How to collimate a Bird Jones telescope? You’ve just invested in a new Bird-Jones telescope and you’re eager to start stargazing. But before you can get lost among the stars, you need to ensure your telescope is properly aligned or “collimated.”
In just a few simple steps, you’ll have your new scope perfectly aligned and ready to reveal dazzling night sky views.
So grab your collimation tools, head outside once the sun goes down, and get ready to experience your Bird-Jones like never before.
Contents
Gathering the necessary tools
Bird-Jones telescope (also known as a Jones-Bird) is a small, portable, and cheap scope for a beginner astronomer.
They give you a long focal length in a short, lightweight, and portable tube that’s easy to put in the car and take camping.
You’ll need the right tools to get your Bird-Jones set up and ready to gaze at the stars.
First, grab your collimation cap – that’s the lens cap with a tiny hole in the center. This helps center the mirrors in your scope. If you don’t have a collimation cap, a sheet of paper with a pinhole will also work in a pinch.
Next, pick up your collimation eyepiece. This special eyepiece has cross hairs or reticles in the center to help align the mirrors.
A regular low-power eyepiece can work if you don’t have one, but a collimation eyepiece makes the job much easier.
You’ll also want a collimation wrench or mirror adjustment tool to adjust the tilt of your mirrors. Most Bird-Jones scopes come with one, but you can buy a universal wrench if needed.
Finally, bring a light source, like a flashlight, laser pointer, or bright lamp. Shine the light down the main tube of the telescope to illuminate the mirrors and help you see how aligned they are.
With your tools in hand, you’re ready to start tweaking and tuning your scope for optimal performance. Collimating a Bird-Jones may seem complicated, but with some patience, you’ll be enjoying crisp views and tight star clusters in no time.
Follow the steps, take your time, and don’t be afraid to try again if things don’t seem quite right the first go-round. Your persistence will pay off!
Locating the collimation adjustment screws
To get your Bird-Jones scope working its best, you’ll need to align those mirrors precisely. Locating the collimation screws is the first step.
A true Newtonian design has a parabolic primary mirror at the bottom of the tube. Bird-Jones has a spherical primary (rather fast – F/4 perhaps) and corrector lens.
Note that the Bird-Jones spot diagrams for 30mm off-axis are swollen up to such an extent that they do not fit in the diagrams.
These are the small screws on your telescope’s mirror cell that adjust the mirror. On most Bird-Jones scopes, you’ll find three collimation screws – one in the center of the mirror cell and two others opposite each other on the outer edge.
To reach the collimation screws, you might have to take off a portion of your telescope’s shell or a protective dust cover.
During this procedure, extreme caution is required to avoid making contact with or smearing the corrector lens inside.
After you’ve located them, make a mental note of each collimation screw’s orientation. This information will guide you in determining which way will adjust the corrector lens upwards/downwards or to the left/right.
Remember, the correcting lens is a crucial part of the telescope, and its position can significantly affect your viewing clarity.
Centering the primary mirror
A Bird-Jones uses a spherical primary mirror. The primary mirror is the heart of your telescope, so it’s critical to ensure it’s centered properly.
Here are the steps to collimate your Bird-Jones telescope’s primary mirror.
Remove the eyepiece
First, remove the eyepiece from the telescope. This allows unfettered access to view down the optical tube.
Loosen the mirror cell screws
Gently loosen the screws or bolts that hold the primary mirror in place. Do not remove them completely. Just loosen them enough so the mirror can move slightly when pressed.
View the mirror from the front
Look down the open end of the optical tube to view the primary mirror face on. You may need to use a flashlight to properly see the mirror surface.
The mirror should appear perfectly centered in the tube, not tilted or off to one side.
Adjust the mirror orientation
Reach into the end of the tube and gently push on the mirror edge or cell to adjust the mirror’s orientation. Tighten one of the loosened screws slightly to hold the mirror in the proper position, then check that it still looks centered from the front.
Double-check
Make sure that mirror is aligned correctly and that all screws are secure. Look through the eyepiece (which you can now replace) at an object like the moon or a bright star.
Use a collimation tool such as a laser collimator or a collimation cap to help you determine the mirror’s alignment.
If not, you may need to repeat the collimating steps. With regular use and practice, collimating your Bird-Jones telescope can become second nature. The rewards of a well-aligned mirror are bright, clear images and optimal performance.
Aligning the secondary mirror
The secondary mirror in a Bird-Jones telescope directs the light from the primary mirror to the eyepiece where you view the image.
