Collimating an ETX-70

Hi all,
is there such a thing with an ETX-70? I recently got one, but I have been unable to bring it out for a proper night-time test yet. Just so I know any tricks in advance, thanks!

Seanie.

Hey Seanie,

I'm still learning to get the most from my etx70, but as far as I know it doesn't require collimation. What you might want to do it train the drives during daylight hours. As far as I remember you just go to the 'Setup' function on the handset and it will take you through the steps.

I've taken to hanging a weight from the tripod to steady it a little, besides that the only complaint I have is the fidgety focus knob, but you can get an extender for this. I'm very happy with my litle scope

Dave P

Hi Seanie,

You don't need to collimate a refractor, which is one of the good things about them

For some good tips and hints on the EXT70 (and all ETX scopes) I'd reccomend Mike Weasner's site: www.weasner.com/etx/menu.html

Have Fun,
Jim

Dave,
I got one of those extender knobs from Dave Grennan when I bought the scope - they are a God-send when looking towards the zenith!

Jim,
thanks for the link!

Seanie,
Some very expensive refractors come with collimation screws, but not this one, not many scopes come cheaper then the price ALDI were offering. :lol:

I noticed with my ETX70 that at times the friction between the tube and the lens cell can make the lens cell rock, so it looks like its can "loose collimation, this effect is fairly slight and I didnt notice any serious affects through the eyepiece from this.
I found that the chromatic abberation is fairly prominent in this scope.

I cannot recommend the focuser extension cable highly enough, it makes a serious differance when using this scope.
I also got a counterbalance kit for it, its usefull when you're using a camera.
Make yourself a solar filter, it'll come in handy for the eclipse next year.

Thanks Dave. Say, can you post up details or give a link about the counterweight for your camera? Its something I want to do when I get the drives calibrated etc, is to start astrophotography (I've waited long enough!). I realise that with such a light scope and a heavy camera combined, it may strain the motor gears a bit. Help is appreciated!

Seanie.