Tele Vue / Meade laser test: question

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    Laser Test
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an experiment comparing the performance of a Meade 2x telextender and a Tele Vue 4x Powermate using a laser collimator. Participants explore the observations made regarding the laser output and potential issues with collimation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observed a well-formed laser point exiting the Meade 2x telextender, while the same laser in the Tele Vue 4x Powermate produced an elongated beam with multiple distinct points.
  • Another participant questioned the source of miscollimation and suggested that the 4x Powermate might reveal miscollimation more easily than the 2x barlow.
  • A participant noted experiencing eye fatigue with the Powermate compared to the Barlow, raising concerns about the optics being potentially misaligned.
  • One participant confirmed that rotating the laser did not change the results, indicating the issue lies with the Powermate rather than the laser itself.
  • Another participant expressed a desire to keep the exploration fun and focused on learning rather than conducting a formal test.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the observed differences in laser output between the two devices. Multiple viewpoints regarding the potential for miscollimation and the performance of the optics remain present.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the performance of the optical devices and the conditions under which the experiments were conducted, which are not fully detailed.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in telescope optics, collimation techniques, and comparative performance of optical accessories may find this discussion relevant.

cyber3d
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Hi newbe here.

Can someone confirm an experiment I just made on a Meade 2x telextener (tele extender) and a Tele Vue 4x Powermate?

I placed a laser collimator into the barlow and observed a nicely formed laser point exiting the lens. Then I placed the same laser collimator into the Tele Vue 4x Powermate and the laser point was totally elongated revealing almost 3 distinct points in a straight line (fairly close together but most definitely elongated).
 
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I assume you are fining tuning your collimation
See: http://www.cameraconcepts.com/barlowed%20laser%20collimation.pdf
 
Confirm what? That you were experimenting with barlows?

Anyway, do you think you might see miscollimation more easily with a 4X or a 2X barlow? What do you think is the source of your miscollimation? Have you tried rotating the laser in the fixture?
 
Actually no.
I just got the powermate but noticed my eye was really getting tired compared to the Barlow. The power difference could not account for that, right?

So, as an experiment, I inserted the laser into each and observed the output against a clean wall. I was surprised to see how distorted the beam was with the powermate. Could the optics be out of wack?

I was hoping someone could try it on their powermate.

Victor
 
I was just curious. I did rotate the laser and it is definitely the powermate and not the laser.

I'm not saying this is a scientific bench test. I'm just curious if others see the same results.

Victor
 
That was my suspicion, just didnt want to ruin the fun exploring options. It's all about learning.
 

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