How to get the BEST collimation on your SCT!

Рет қаралды 5,631

Күн бұрын

Review of how to use a tribahtinov mask and what difference it makes vs the old way to collimate. I show photos taken with my Celestron C9.25 both before and after using the tribahtinov mask and the difference is obvious!
You can buy tribahtinov masks at Agena Astro. Go to:
bit.ly/3qfWaZS
and search for Tribahtinov mask. Be sure to get the size that fits your scope.
Please like and subscribe! It helps me with the algorithm and encourages me to keep making educational and entertaining content for you!
#astrophotography #bahtinov #telescope

Пікірлер: 55

@themerlefrenchies 18 күн бұрын

Thank you very much!!!!! ❤

@Michael.Chapman 4 ай бұрын

This is exactly the simple info I was looking for. Over the decades, like you, I’ve wasted hours attempting perfect collimation by the technique given in the manuals of my early C8 and C5… Thank you for this introduction. The before and after images of Jupiter are amazing!

@AZASTROGUY 4 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@garypaulson5202 10 ай бұрын

I didn't know about this, just ordered one, thanks for the tip!

@redabdab 10 ай бұрын

That looks like an excellent device! I also have the Edge 9.25” and I struggle with the ‘regular’ collimation method. Thank you!

@AZASTROGUY 10 ай бұрын

I think you’ll love the result!

@redabdab 10 ай бұрын

@@AZASTROGUYI just ordered a 3D printed one from eBay 👍

@VisionCommunications 2 ай бұрын

This is very helpful! Thank you!

@AZASTROGUY 2 ай бұрын

Great! Hope you get some sharp images!

@marvinwhisman3333 2 ай бұрын

Just found your channel and I am new subscriber. Very nice job on your video. I have the Celestron 9.25 but haven't bought the hyperstar yet. I also have the AM5 but haven't tried the scope on that mount yet. Have you had good results with the 9.25 and particularly with the hyperstar attached? Looking forward to more videos.

@AZASTROGUY 2 ай бұрын

Absolutely! The C9.25/Hyperstar on the AM5 (with an 11 lb counterweight) and the ASIAir routinely guides at 0.5". It's one of my favorite set ups. Easy to polar align and tracks perfectly.

@marvinwhisman3333 2 ай бұрын

@@AZASTROGUY Sorry, one more question. Is the bathinov mask modification something you did or did you buy it somewhere.

@AZASTROGUY 2 ай бұрын

@@marvinwhisman3333 Get it here from Agena Astro: bit.ly/3qfWaZS

@AmatureAstronomer 29 күн бұрын

I can collimate my Newtonian is less than a minute with my laser collimator. I have spent hours trying to collimate my new Celestron C6-A XLT and have failed. I just heard of this device yesterday and have ordered one. If it is as easy to use as indicated on KZbin videos, I will be happy.

@TotalityTown 7 ай бұрын

Thanks! I’ve been struggling with the same thing on my old, old C8. I have a laser collimator, but it just doesn’t do very well.

@zgabrel 10 ай бұрын

didn" know about this type , thank you!

@Si-fp2ij 10 ай бұрын

Great tip 👍🏻

@liltompat 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the good information and link to the mask. What guidescope and camera are you using with your SCT?

@AZASTROGUY 10 ай бұрын

evostar 50

@rizzleroodoo 3 ай бұрын

can you talk more about how you know which screw to adjust based on the pattern of the 18 pointed star?

@AZASTROGUY 3 ай бұрын

While looking at the image put a finger in front of the corrector plate beside one of the screws. You will see a shadow in the image. Move your finger until the shadow is over the screw with the asymmetric star.

@douglasfleming1 8 ай бұрын

Thanks Do the same principles apply to Maksukov scopes?

@AZASTROGUY 8 ай бұрын

Yes!

@anata5127 5 ай бұрын

How do you measure perfect symmetry? Your collimated scope doesn’t have symmetry at left bottom.

@AZASTROGUY 5 ай бұрын

It's a visual perspective, but a lot easier than judging out of focus circle symmetry. Agree bottom could have been tweaked a bit

@davidgalemusic7447 10 ай бұрын

At 2:18 where you write "only far left to far right is symmetrical" are those the ones that determine focus while the other four show collimation?

