Hotech 2" SCA Crosshair Laser Collimator
Hotech 2" SCA Laser Cross Hair Collimator: Remove the guesswork!
If you’ve been searching for more precise collimation, the Hotech 2" SCA Crosshair Laser Collimator takes the guesswork out of secondary mirror collimation, especially in Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescopes (SCTs). The HoTech laser collimator separates itself from other laser collimators with its innovative self-centering adapter technology (SCA). SCA elimaintes alignment errors that traditional screws or compression methods can cause. No more loose-fitting laser collimators, the SCA mechanism accommodates most brands of focusers, allowing repeatable installation for accurate collimation!
Commercially made SCTs all have slight optical and mechanical alignment errors. The error typically is in the centering of the secondary mirror. As a result, when a laser is installed and emitted from the focuser, the beam will seldom return dead center, even though star testing would indicate perfect collimation. The HoTech SCA adapter addresses these issues with three key functions. To begin with, the expansion rings accommodate almost all focusers' manufacturing tolerances. In addition, it automatically centers the adapting laser. Finally, it provides at least two evenly distributed circular contacts on the focuser's inner tube surface, preventing the adapting laser from pivoting. This Hotech Collimator works with Newtonian primary and secondary mirror collimation, and SCT secondary mirror collimation. For SCTs, users should pre-mark the laser position on the collimator’s target grid when collimated from the factory or your previous star collimation. This allows for easy future alignment checks by matching the laser to the marked position and adjusting the secondary mirror.
High Accuracy Alignment
Keeping the laser dot to the finest point is the key to precision collimation! The HoTech laser collimator is well centered and aligned, which are critical factors for accurate collimation. Featuring a 45º Engraved Targeting Grid Faceplate helps eliminate any visual errors that could occur. Dive deeper into this collimator below!
45º Faceplate!
The 45º Faceplate Viewer with Laser
Engraved Targeting Grid helps to display the returning laser spot with a
clear visual reference during adjustment. The faceplate allows alignment of
the primary mirror from the rear of the telescope, eliminating traveling to
the front of the scope repeatedly during collimation. In addition, the
faceplate viewer's pattern is laser-engraved to ensure a long-lasting, sharp
targeting grid. Unlike other collimators, the target is not a sticker that
will peel or paint that can rub off.
High Accuracy Laser!
HoTech has positioned the laser precisely in the exact optical path and
aligned the pointing of the laser beam parallel to the optical axis. It is
critical to keep the laser beam centered along the optical path for accurate
collimation; otherwise, collimating with an off-axis laser beam will
introduce astigmatism into your telescope. Some laser collimators install an
off-the-shelf laser pointer in the casing. It is very cost-effective, but it
has numerous problems. In many cases, the laser pointer might not install
perfectly centered, due to pointer size variations. So, the laser itself is
not positioned on the true alignment point and optical axis. The Hotech
laser has a long-lasting battery life of around 65 hours of continuous
operation and a typical 10-year shelf life. This is thanks to its
utilization of CR123, 3V battery as the power source.
Proprietary Laser Crosshair!
With Hotech’s proprietary crosshair, users can zero in the laser easily
during the final collimation on the secondary and primary mirrors. The
crosshair model still has a precision laser center dot, but with four
extended laser lines from the center dot. The extension lines (crosshair) of
the laser dot are the most intuitive way to guide the laser pointing for an
accurate adjustment! .The crosshair laser can easily help the user adjust
the secondary mirror to point the laser at the exact center with the help of
the crosshair line. It is a very effective and essential feature for the SCA
Laser Collimator to obtain an even higher degree of accuracy.
Compact Lightweight Design!
HoTech engineers successfully cut the unnecessary weight on the laser
collimator; they understand that additional weight on a telescope will
create imbalance and sagging. Their laser collimator uses aerospace-grade
lightweight aluminum material and is CNC machined with the tightest
tolerances. Lastly, it’s sandblasted and anodized to protect it from harsh
environments. Nothing has been sacrificed for this long-lasting,
state-of-the-art collimation instrument!