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Howie Glatter 650nm Standard Brightness Red Laser Collimator - 2"
| Brand | Howie Glatter |
| Part Number | HGLC2-650 |
| Availability | available |
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Product Info
Manufacturer Description
We hope that our telescope's optical elements are always perfectly aligned. Unfortunately, this near-perfect alignment is rarely the case, even with a new telescope. It is especially true with telescopes utilizing mirrors to direct light from an object to our eye. Optical alignment of these mirrors needs to be done frequently, especially if the telescope is moved or bumped a lot. This alignment process is known as collimation and using lasers to assist in the process is a relatively new development.
Howie Glatter is one of the most well-known and trusted names in astronomy lasers and collimation accessories. His uncompromising quality and dedication to excellence not only put his products above the rest - but in high demand as the finest available on today's market.
The solid-state laser diode in these devices emits an intense, low wattage beam through a small aperture, precisely along the axis of the collimator's cylindrical body. This beam provides a laser-precise reference line allowing alignment of the telescope's optical axes. A laser collimator's beam must be accurately aligned with the collimator's center axis, or the resultant alignment of the optics will be off-center and asymmetric, and the telescope will produce aberrated images.
Howie Glatter builds his collimators to be highly accurate and resistant to mechanical shock ensuring that internal laser alignment is maintained. The laser is first aligned within 15 arc seconds. Howie shock tests each collimator by hitting it against a block of plastic (to prevent marring), striking it several times on three axes. He then rechecks the laser alignment and if it has not changed, the collimator passes.
The collimators are supplied with a removable plastic aperture stop having a knife-edge, 1mm pin hole and a white screen front. The beam of all red diode lasers is blurry-edged and has an elliptical cross-section. The stop screws into the laser aperture and restricts the beam, producing a tiny circular dot (“impact”) surrounded by a series of concentric rings. The edge of the pinhole diffracts some of the laser light, forming the concentric rings which facilitate precise centering. With the stop attached to the collimator, the beam looks like a star diffraction pattern.
The collimator lasers are offered with either 650nm (this model) or 635nm wavelengths. Both have the same power output, but because the human eye has greater sensitivity to the shorter wavelength, the 635nm laser appears significantly brighter. 635nm lasers enable collimation in brighter ambient light, whereas this 650nm laser is adequate for darker conditions.
This 2" collimator is intended for use in 2" focusers.
Additional Specifications:
- Total length = 3.44" (87.5mm)
- Length of 2" barrel = 2.48" (62.9mm)
- Maximum width = 2.14" (54.4mm)
- Weight = 13.8oz. (391g)
- Powered by a CR123A lithium cell (included), giving about 40 hours of service
Reviews
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Mar 29, 2019
Doesn't come with concentric circle attachment
Pros: Cons: Comments:Even though the description states: "The collimators are supplied with a removable plastic aperture stop having a knife-edge, 1mm pin hole and a screen front. The beam of all red diode lasers is blurry-edged and has an elliptical cross-section. The stop screws into the laser aperture and restricts the beam, producing a tiny circular dot (“impact”) surrounded by a series of concentric rings. The edge of the pinhole diffracts some of the laser light, forming the concentric rings which facilitate precise centering. With the stop attached to the collimator, the beam looks like a star diffraction pattern."
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It DOES NOT have the necessary adapter to make the concentric ring pattern... so you must spend another $70 to get that.... I was skeptical of this because so many vendors sell the concentric ring attachment as an accessory... but I took a chance based on the description above... now I must wait another 4-5 days to additional part to arrive. :(
I would still recommend the laser based on the other reviews and tutorials I've seen regarding collimating an RC scope... but I would think for $250... it should include the extra part.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jun 7, 2018BEST OF THE BEST
Pros: Cons: Comments:I tried cheaper laser collimators, with dissapointing results. The Glatter laser is a precision made instrument. If your serious about astronomy, use a Glatter laser collimator. Glatter lasers are not cheap, but you get what you pay for!
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Mar 12, 2016Precise Laser
Pros:Strong Construction,Accurate
Cons:Cost
Comments:This is a quality laser that will give you consistent results all the time. I collimate my 10" collapsible in less than a minute with it (along with the tublug). Only thing is the cost as alternatives could be have for a fraction of the price but it's hit and miss with those. Not the Glatter tools though.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Oct 21, 2014Exactly what I needed
Pros:Easy to Use,Accurate
Cons:Nothing
Comments:Needed this to collimate my RC6.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
It is probably the best tool to use for this purpose.
Absolutely recommended.
Shipment was fast, no problems at allThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Feb 7, 2014Good Collimator
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction
Cons: Comments:I needed Best Collimator. This Laser Collimator fit well to telescope and easy to Use. The best Laser Coll.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? YesThis review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
Jul 27, 2013Glatter 2" 650nm Laser
Pros:Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use
Cons: Comments:I like quality equipment, no compromises!I needed a laser to quantify my collimation on my RC8 and found that the Glatter laser with holographic attachment was exactly what I was looking for.
Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
The laser unit is a work of art - quality construction, accurate beam with no collimation necessary. Howie makes the best lasers hands down.This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com
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Manufacturer Howie Glatter