@AZASTROGUY 10 ай бұрын

No. Think of collimation happening in 3 axes, one for each screw. Each elongated '6 pointed star' corresponds to one screw. If two are set correctly, you'll have two symmetric 6 pointed stars and one where the center line is offset

@davidgalemusic7447 10 ай бұрын

So It would be important to focus first with a regular bahtinov mask before using the tri-bahtinov or you might not know if the problem is collimation or focus correct?@@AZASTROGUY

@MrWeesontan 9 ай бұрын

Before the collimation, do you need to focus first?

@AZASTROGUY 9 ай бұрын

@@MrWeesontan yes

@Oamaruastro 10 ай бұрын

I was under the impression that the tri-Bahtrinov mask is for focusing, not for collimation. There is a separate part that often comes with tri-Bahtinov masks that is (I think) called a Duncan mask that is there to help with collimation. I had a tri-Bahtinov mask 3D printed for me by a friend, and I find that not all of the three-line images line up when focusing, so is that a sign of poor collimation?

@AZASTROGUY 10 ай бұрын

The Bahtinov mask is for focusing. The Tribahtinov mask is for collimation. Yes to your second question. AFTER focusing with a bahtinov mask, put on the tribahtinov mask and adjust the screws until the pattern is symmetric as I show in the video. Good luck!

@MrWilsonsChannel 10 ай бұрын

This looks pretty cool. I'm going to have to try it out. Thanks!

@cuthedog 2 ай бұрын

Are the inner arrows or the outer arrows of the tri-bahtinov supposed to line up with the collimation screws?

@AZASTROGUY 2 ай бұрын

Inner

@MrWilsonsChannel 5 ай бұрын

I have an 8-inch SCT and an 8-inch rasa. I see they make different masks for both telescopes even though they are both 8". Do you know if I can use one mask for both scopes, or does the f/ value affect things? Are you able to use the same mask for your scope with and without the hyperstar attached? I imagine that's pretty close to the same difference as an sct vs rasa.

@AZASTROGUY 5 ай бұрын

1 8 inch mask will work for a C8, a C8 hyper star, and an 8 inch rasa

@inder.s4 10 ай бұрын

Can you use this method for a reflector scope?

@AZASTROGUY 10 ай бұрын

No because it doesn't have a secondary mirror in a corrector plate like an SCT does

@peterfassler9856 10 ай бұрын

Unfortunately no explanation what to look for except a round star. What about the spikes??

@AZASTROGUY 10 ай бұрын

I explained in the video that once you're on a star you'll get the 18 point shape as shown. You turn the collimation screws until all the lines are symmetric. I didn't say to look for a round star except in my explanation of the 'old method' for collimation

@redabdab 10 ай бұрын

I think you need to watch it again. It’s clearly explained

@Noncenx 2 ай бұрын

Like you, collimating my 8" Edge HD using the donut method just doesn't feel like I get it as good as it can be. I wasn't aware the tribahtinvo could be used for that, I only thought it could be used to help focus. I'm assuming you get the best focus you can by eye before using the mask for collimation, correct? You have my attention but I would have like to see a little more of the steps you go through.

@AZASTROGUY 2 ай бұрын

Yes that is correct. Focus by eye first. You can even use a normal bahtinov mask to tighten up the focus. But when you then switch to the tribahtinov mask, you'll see one or more of the screws need adjustment to get 3 perfectly symmetric star patterns. And even a subtle difference between not quite symmetric and truly symmetric will make a difference in your image quality. Good luck!

@TasmanianTigerGrrr 6 ай бұрын

Is this the same principle as using a torch through a pinhole to collimate?

@AZASTROGUY 6 ай бұрын

No. It is essentially three Bahtinov masks in one, rotated over 120 degrees. It gives you three lines and three crosses to check collimation, along three axis simultaneously. So, in addition to focusing, the tri-Bahtinov mask also indicates collimation status along three axis.

@TasmanianTigerGrrr 6 ай бұрын

@@AZASTROGUY I might try this to collimate mine, having a hard time getting it finely tuned ,i think my corrector plate is slightly off for some reason but not really sure how to fix it.