Hotech 1,25" SCA Laser Collimator with perfect centering - crosshair beam

HOTECH SCA Laser Collimator - 1.25" crosshair version

Self-Centering Adapter (SCA)

The HoTech laser collimator separates itself from all other laser collimators with its innovative self-centering adapter technology (SCA). This mechanism allows precise and REPEATABLE installation in all brands of 1.25" and 2" telescope focusers thus provides accurate collimation. All laser collimators in the current market have one fundamental problem, slop in the adapting mechanism between the laser collimator and the telescope focuser. This problem is clearly recognized and often discussed among astronomers but so far there has been no definite solution in the market.

No matter how tightly the tolerances machined on the laser collimator or the focuser, a small gap is required to allow installation of the laser collimator. Once the laser collimator is inserted, the required gap becomes a problem. A laser collimator is secured with one or more thumbscrews or unified compression ring. Both methods introduce very critical issues, namely inconsistant adaption from off-axis (axial) and none parallel-axis installment that instantly destroys the precision of your collimation instrument along the entire optical axis. The Self-Centering Adapter cleverly eliminates the focuser slop by linearly compressing the built-in rubber rings. By doing this, the diameter of the rings expands to compensate the gap. Because all rings evenly expand radially in diameter from the compression, this automatically centers the laser collimator in the focuser draw tube. And most importantly, the SCA laser collimator can be tightly installed in the focuser for a repeatable installation to provide an accurate collimation.

In summary, the SCA adapter serves three critical functions. First, its expansion rings accommodate almost all focuser´s manufacturing tolerances. Second, it automatically centers the adapting laser in the focuser. Third, it provides at least two evenly distributed circular contacts on the focuser´s inner tube surface preventing the adapting laser from pivoting and parallel to the focuser. Once the slop factor is taken away, you can quickly collimate your telescope in confidence to achieve perfect collimation every time.

High Accuracy Laser Alignment

We position the laser precisely in the exact optical path and align the pointing of the laser beam parallel to the optical axis. It is critical to keep the laser beam centered along the optical path for an accurate collimation, otherwise collimating with an off-axis laser beam will introduce astigmatism into your telescope.

Includes 45º Faceplate Viewer w/ Laser Engraved Targeting Grid

The faceplate viewer helps to display the returning laser with a clear visual reference during collimation adjustment. The faceplate allows you to align your primary mirror from the rear of the telescope eliminating traveling to the front of your scope repeatedly during collimation. HOTECH understands the importance of this, so the faceplate is a standard feature in their SCA Laser Collimator. In addition, the faceplate pattern is beautifully laser engraved for an excellent target view.

Fine Projecting Laser Dot

Keeping the laser dot to the finest point is the key to precision collimation. Hotech limits the laser beam to the finest size to operate in the correct distance for optimal visual effect. There is no guess work involved like other laser collimators which is difficult to center a large projecting laser dot to the center of the faceplate. Hotechs understanding and experiences of the laser design permit you to have an effective and precision laser collimator.

The advantages of the crosshair model

No more guess work during the final primary mirror collimation! The crosshair laser easily guides you for a precise final collimation. The extension crosshair helps you to center the returning laser when its center dot disapear into the laser exiting hole. The crosshair also makes centering the dot on the primary mirror donut an easy task during the secondary mirror collimation.

Precision Machined Compact Lightweight

HOTECH engineers successfully cut the unnecessary weight on the laser collimator because we understand that additional weight on a telescope will create imbalance and structure sagging. The lightweight design on their SCA Laser Collimator makes you gain reliable precision collimation. And of course, their laser collimator is CNC machined with the tightest tolerances. So nothing has been sacrificed while you get a state-of-the-art laser collimation instrument.