Why choose the Howie Glatter 532nm green laser over a red one?
The 532nm green version is much brighter than the red ones. In most circumstances it is overly bright for night-time collimation, but it is useful for Barlowed or holographic collimation in daylight or higher levels of ambient light. For collimating in darkness, a red version is the usual choice.
How do I use the Howie Glatter collimator to align my Newtonian telescope?
The process involves a sequence of adjustments to align each optical component to the focuser axis. Step 1 (Secondary Mirror): Place the laser in the focuser. Adjust the secondary mirror's tilt until the laser beam hits the exact center of the primary mirror (usually marked with a center spot or ring). Step 2 (Primary Mirror): Adjust the primary mirror's collimation screws. Watch the laser beam's reflection as it travels back up the tube, reflects off the secondary, and hits the face of the collimator. Adjust the primary until this return beam enters the aperture it came from.
Is the Howie Glatter laser safe to use on my refractor?
Yes, but with a critical safety precaution. Unlike a Newtonian, a refractor will allow the laser beam to pass straight through the objective lens and exit the front of the telescope. Always place a strip of masking tape across the opening of your dew shield to act as a beam stop before you begin. This prevents the Class IIIa laser beam from exiting the telescope.
What accessories work with the Howie Glatter collimator's 3/8-32 thread?
The 3/8-32 thread on the current version of the Howie Glatter collimator is designed for optional accessories that enable more advanced alignment techniques. These include holographic attachments (which project patterns like a square grid or concentric circles) and Barlow attachments for fine-tuning primary mirror alignment.
What does the 15 arc-second alignment mean for my Howie Glatter collimator?
The 15 arc-second tolerance is a measure of how parallel the laser beam is to the outside of the collimator's cylindrical body. This precision ensures that when the collimator is seated in your focuser, the beam it projects is a true representation of the focuser's central axis. This accuracy is the foundation for a precisely collimated optical system.
How do I turn the Howie Glatter laser off to prevent battery drain?
To turn the laser off and prevent it from accidentally turning on during storage, rotate the battery cap counterclockwise. Continue turning it for at least one full turn past the point where the laser shuts off.
