the "star collimator"eyepiece.

I just found this on www.eztelescope.com. I was wondering if anyone knew anything about this device. It's a collimator for schmidt-cassigrain telescopes that uses a multiple circular targeting reticle etched inside of an eyepiece. The star is centered inside of the circles and used as a guide for aligning the collimation. I have collimated my sct many times using the star method and it just seems to me that this thing might be kind of a waste of money.($119.95) It really doesn't seem to me that it you would really need circles to indicate the difraction pattern of the star. In fact, it might even make the process more difficult, what with relocating the star on the reticle every time you touch the adjustment screws? And you can also buy with it, the "ez star". which is a bright pin point of light on a black square.(card board?) this costs $49.95. And from what I understand it has to be placed about sixty feet away from the telescope. They say you can hang it on your wall. (who has a sixty foot long room in their house?) Any one have one of these? and what do you think, good or bad?

[skyjim]

Have a look at this review:

www.cloudynights.com/acce...imator.htm

Makes the usage more clear.  I've known and observed with the author of the review for a decade or more, and he is a very competent observer and scope technician, and quite a perfectionist regarding colimation.  I must confess that Don's review has had me considering buying one for use with my Nexstar 11.  It's true that precise centering is tough to do without a reference, even though I can do a fair job by eye.  Value depends on your collimation error tolerance, I guess.  $119 has kept me from getting one so far, but I might go for it eventually.  Perhaps I'll wait for RTMC in May to see if I can get a deal.

I don't know about their target "star", though.  If you have decent seeing, I think the eyepiece would be more likely to be of use.

Jim

[Daws]

I find it interesting that earlier this week that surplusshed.com was selling precision pinholes for a couple of bucks but they're nowhere to be found now!

[irishmosser]

Be fore-warned that Eztelescope is ripping people off. I placed an order two months ago; I never received the merchandise, even though my credit card was immediately charged, and attempts to contact the company have been fruitless. I've already seen several other complaints about credit cards being charged for orders that were never shipped.

I'd steer clear of this company entirely, regardless of the quality of the products. I can guarantee you that if you place an order with them, you'll never see your merchandise or your money again.

[skyjim]

Thanks for the heads-up, irishmosser!

Jim

[Jacaranda3739]

Here's a better way, make your own.
www.edmundoptics.com//IOD...uctid=1733
I just checked out the Star collimator on their web page and it says they are currently on back order.
I think they are required by law to notifiy customers about that.  Coronado notified me by mail apon reciept of my order that my Ha filter would take a few months, so have other companys I have dealt with. you should check with consumer affairs and see if they have complaints.

[Jacaranda3739]

I just recieved a post card from Harbor freight tools today for a tool box I ordered a few weeks ago informing me that it is on back order. I have dealt with them before and they always inform me within a few weeks if my order is back ordered as have other companys I have done business with. It's the law.
I suggest that you get in touch with consumer affairs about your star collimator if you ever want to see your money again.