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The collimation of an SCT can be a daunting task for a beginner, but it is an absolutely necessary process to get the most out of your telescope! Doing the collimation with the factory Phillips screws is certainly doable, but requires a lot of back and forth between the eyepiece and the secondary mirror. You also need to work, in the dark, close to the corrector plate with a sharp metal screwdriver, requiring a lot of concentration and precision in your movements.

By replacing the factory Phillips collimation screws of your Celestron 14" with a set of Bob's Knobs collimation thumbscrew, you can make the process of collimation an effortless and risk-free task. Simply grab a Bob's Knobs thumbscrew and turn!

Fits: Celestron 14” (36 cm) f/11 SCT versions with metric thread factory Phillips collimation screws with Fastar and with or without EdgeHD optics.

Collimation screws on these telescopes are small with very fine threads. Knobs must be tightened gently (just enough to hold the secondary in place) to prevent damage to either the knob or secondary assembly.

If your telescope has a rotary secondary cover, it must remain open when knobs are installed. The cover is cosmetic only and will not affect operation of the telescope.

Our knobs cannot protrude above the Trifid-style rotary cover or they will interfere with the factory dust cover. For better knob access, you can peel off the vinyl escutcheon and remove this cover or simply access the knobs partly from the side.

Knobs: Black plastic, 15 mm (5/8”) diameter

Threads: Available in stainless steel.

*Black oxide steel is only adequate for dry environments. David Astro only offers stainless steel Bob's Knobs thumbscrews, as they are more suitable for Canadian weather. Stainless steel provides better corrosion protection in locations where dew is common.