nimax TSMKOLLI Compact Optical System User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- nimax
Table of Contents
nimax TSMKOLLI Compact Optical System
How does TSMKOLLI work?
TSMKOLLI is a compact optical system that makes an image together with the
optical elements of the telescope. The collimator contains four LEDs and a
lens objective. LEDs form glare on each optical surface of the telescope.
Collimation of the telescope is carried out by bringing these highlights into
a concentric picture.
You can observe this image through the eyepiece. Depending on the type of the
optical system and the focal length of the telescope, you will need to choose
the optimal magnification. To do this, use different eyepieces or a
combination of them with a Barlow lens.
But it will be much more convenient to use the camera to display the image
built by the collimator on the computer screen. In this case, the adjustment
process becomes much more simplified.
To adjust the astrograph, it is useful to install some kind of a light filter
in the 1.25” barrel. This will allow you to get an additional set of
highlights. In this way it will be possible to check the correct installation
of the telescope’s focuser.
Preparation for collimation
Place the tube horizontally on a table or use a telescope mount. Provide easy
access to the adjustment screws. Be aware that an accidentally dropped hex
wrench or screwdriver can damage the optics of the telescope. Therefore, be
careful and install the telescope in such a way as to completely the
possibility of damage to the optics.
Install the light filter in the barrel of the collimator and connect the 12V
power supply. The collimator is equipped with a simple threaded focuser. It
can be used to focus an eyepiece or a camera. Loosen the retaining ring and
achieve precise focus by rotating the eyepiece tube. Then tighten the
retaining ring back. With compact 1.25” format guiding cameras, you can
additionally obtain a large focus range by simply moving the camera body
inside the eyepiece tube.
Start the collimation
Having adjusted the collimator, try to rotate the cell screws of each of the
optical elements, carefully observing how the position of the flares changes.
At the first stage, it is necessary to figure out which optical surfaces each
set of reflections was obtained from.
Next, you should reduce the highlights into a concentric picture. If your
telescope has been heavily misaligned, this will need to be done in several
iterations. When you have achieved a concentric picture, tighten the locking
screws of the mirror or lenses cells. Next, you should check all the
mechanical components of the telescope in order to understand which part is
most prone to misalignment. 
Telescope focuser Check the focuser in the entire range of its movements.
If the mechanical axis of the focuser coincides with the optical axis of the
telescope then the glare in the collimator will only change its shape or
brightness without losing concentricity. If you find that the image becomes
asymmetric, then you need to adjust the focuser.
If you use a telescope for astrophotography and put a huge load on the
focuser, you should check the backlash of the moving tube. Many Crayford
focusers in low-cost telescopes suffer from noticeable displacement of the
moving tube. Try to push the focuser tube in different directions with some
force, simulating the weight of the equipment installed on it.
OTA and mirror cell in reflectors Many inexpensive telescopes have problems with their primary mirror cells. As the tube rotates on the mount, the mirror may move and cause misalignment. To check this, mount the telescope tube on the mount along with a collimator equipped with a camera. Rotate the telescope tube in different directions and watch the glare pattern on the monitor. If there are misalignments of the mirrors in the frames or some other backlash, they will quickly appear on the screen.
The only way to fix this is by adjusting the mirror’s cell. When doing this,
remember the need for temperature gaps and proper unloading of the mirror.
Excessive clamping of the mirror in the cell can lead to astigmatism.
Remember that any collimator is only an auxiliary tool for adjusting the
telescope. The most reliable check of collimation will always be real
observations or imaging of celestial objects. So clear skies and good
observations!
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