Small mod on 5" Skywatcher OTA secondary collimation screws

[depardeuz]

Just some small mod I finally did on my Newtonian OTA secondary collimation screws. Sharing this here just for kicks

Bought 3 x M5 socket screw caps from Fan Sheng (located along King George's Ave, opposite People's Assoc HQ).




They will need to be tapped by a hammer to affix. Try to use a piece of cloth while tapping to prevent damage on your M5 socket screw leading track.



Now the 5" Skywatcher OTA has become tool free collimation tube!

The distance between each cap is about 10mm. But due to the spaces around the 3 x screws, most fingers can access and turn the screws without much trouble or fear of getting stuck inbetween the screws.

Each plastic cap costs $1.50; one M5 socket screw costs about $0.70.

[Gary]

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing your research and DIY.

[depardeuz]

@gary: Thanks!!

@Mystiq,

I discovered that last night while changing out the screws. I was using socket screw for a while. Same thing. I guess the inner threads and the screw threads are ultimately not in perfect fit. I took out my secondary mirror and used the stock collimation screw to clear the inner thread of the metal bits hidden inside. Kinda like doing a "pull through" macam rifle cleaning.

[ggodetucsamoht]

I just found I have 2 similar screws on my telrad base. Anyone with this finder can check it out for sampling.....