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Vixen r130s collimation screws?

Started by bykhed, 03/07/2008 04:14PM
Posted 03/07/2008 04:14PM Opening Post
Just purchased a used r130s reflector and the collimation screws are missing. Anyone have a clue as to what size I need so I can get replacements?

Thanks a zillion!
Posted 03/29/2008 10:33PM #1
Vixen r130s - ? is that the same as the Vixen r130sf? I'm guessing it is. On my Vixen r130sf, the secondary collimation screws are allen head bolts, the same size as my Starblast's, I'm pretty sure.

I was puzzled about the primary collimation screws, to put it mildly. But I had great help from some more experienced friends.

It's a push-pull system, in that sense similar to the Orion Newts' cell. But instead of knobs, you need a phillips screwdriver and another allen wrench, not the same size as for the secondary, but a bit larger. Sorry, I don't know the exact sizes. The phillips head screws control the mirror 'pull', and the allen head bolts lock it in place, 'push'.

I'm assuming you recognized to remove the steel plate at the back, which covers the mirror and collimation screws.

My r130sf also arrived without a center spot on the primary. A friend installed one. Made a paper pattern of the mirror, folded it carefully into quarters, and cut out a small arc from the apex, unfolded, placed the paper back on the face of the mirror, and there's the center. Cut out a center spot doughnut from white vinyl tape, so it might survive an eventual mirror cleaning, and put it down in the hole in the middle of the paper pattern.

He also replaced the primary support springs, which were little rubber O rings, with thicker, 'stronger' rubber doughnuts. Now it's much easier to collimate, and stays put longer.

Hope this helps.

Paul