Collimating depends in part upon what type of objective cell your refractor has and if the optical axis of the objective can be tilted from the objective end. (Some objective cells screw onto the tube and there is no way to collimate the cell.
If collimation is needed (a Cheshire "collimating" eyepiece is a good way to check) little can be done if the objective cell or objective within cannot be adjusted. Adjusting the focuser cell (tilt) only really helps if it is not square to the optical axis, not if the optical axis is out as a tilt can only pull it into parallel with the optical axis unless it can be off-centered the necessary amount.
Another factor to consider is a misaligned star diagonal, the basic telescope optics may be fine.
I have an article that explains more and I have digital photos if you are interested.
Barry Simon
If collimation is needed (a Cheshire "collimating" eyepiece is a good way to check) little can be done if the objective cell or objective within cannot be adjusted. Adjusting the focuser cell (tilt) only really helps if it is not square to the optical axis, not if the optical axis is out as a tilt can only pull it into parallel with the optical axis unless it can be off-centered the necessary amount.
Another factor to consider is a misaligned star diagonal, the basic telescope optics may be fine.
I have an article that explains more and I have digital photos if you are interested.
Barry Simon