If it’s misaligned, your views will be blurry and lack detail. Aligning or “collimating” the secondary mirror is essential for optimal performance.
To collimate the secondary mirror, you’ll need an eyepiece, collimation cap, or Cheshire eyepiece, and collimation screws or knobs on your telescope.
First, remove any accessories from the telescope like finderscopes to allow easier access to the secondary mirror. Replace your regular eyepiece with a collimation cap, which has a center dot or ring that will help and be good enough for visual use.
Look through the eyepiece while pointing the telescope at a bright, featureless surface like a white wall or the daytime sky. The center mark should be centered in the field of view. If not, use the collimation screws or knobs on the telescope to adjust the secondary mirror.
Making adjustments
Turn the three screws in small increments, rechecking the view after each adjustment. Work slowly in a star or criss-cross pattern. Once the center mark looks centered, your secondary mirror is aligned.
With regular use and transport, collimation can shift slightly. It’s a good idea to recheck it every few observing sessions to keep your Bird-Jones telescope performing at its peak. Precise collimation will make all the difference in your views and overall experience.
Final adjustments and star testing
Once you’ve aligned the optics, it’s time for some final adjustments and testing. Head out under the clear night sky and point your scope at some bright stars to check your work.
Focusing the eyepiece
Aim your telescope at a star and peer through the eyepiece equipped with a Barlow lens. Gradually adjust the focus knob, keeping a close eye on the star’s image. As you manipulate the knob, the star’s appearance will transition from blurry to clear, and then return to being blurry.
When the star appears at its smallest and most distinct, cease adjusting. Remember, the Barlow lens plays a crucial role in enhancing the magnification of your telescope.
Centering objects in the field of view
Even if the optics are aligned, objects may not appear centered in the eyepiece. To center them, loosen the telescope’s azimuth and altitude locks or adjustment knobs.
Gently move the telescope tube left, right, up, or down until the object is centered. Then re-tighten the locks. You may need to repeat this process with a higher magnification eyepiece.
Checking alignment on stars
Once focused and centered, examine how stars appear in the eyepiece. Perfectly round stars indicate good alignment. Distorted or asymmetric stars mean additional collimation is needed. Make minor tweaks to the secondary mirror adjustments and recheck until the stars appear round.
Testing on deep sky objects
Point your scope at some bright deep-sky objects like the Orion Nebula, Andromeda Galaxy, or Beehive Cluster. These larger, extended objects will show if your alignment is slightly off, even if stars appear round.
Make any final collimation adjustments needed until these objects are sharp and symmetrical.
Your Bird-Jones telescope is now perfectly aligned and ready to provide stunning night sky views.
Happy stargazing!
FAQ
How do I know if my telescope needs collimation?
It’s possible to do an easy star test for an accurate telescope to determine whether it is needed for collimation.
Set up the telescope and aim it at a distant object, use a collimation tool to inspect the alignment of the mirrors, and then adjust the primary mirror until the reflection is centered.
Is it hard to collimate a telescope?
The Bird-Jones reflector telescope, alternatively known as a Jones-Bird, is a modification of the classic Newtonian model. This design incorporates a parabolic mirror, which can easily interact with reflections inside the camera.
The process should be quick once initiated. A laser collimator, which is an electronic device that releases beams that ricochet off the primary or secondary reflections, is instrumental in this process. Ideally, these beams should return to the collimator’s targets.
The use of a laser collimator significantly streamlines this process, although it requires your primary mirror, with its specific focal length, to be centrally marked. By appropriately adjusting the focal length, you can ensure optimal performance of your telescope. You can always watch some youtube videos to help visualize the process.
What are the key advantages and differences of a Bird-Jones design telescope?
The Bird-Jones design offers two main advantages: compactness and affordability. Unlike traditional telescopes, the Bird-Jones design uses a lens in the focuser to extend the focal length, allowing for a shorter, more portable tube. Plus, it’s typically more budget-friendly, making the Bird-Jones design a popular choice for beginners.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a straightforward process for collimating your Bird-Jones telescope so you can start enjoying the best image and crisp, clear views of the night sky. While it may seem complicated, taking it step by step and being patient will have you seeing stars – literally – in no time.
Remember, start with the primary mirror, get that centered and secured, then move on to the secondary. Take breaks when needed and don’t get frustrated. With some practice, collimating will become second nature and just another part of your observing routine.
The rewards of a well-aligned telescope are worth the effort. So get out there, look up at the stars, and enjoy your newly collimated Bird-Jones – you’ve earned it! I wish you clear skies!
