secondary Housing","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese knobs make it easy to collimate your Celestron C11 for optimum image quality. You don't need any tools, so you never have to worry about losing a tiny Allen wrench or screwdriver in the grass in the dark. While it may be a long reach for some people, you can usually adjust the collimation by yourself while looking through the eyepiece, so there's instant feedback about how your optics are performing. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knob set works with all 11\" Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes that have a flat secondary housing. This includes most scopes with an aluminum optical tube, with the exception of the CPC1100 (which uses metric collimation screws and requires the #BKC11M knob set). Some recent aluminum tube versions and most carbon fiber tube models require the #BKC11CF knobs designed for the \"Trifid\" rotary secondary housing (which has a cover with three raised portions that rotate to cover and uncover the recessed collimation screws). The collimating screws themselves are made of black anodized aluminum alloy. Their knobs are black plastic, 16 mm (5\/8\") in diameter. The factory dust cover will fit on the scope normally with Bob's Knobs installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three collimation screws hold the secondary mirror and its mounting plate to the secondary housing. The mirror mounting plate pivots on a tang or spring at its center, and the collimation screws, which are threaded into the plate, adjust the mirror tilt (or collimation). \u003cem\u003eDo not \u003c\/em\u003eremove more than one of the original collimation screws at a time when installing Bob's Knobs, as the secondary mirror might fall off (if all three screws are removed at the same time), or the secondary can pivot inside the tube, scratching the corrector plate (if two screws are removed simultaneously). By removing only one factory collimation screw at a time, replacing it with a knob, and repeating this process for the other two collimation screws, there's no danger of dropping the secondary mirror. The instructions also recommend pointing the optical tube assembly slightly downward during the installation of the knobs for an added safety measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details: \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"table\" id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e1.6 oz.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e1 year\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221652090953,"sku":"BKC11F","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/10915_1.jpg?v=1662967301"},{"product_id":"6-collimating-and-locking-knobs-for-meade-12-lightbridge-dobsonian-primary-mirror","title":"Bob’s Knobs 6 Collimating and Locking Knobs for Meade 12\" Lightbridge Dobsonian Primary Mirror","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese knobs make it easy to collimate the primary mirror of your Meade 12\" LightBridge Dobsonian reflector for optimum image quality. You don't need any tools, so you never have to worry about dropping the flat blade screwdriver that you need to collimate the factory screws and losing it in the grass in the dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA separate set of knobs (#BKLBS) is available to replace the Philips head screws used to collimate the secondary (or diagonal) mirror. Purchasing both sets of Bob's Knobs (separately or in money-saving package #BKLB12ST containing both) eliminates the need to carry two different screwdriver types out into the field. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe screws used in these Bob's Knobs are made of stainless steel. The knobs on the collimating screws are five-point smooth fluted black plastic, 30 mm (1.25\") in diameter. The knobs on the locking screws are knurled black plastic, 25mm (1\") in diameter. The difference in size and shape assures that you won't confuse the function of the knobs in the dark. The telescope optical tube assembly will clear the rocker box with the collimation knobs installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the primary mirror knobs may interfere with the cooling fan connector. The cooling fan plug will fit properly between the knob flutes (as shown in the feature photo), so leave this one knob stationary and collimate the mirror using the remaining knobs. If desired, you can leave the factory collimation screw that is next to the fan connector in place, rather than replacing it with the Bob's Knob.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBob's Knobs recommends that you remove one collimation screw at a time and replace it with a knob, then repeat the exchange one at a time with the remaining five screws. Check the thread size of each factory screw as you remove it and compare it to the replacement knob, as the collimation and locking screws use two different thread sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\" class=\"table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e4 oz.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003eNo Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221652910153,"sku":"BKLB12P","price":29.