How to properly collimate an RC telescope: Ritchey Chretien Collimation

This video walks you through from start to finish on how to collimate an RC telescope and includes all the necessary tools you need.

My Link Tree linktr.ee/avastronomy

PLEASE NOTE: EASIER AND MORE EFFECIENT METHOD TO STEP 1:

1) get a telescoping mirror like this amzn.to/3gKnmG1
2) extend it inside the tube attached to a tripod(via duct tape or something)
3) angle the mirror so you can see the center dot on the secondary
4) proceed with the focuser alignment process I use in the video

This eliminates removing the primary mirror and saves time while making for a more accurate alignment of the focuser.

My Link Tree - linktr.ee/avastronomy​​​​​

Links to my other videos that explain layer masks, camera settings, Collimation and image processing in more detail.

youtube.com/watch?v=W66Okjh4P2g&t=1051s

HLVG - deepskycolors.com/archive/2010/04/26/hasta-La-V…

Gradient Xterminator - rc-astro.com/resources/GradientXTerminator/


OPT telescopes and Agena Astro have a tremendous inventory of astrophotography gear and great service. You can check them out here through my affiliate links. This is the setup I currently use.

Agena Astro - bit.ly/3D3U8id

ASI AIR PLUS - bit.ly/46BTfej
IOPTRON GEM 28 MOUNT - bit.ly/3O2QpGX
WILLIAM OPTICS Z61 - bit.ly/44v5Hv7
IOPTRON IGUIDER - bit.ly/44AXRzv
ASI 294MM CAMERA KIT - bit.ly/46Clqd3


Links to helpful astrophotography items that can be purchased directly through Agena Astro.

TELESCOPES

Redcat71 APO telescope - bit.ly/3D6cT4s
Sky Watcher 8" Dobsonian reflector telescope - bit.ly/3XGYwNy

ASTRONOMY CAMERAS

QHY 600M - bit.ly/3rbHgno
ZWO ASI533MC Pro OSC camera - bit.ly/3XPlzpx
ZWO ASI2600MC pro camera - bit.ly/3pDJFHg


MOUNTS
ZWO AM5 Mount - bit.ly/44eHUzn
Sky Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro pack - bit.ly/44gXXMV
Sky Watcher EQ6 R pro mount - bit.ly/3riYbVc
Sky Watcher EQ8 (for heavier payloads) mount - bit.ly/3D3UFkd
Celestron CGXL mount - bit.ly/3O2u6lQ



FILTERS

Optolong Luminance Pro (broadband light pollution filter) - bit.ly/46FIdEJ
Optolong L-extreme(vary tight/narrow dual band light pollution filter) - bit.ly/3NLwrjJ
Optolong L Ultimate - bit.ly/3NIHABV