Newtonian telescope laser collimator - 1.25

thingiverse

To easily collimate a telescope, use a laser pointer with the following method: place the laser in one end of the telescope, where it will bounce off the secondary mirror and hit the center of the primary mirror. The beam reflects back up to the eyepiece; when properly aligned, the laser should return directly into the pointer's hole. This video demonstrates a commercial version: http://youtu.be/N1asF3m2Mh0. However, note that a 3D printed version may not be accurate enough for collimation, and accuracy may also depend on cheap laser pointers. For printing, the part might print as one piece but could require two pieces for best results. It works with an affordable ~14mm diameter laser pointer, such as this one: http://www.amazon.com/532nm-Astronomy-Powerful-Green-Pointer/dp/B0019D12WW. Please share your feedback and suggestions.