Asterion Halation Opti

optical GMK-collimator

Halation Opti is an LED optical collimator for alignment of all types of telescopes. It contains an intra-lens achromatic lens that can be used with an eyepiece or astronomical camera. Four LEDs form a set of concentric flares from each surface of the optical system. The telescope mirrors produce bright flares, the lenses dim. This allows the collimator to objectively and visually display the state of alignment and allow it to be performed quickly. The task is to reduce the glare from all optical surfaces of the telescope to a concentric pattern.

The housing is equipped with two 1.25'' and 2'' barrels, making the collimator compatible with any eyepiece assembly. Inside there is a thread for 1.25'' standard light filters. The installed filter adds another set of flares from the landing plane of the telescope's eyepiece assembly. This allows, in addition to aligning the optical elements of the tube, also to adjust the position of the focuser, achieving a strict perpendicularity of the landing place relative to the optical axis. This is extremely important for adjusting the astrograph telescope, especially if you plan to shoot with a camera with a large sensor.

The user can use a conventional eyepiece to observe the image. Depending on the type of optical system and the focal length of the telescope, the optimum magnification will need to be selected. The collimator is equipped with a threaded focuser with a locking ring. This will allow you to adjust the image so that the picture of glare is presented clearly. It is most convenient to observe the alignment process by displaying the image on a computer screen, using an astrocamera or a camera with a 1.25'' adapter.

Halation Opti also allows you to detect backlashes in the mechanics of the telescope and assess their effect on alignment. The slightest movement of the focuser or the optical elements in their mounts will quickly reveal themselves, altering the pattern of highlights produced by the collimator.