- Do I need a laser collimation tool?
No! Although a laser can be used to do a preliminary set of the Secondary tilt and rotation, 100% complete and precision collimation can easily be done with the use of the CATSEYETM "passive" tools only.
- Is the Spotting Template Reusable?
Absolutely! If the template is stored rolled up in a safe dry place, it will last a lifetime and can be used countless times for spotting mirrors.
- Is the Spotting Template Accurate? What about the centering mark on my Primary?
The template is precision drawn on a commercial grade HP large-format Plotter from a CAD file and has been verified to be extremely accurate even in the 32" max. size. I have been told of many instances where customers have used the template and found the Mirror/Scope supplier's center reference (etched cross or applied spot) to be not quite placed correctly.
- What size spot do I need?
The size (small or large) of the triangle to use is dependent on which Cheshire you choose. The 1.25" CATSEYETM Cheshire accommodates the small one and the 2" BLACKCATTM is matched to the large one. The INFINITYTM Autocollimator will function with any size spot you choose.
- Do I need a hole in my center spot and if so, how big?
The only function of the "hole" in the perforated spots is to provide a clear shot to the Primary center for those who want to supplement their collimation procedure with a laser (for a preliminary set of the Secondary tilt/rotation). If you are using a laser in your collimation protocol, select the perforation size slightly larger than the projected area of the beam on your Primary. The hole is not needed when using any of the CATSEYETM Collimation System passive tools.
- What about "white" versus "red" for my center spot?
By design and intent, "Red reflective" is the de facto and recommended media for the CATSEYETM Collimation System. The "Red" color provides excellent contrast for maximum visual resolution of the triangle inside the silver-white ring image of all of the CATSEYETM Cheshires when setting the Primary tilt. Additionally, the reflective surface provides a nice bright reference at night when illuminated with a LED flashlight in both the Cheshire and Autocollimator views.
"White" is provided as an option for those who follow Vic Menard's esoteric persuasion and personal choice.
- Why do you offer a combination tool package that contains both the BLACKCATTM and TELECATTM ? Isn't that redundant?
Even though there is Cheshire functional redundancy, some folks like the multi-functionality of the TELECATTM and prefer the convenience of leaving their sight tube at home and only having the more compact BLACKCATTM taking up minimal room in their field eyepiece box.
- What do I use the sight tube "cross-hairs for?
My sole use of the cross hairs is for the 1-time squaring of the focuser where I use the cross-hair intersection as the aligning reference against the background "hole" I have placed on the focuser-opposite side of my scope tube. Some folks align the reflection of the intersection under itself as a way to do a preliminary set of the Primary tilt.
- If I have a 2" focuser, will the 2" sight tube work in my scope?
The Diagonal must be at least as large as the inside diameter of the sight tube so as long as the Secondary (diagonal) mirror minor-axis size is larger than 1.8", the TELETUBETM or TELECATTM will work just fine.
- Should I tighten the focuser set screws on collimation tools?
My recommendation is that the focuser set screw(s) NOT be tightened on the tools and that the user only hold the tool against the rim of the drawtube insuring the collimation tool and focuser axes are coincidental. Some folks prefer to tighten the set screw (as they would an eyepiece), but this approach assumes all their 2" eyepieces & 1.25" adapters have the same barrel size and length (therefore they "tilt" at the same angle) which is highly unlikely.
- What's all this about merging "ghost" images in an autocollimator? Isn't just a "dark" view good enough?
Unfortunately there is an old misconception that a mere "dark" field in the autocollimator is proof enough of adequate alignment. We now know that one can have a single main reflection of the Primary spot in view in the A/C with a dark background and for a fast scope, this is not nearly good enough. In the new protocols, once the "dark" view is obtained, the objective is to get the Secondary/focuser alignment even closer to pick up the multiple reflections of the center spot and then ultimately to get them all to merge as one. For an example of what you need to look for, see one of Vic Menard's movie sequences of going in and out of collimation and then back in at: "http://www.catseyecollimation.com/vicseq3.avi"
When all the images are merged (and there are 4), the accuracy of alignment is actually the best obtainable on the planet as a result of the 4th (faintest inverted) reflection being a result of multiple reflections totaling 7 focal lengths away from your eye - far more resolution than is attainable with a 2-pass laser.
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