Laser collimator Hotech 2" SCA
♦ Fits 2" and 1.25" focusers
♦ fine spot and fine reticle light
♦ perfect centering by expanding rubber rings
♦ red laser color
♦ 45° faceplate with grating
♦ Weight 184 g (6.5 oz)
The HoTech laser collimator separates itself from all other laser collimators with its innovative Self-Centering Adapter (SCA) technology. This mechanism allows for precise and REPEATABLE installation on all brands of 1.25" and 2" telescope focusers, providing accurate collimation. All laser collimators on the market today have one fundamental problem, the tilt of the matching mechanism between the laser collimator and the telescope focuser. This problem is clearly recognized and often discussed among astronomers, but so far there has been no definitive solution on the market.
Regardless of how tight the tolerances machined into the laser collimator or focuser are, a small gap is needed to allow for the installation of the laser collimator. Once the laser collimator is inserted, the necessary gap becomes a problem. The laser collimator is attached with one or more thumbscrews or with a unitized compression ring. Both methods introduce very critical problems, namely an inconsistent fit from off-axis (axial) and no parallel-axis installation that instantly destroys the accuracy of your collimating instrument along the entire optical axis. The self-centering adapter intelligently eliminates focuser tilt by linearly compressing the built-in rubber rings. In doing so, the diameter of the rings expands to compensate for the slack. Since all the rings expand evenly radially due to compression, this automatically centers the laser collimator in the focuser drive tube. More importantly, the SCA laser collimator can be firmly installed in the focuser for repeatable installation to provide accurate collimation.
In summary, the SCA adapter serves three key functions. First, its expansion rings accommodate nearly all focuser manufacturing tolerances. Second, it automatically centers the adapter laser in the focuser. Third, it provides at least two circular contacts evenly distributed on the surface of the inner tube of the focuser that prevent the adapter laser from pivoting and becoming parallel to the focuser. Once the tilt factor is eliminated, you can quickly collimate your telescope with confidence for perfect collimation every time.
Two barrel sizes
This collimating laser consists of a modified laser unit for 1.25" focusers and an accurate adapter for 2" focusers. This allows both focuser diameters to be used without compromising accuracy.
High precision laser alignment
We precisely position the laser in the exact optical path and align the laser beam pointing 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.
Includes 45° faceplate viewer with laser engraved aiming grid
The faceplate viewer helps you visualize the return laser with a clear visual reference during collimation adjustment. The faceplate allows you to align your primary mirror from the rear of the telescope, avoiding having to repeatedly move to the front of your scope during collimation. HOTECH understands the importance of this, which is why the faceplate is a standard feature on your SCA laser collimator. In addition, the faceplate pattern is beautifully laser etched for excellent target viewing.
Fine Projection Laser Spot
Keeping the laser spot at the finest spot is the key to precision collimation. Hotech limits the laser beam to the finest size to operate at the correct distance for optimum visual effect. There is no guesswork as with other laser collimators, where it is difficult to center a large projection laser spot in the center of the faceplate. Hotech 's knowledge and experience in laser design gives you an efficient and accurate laser collimator.
The advantages of the crosshair model
No more guesswork during the final collimation of the primary mirror. The crosshair laser easily guides you for precise final collimation. The extension crosshair helps you center the return laser when its center point disappears into the laser output hole. The crosshair also makes centering the dot on the primary mirror donut an easy task during secondary mirror collimation.
Lightweight Compact Precision Machining
HOTECH engineers successfully reduced unnecessary weight in the laser collimator because we understand that additional weight on a telescope will create imbalance and sagging of the structure. The lightweight design of your SCA laser collimator allows you to achieve reliable precision collimation. And, of course, your laser collimator is CNC machined to the tightest tolerances. So nothing has been sacrificed and you get a state-of-the-art laser collimation instrument.
