collimation tool for refractor

Which is the best collimation tool for refractor?

I have a Takahashi FS102 refractor which purchase new. I understand that I can send the scope to check for collimation. However, the shipping can be very costly since I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

I just wonder if there is an easy tool for collimate a refractor telescope when I need to collimate the refractor.

Thansk,
TC

One of the best reasons for buying a refractor is that you don't need to collimate it. Unless you drop it from a second story window or some other awful mishap, it should retain its collimation indefinitely.

Don W

Check this link:
http://www.astunit.com/tutorials/collifrac.htm

And another one (in PDF format):
http://www.skywatchertelescope.net/Downloads/AdjustableLens.pdf

Yep, place it in the focuser with the lens cap on the objective. It's best however to adjust just the screws on the focuser with this method to achieve optical alignment between the focuser and the objective, the source of most miscollimation problems with refractors. If there are easy to get to collimation screws on the objective lens assemby (i.e., you do not have to remove the cell to collimate the objective) then the cheshire works as well for that.

Randy