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/12702_1.jpg?v=1662967335"},{"product_id":"newtonian-reflector-collimating-tool","title":"Celestron Newtonian Reflector Collimating Tool  94182","description":"The Celestron Newtonian reflector collimating tool is a combination of a sight tube and a Cheshire tool in a single unit. It has the precisely centered sighting hole and crosshairs of a sight tube, plus the cutout in the side of the tube containing the very precise 45° angle reflecting surface of a Cheshire tool. As it is a combination tool, it is less expensive than buying a separate sight tube and Cheshire tool. However, it is a little more difficult to use than the two tools individually, as the 45° reflecting surface adds an extra visual element that some people find difficult to ignore when it is being used as a sight tube.\n\u003cp\u003eCollimating the optics of a commercial reflecting telescope by eye (as many people think is easily done) can be very frustrating. First, the diagonal mirror must be properly positioned and aligned with the primary mirror. You cannot assume that the diagonal mirror has been properly set up at the factory, or that it was not knocked out of alignment during shipping. If the diagonal is indeed out of position or alignment, collimating the primary mirror becomes difficult, even with the aid of a collimating tool such as the Cheshire. This is particularly true with fast focal ratio (f\/4 to f\/5) reflectors, as even slight collimation errors in these systems can significantly degrade the image.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sight tube function of the tube allows you to first set the basic mechanical alignment of the diagonal mirror in its proper location in the light path using the crosshairs. It then allows you to aim the diagonal mirror accurately at the center of the primary. Once you've set the position and orientation of the diagonal mirror with the sight tube function, the Cheshire tool function is used to properly align the primary mirror. The Cheshire function can also be used to collimate the lenses of those refractors that have an adjustable lens cell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sight tube\/Cheshire tool combination generally provides accurate enough collimation for visual use and most photography. The Celestron collimating tool is primarily designed to be used in daylight or early twilight, but the Cheshire function can also be used in complete darkness (for those times when you can't set up until late) by shining a red flashlight into the 45° reflecting cutout in the side of the tube. Instructions on how to use the Celestron collimating tool are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details: \u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\" class=\"table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e7 oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e2 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Celestron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221656088649,"sku":"4550","price":34.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/files\/94182_collimation_eyepiece_570x380_2x_0a83258f-697f-4eea-8fec-71c7eb338613.webp?v=1721851706"},{"product_id":"3-collimating-knobs-for-metric-celestron-9-25-cpc-925-scts","title":"Bob’s Knobs 3 Collimating Knobs for Metric Celestron 9.25\" CPC 925 SCTs","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese knobs make it easy to collimate your Celestron C9¼ CPC 925 for optimum image quality. You don't need any tools, so you never have to worry about losing a tiny Allen wrench or screwdriver in the grass in the dark. You adjust the collimation while looking through the eyepiece, so there's instant feedback about how your optics are performing. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knob set works with 9¼\" Celestron CPC 925 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes that use collimating knobs with metric threads. The CPC 925 metric secondary can be identified by 1) a factory-installed plastic cover over the collimation screws; 2) black Phillips factory collimation screws; and 3) brand information on the inside of the housing, as shown on the above photo. The secondary housing cover will still fit when Bob's Knobs are installed, but can be left off if desired. The cover is cosmetic only and will not affect operation of the scope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelestron 9.25 inch SCTs manufactured before 2006 have standard 6-32 collimation screws and require the \u003ca href=\"\/bobs-knobs-3-collimating-celestron-9-25-inch-sct_p5720.aspx\"\u003e#BKC9 collimation knob set with standard threads\u003c\/a\u003e. These telescopes can be identified by 1) no writing inside the secondary housing (except for the serial number); and 2) most have silver factory collimation screws as shown in the feature image below. Do not use this metric knob set on these telescopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few non-CPC 9¼\" Celestron scopes manufactured in 2006 have black Phillips factory collimation screws that aren't metric. If your scope's secondary housing looks like the feature image below, it also requires the \u003ca href=\"\/bobs-knobs-3-collimating-celestron-9-25-inch-sct_p5720.aspx\"\u003e#BKC9 collimation knob set with standard threads\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collimating screws themselves are made of black oxide steel. Their knobs are also black oxide steel, 12 mm (1\/2\") in diameter. The factory dust cover will fit on the scope normally with Bob's Knobs installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three collimation screws hold the secondary mirror and its mounting plate to the secondary housing. The mirror mounting plate pivots on a tang or spring at its center, and the collimation screws, which are threaded into the plate, adjust the mirror tilt (or collimation). \u003cem\u003eDo not \u003c\/em\u003eremove more than one of the original collimation screws at a time when installing Bob's Knobs, as the secondary mirror might fall off (if all three screws are removed at the same time), or the secondary can pivot inside the tube, scratching the corrector plate (if two screws are removed simultaneously). By removing only one factory collimation screw at a time, replacing it with a knob, and repeating this process for the other two collimation screws, there's no danger of dropping the secondary mirror. The instructions also recommend pointing the optical tube assembly slightly downward during the installation of the knobs for an added safety measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"table\" id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e1.6 oz.