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Farpoint 2" Reflective Cheshire Collimator
| Brand | Farpoint Astronomical |
| Part Number | FP261 |
| Availability | available |
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Product Info
Manufacturer Description
The Cheshire collimation device is the simplest, most intuitive tool for adjusting the primary mirror collimation in a Newtonian telescope system. In addition, the Cheshire is relatively insensative to poor fit in the focuser since many, especially inexpensive focusers are oversize.
We suggest using the Cheshire in conjunction with Farpoint's single beam laser collimator. First use the laser to adjust the alignment of the secondary mirror, then adjust the primary mirror alignment using the Cheshire. Using this technique, your scope can be aligned in under two minutes!
Farpoint makes the Cheshire in 1-1/4 and 2 inch sizes to accommodate both common focuser sizes. Each Cheshire is machined from aircraft grade aluminum on a precision CNC lathe to exacting tolerances. They are then polished and hard anodized for a superior appearance and durability. The grip ring is knurled for a sure handhold.
Each Cheshire includes four primary mirror marking triangles and detailed, illustrated instructions. An alignment template for applying the triangles onto mirrors up to 12.5" diameter is also included. The template has metric sized marks for imported telescopes as well as English measurements. For those with mirrors larger than 12 inches, Farpoint offers larger templates for sale or a free pattern download from their web site for those who wish to print their own.
To use the Cheshire collimation system, a reflective triangle center "spot" is applied to the primary mirror in a one-time application process. Once applied, all one needs to do in order to align the primary mirror is insert the collimator into the telescope eyepiece holder, look through the sight hole and adjust the primary mirror collimation knobs to center the reflective triangle in the image of the white ring projected by the collimator. The system works in daylight or and night with the aid of a dim astro-flashlight aimed down the telescope tube.
Reviews
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Mar 16, 2019
Not Useful for Beginners
Pros: Cons: Comments:Purchased this to learn to collimate my 10" reflector. Looking at the web page, it's not clear that you have to remove your primary mirror to put their target stickers in place. They then talk about using their Farpoint Laser Collimator (inconveniently sold separately). Then you have to use the Farpoint Cheshire (this product). However instructions are not adequate for beginners to easily understand. Their URL to a video is actually to a list of their product videos and you have to figure out which is the one you need. Unfortunately, this is winter and I haven't had the ability to try this until this weekend. I'm a week past their hard 30-day return deadline. Cannot return the unused product to get my money back.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? NoThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Aug 28, 2017Quality Product
Pros: Cons: Comments:Awesome Cheshire. Nothing I have ever used has come close to the quality and accuracy of this product. When you install one of the supplied triangle center markers and use this tool alignment becomes unbelievably easy. Fits a two inches focused like a glove, no need to tighten down the lock screws.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Sep 5, 2014Works great. Beautifully made!
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:I've had no end of trouble collimating my RC. This device helped me get my primary nearly perfectly aligned. After this I iterated a bit on the secondary.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
Extremely well made from solid aluminum billet.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
May 28, 2009Good Cheshire
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction,Compact
Cons: Comments:This is a good cheshire. It comes with 3 red triangles for center marking your primary mirrors. Plus these triangles all have the hole in the center so you can still use your laser collimator too. I find they also work well with my JSR auto collimator too. Cheshire is made of solid aluminum. Fits well. Works better than most Cheshires.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
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