Help My telescope fell and now it won't focus

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  • Thread starter Thread starter danielandpenn
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around troubleshooting a telescope that has been damaged after falling. Participants share suggestions on how to address issues related to focusing and alignment, with a focus on different types of telescopes and their specific adjustments.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the damage to their telescope and expresses uncertainty about how to proceed without opening it up.
  • Another participant asks for the model number to provide more tailored advice.
  • A general suggestion is made to check the collimation of the telescope.
  • One participant speculates that the telescope is a reflector and suggests that the secondary mirror mount may be misaligned, providing a method to realign it using distant objects and stars.
  • Another participant inquires about the type of telescope to better understand the issue.
  • The original poster later identifies the telescope as a Mak Cassegrain by Bushnell and expresses intent to follow the advice given.
  • The original poster reports success in fixing the telescope after following the advice, indicating that it is now functioning properly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to check alignment and collimation, but there are different approaches suggested based on the type of telescope. The discussion reflects a mix of suggestions without a single consensus on the best method prior to the original poster's successful resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the type of telescope and the specific nature of the damage remain unverified, as the discussion includes various suggestions based on limited information.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals experiencing similar issues with telescope alignment or focusing, as well as those interested in troubleshooting techniques for different types of telescopes.

danielandpenn
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It fell halfway over, denting my metal garbage can lid. The finderscope came off but I could easily reattach it. I can see light and blur now...what should I do?? I don't want to just open it up without knowing what I'm looking for. Thank you!
 
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General suggestion: Try checking the collimation.
 
Sounds like a reflector which fell 'headfirst', suggesting the seconday mirror mount is now misaligned. Assuming it has a spider mount, loosen and retension the mounting screws until it recenters. You can do this in daylight using a distant object to roughly recenter the focal plane, then a bright star at night to fine tune it.
 
What type of telescope is it, Refractor, Newtonian or Catadioptric ?
 
danielandpenn said:
It fell halfway over, denting my metal garbage can lid. The finderscope came off but I could easily reattach it. I can see light and blur now...what should I do?? I don't want to just open it up without knowing what I'm looking for. Thank you!

The model number is 78-8840
 
Thanks so much everyone. It is a Mak Cassegrain by Bushnell. I will try your advice, first, Chronos. Thank you.
 
I got it! I unscrewed it, opened it up and put it all back and Voila! It's perfect! Thanks!
 
Hey! good stuff. :-)
 

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