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003eNo Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221662543945,"sku":"BKC9M","price":20.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/14713.jpg?v=1662967679"},{"product_id":"3-collimating-knobs-meade-16-lx200-with-six-screw-secondary","title":"Bob’s Knob 3 Collimating Knobs | Meade 16\" LX200 with Six Screw Secondary","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese knobs make it easy to collimate your Meade 16\" LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain or current Meade 16\" LX200R Advanced Ritchey-Chrétien telescope for optimum image quality. Recent and current 16\" Meade scopes (not the RCX400) have six screws in their secondary mirror holder. The inner set of three screws is used for collimating. They are replaced by these no-tool knobs. The outer set of three hold the secondary housing in place and should not be touched.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce these knobs are installed, you don't need any tools to collimate your scope, so you never have to worry about losing a tiny Allen wrench or screwdriver in the grass in the dark. While it may be a long reach for some people (unless you're a basketball player), you can adjust the collimation yourself while looking through the eyepiece, so there's instant feedback about how your optics are performing. Installation of the knobs is a snap with the included instructions, and you can undo the modification at any time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis knob set works only with recent 16\" Meade LX200 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes and current Meade 16\" LX200R Advanced Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes that have a six-screw secondary mirror holder. Older Meade 16\" Schmidt-Cassegrains have three screws in their secondary mirror housing, as shown in the feature image below. These scopes require Bob's Knobs set #BKM16 instead of this set. Do not use the #BKM16 three-screw secondary set of knobs on a current scope that has a six-screw secondary. The screws of the three-screw knob set are too long to work with a recent or current six-screw scope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bob's Knobs collimating screws themselves are made of stainless steel. Their knobs are also stainless steel, 19 mm (3\/4\") in diameter. The factory dust cover will fit on the scope normally with the collimation knobs installed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three collimation screws hold the secondary mirror and its mounting plate to the secondary housing. The mirror mounting plate pivots on a tang or spring at its center, and the collimation screws, which are threaded into the plate, adjust the mirror tilt (or collimation). \u003cem\u003eDo not \u003c\/em\u003eremove more than one of the original collimation screws at a time when installing Bob's Knobs, as the secondary mirror might fall off (if all three screws are removed at the same time), or the secondary can pivot inside the tube, scratching the corrector plate (if two screws are removed simultaneously). By removing only one factory collimation screw at a time, replacing it with a knob, and repeating this process for the other two collimation screws, there's no danger of dropping the secondary mirror. The instructions also recommend pointing the optical tube assembly slightly downward during the installation of the knobs for an added safety measure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTech Details:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"table\" id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e1.6 oz.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003eNo Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Bob's Knobs","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221662576713,"sku":"BKM16S","price":25.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/14716.jpg?v=1662967680"},{"product_id":"astrozap-artificial-star","title":"Astrozap Artificial Star","description":"\u003ch3 data-start=\"218\" data-end=\"284\" class=\"\"\u003eAstroZap Artificial Star – Collimation and Optical Testing Aid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"286\" data-end=\"666\" class=\"\"\u003eFine-tuning your optics doesn’t have to wait for clear skies. With the \u003cstrong data-start=\"357\" data-end=\"385\"\u003eAstroZap Artificial Star\u003c\/strong\u003e, you can collimate your telescope, test optical alignment, and check focus \u003cem data-start=\"461\" data-end=\"470\"\u003eanytime\u003c\/em\u003e—day or night, indoors or out. This compact, precision-designed accessory simulates a real star at infinity, making it an invaluable tool for astronomers who want peak performance from their gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"668\" data-end=\"1178\" class=\"\"\u003ePerfect for \u003cstrong