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JSP 1.25" EasyTester II Autocollimator for Dobsonian and Newtonian Telescopes

4.7 (3 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand Jack Schmidling
Part Number -
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

The EASYTESTER II (by Jack Schmidling Productions) is an eyepiece-like device that allows the owner or user of any Newtonian / Dobsonian reflector telescope to quickly determine the current condition of the collimation and assist in correcting it if necessary.

Anyone who has ever purchased or built a telescope has experienced that uncertain feeling of not knowing whether those un-textbook-like images are the fault of the optics, faulty adjustments or just seeing conditions.

The EASYTESTER II is technically known as an autocollimator. It is "auto" in the sense that once perfect collimation is achieved, the reflected image goes dark and leaves no doubt. It consists of a small perforated mirror mounted in an eyepiece.

Using the JSP EasyTester II auto collimator

Just insert the EasyTester II into your telescope's 1.25" focuser. The drawing in the second photo above represents the view when looking through the autocollimator. The outer circle is the aperture at the end of the scope. The dot in the center of the auto collimator mirror is the reflection of the perforation at the eye end. The spot to the left represents the dot on the center of the primary in a slightly out of collimation system.

Adjustments to the secondary and primary mirror are made until the two spots line up or all of the reflected circles are concentric. When the precise point is reached, the AC mirror darkens and alignment is perfect.

If the primary mirror in your telescope does not have a central spot, it can be added with a marking pen. As it is blocked by the secondary, it has no effect on the image. The spot is not necessary for autocollimation but it greatly simplifies the rough alignment.

Reviews

4.7 (Based on 3 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      User Notes:
      Review by Todd of Corona, California.
      1435363200
      Jun 26, 2015

      5.0 Easy Tester II Autocollimator

      Pros:

      Accurate,Strong Construction,Compact,Lightweight,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Probably the single best device you can carry in your eyepiece case for a quick, easy check of collimation for a Newtonian Reflecting Telescope. I have access to a Laser Collimator, but this is faster and easier and lets me know if there is anything that needs adjustment in the optical train. I have had other versions of this device, but this is the best I've seen.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Guest

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      User Notes:
      Review by Sam of El Paso Texas.
      1409011200
      Aug 25, 2014

      5.0 Excellent collimator,

      Pros:

      Lightweight,Compact,Accurate,Strong Construction,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This piece is very useful, I had been battling to get good collimation , reading and seeing a lot but nothing really work (at least for me), I give it a try at this and all I can say is was very easy to get it right at first try, very pleased with the product.for a newbie like me its the way to go...

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. Guest

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      User Notes:
      Review by Greg of OK.
      1243555200
      May 28, 2009

      4.0 Good Auto Collimator

      Pros:

      Accurate,Compact

      Cons:

      Comments:

      My JSR works great, but I use it with the red triangles that came with my Cheshire. It should come with at least one of these. I have heard that some of these JSR collimators will not give repeatable results, but have had no problems with mine. If they would come out with a new model like the new CatsEye with the second hole it would be even better. For the price this is a great deal.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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