data-start=\"680\" data-end=\"742\"\u003eSchmidt-Cassegrains, Maksutovs, Newtonians, and refractors\u003c\/strong\u003e, the AstroZap Artificial Star emits a bright pinpoint light source that allows you to perform high-precision collimation or focus checks without relying on celestial objects or unpredictable weather. Just place the unit at a distance (typically 50–100 feet or more), aim your scope at the illuminated aperture, and you'll see a diffraction pattern similar to a real star—ideal for star testing or dialing in secondary mirror alignment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1180\" data-end=\"1478\" class=\"\"\u003eIts compact housing is designed to be \u003cstrong data-start=\"1218\" data-end=\"1238\"\u003etripod-mountable\u003c\/strong\u003e or easily placed on a stable surface, and the internal \u003cstrong data-start=\"1294\" data-end=\"1314\"\u003eLED light source\u003c\/strong\u003e provides consistent brightness with long battery life. The optical aperture is precision-machined to deliver an accurate point source with clean diffraction rings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1480\" data-end=\"1493\" class=\"\"\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1874\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1494\" data-end=\"1565\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1565\" class=\"\"\u003eSimulates a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1529\"\u003etrue point source\u003c\/strong\u003e for collimation and optical testing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1566\" data-end=\"1627\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1568\" data-end=\"1627\" class=\"\"\u003eWorks with \u003cstrong data-start=\"1579\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003erefractors, reflectors, SCTs, Maks, and more\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1699\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1699\" class=\"\"\u003ePerfect for \u003cstrong data-start=\"1642\" data-end=\"1658\"\u003estar testing\u003c\/strong\u003e and achieving critical optical alignment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1759\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1702\" data-end=\"1759\" class=\"\"\u003eBright \u003cstrong data-start=\"1709\" data-end=\"1729\"\u003eLED light source\u003c\/strong\u003e with long-lasting performance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1760\" data-end=\"1822\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1762\" data-end=\"1822\" class=\"\"\u003eIdeal for indoor use or \u003cstrong data-start=\"1786\" data-end=\"1822\"\u003eoutdoor alignment during the day\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"1874\" class=\"\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1825\" data-end=\"1874\" class=\"\"\u003eCompact, portable, and \u003cstrong data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1867\"\u003etripod-friendly\u003c\/strong\u003e design\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1894\" class=\"\"\u003eObserving Tip:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1895\" data-end=\"2300\" class=\"\"\u003eTo simulate an actual star at infinity, position the artificial star as far away as your space allows (a long hallway or backyard works great). Use a small aperture mask or barlow lens on your scope if necessary to make the diffraction rings easier to see. And don’t forget—you can collimate a telescope during daylight hours with this tool, freeing up your clear nights for observing instead of tweaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Astrozap","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40221663101001,"sku":"AZSTAR","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/15340.jpg?v=1662967694"},{"product_id":"takahashi-2-adapter-to-use-takahashi-collimating-scope-with-non-takahashi-telescopes","title":"Takahashi 2\" Adapter To Use Takahashi Collimating Scope With Non-Takahashi Telescopes","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.2px;\"\u003eThis Takahashi 2\" adapter is used to connect the Takahashi collimating scope to the 2\" focuser of takahashi reflectors and non-Takahashi telescopes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.2px;\" nodeindex=\"1\" kwvisibility=\"true\" jquery1446827350174=\"165\"\u003eIn order to use the Takahashi TCE0100 collimatingscope with Takahashi reflectors and non-Takahashi reflectors, such as the Astro-Tech and GSO Ritchey-Chrétiens, you will needthis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.2px;\" nodeindex=\"2\" kwvisibility=\"true\" jquery1446827350174=\"166\"\u003eTCN0055 adapter. The collimating scopethreads into the TCN0055 and the resulting collimating scope\/adapter combination slips into the 2\" focuser of the telescope. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.2px;\" nodeindex=\"2\" kwvisibility=\"true\" jquery1446827350174=\"166\"\u003eTech Details: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"product-attribute-specs-table\" class=\"table\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWeight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e4 oz.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWarranty\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"data\"\u003e5 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40481979072585,"sku":"TCN0055","price":173.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0573\/7974\/9961\/products\/20364.jpg?v=1675379266"}],"url":"https:\/\/astronomics.com\/collections\/collimating-tools.oembed?page=2","provider":"Astronomics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}