Equuleus Orthogonal Adjuster
#19380 - Equuleus Tip-Tilt Adjusting Device
The
original Equuleus Orthogonal Adjusting Device (OAD) was designed to
provide a simple method for aligning a camera imaging plane
perpendicular to a
telescope's optical axis. Images from cameras which are not perfectly
orthogonal to the optical axis will display out-of-round stars in one or
more corners. If the non-orthogonality is severe enough, inside-focus
and outside-focus optical aberrations may begin to appear on opposite
sides of the images.
Most camera manufacturers provide either a fixed factory adjustment or provide a user adjustment to ensure the camera's mechanical interface is parallel to the imaging sensor. However, the addition of filters wheels, camera rotators, off-axis guiders, and focusers to the imaging train will nearly always introduce even more non-orthogonal mis-alignment or sag to degrade the final image. Adjusting the camera to re-align the sensor will usually require removing the camera to tweak a small screw or worse, add shims, to the camera faceplate. The camera must be re-installed and tested all over again.
Introducing the Equuleus:
The basic design for the Equuleus OAD is a pair of parallel plates with robust spring tensioning, locating screws, and side-mounted adjustment cams. Collimation is accomplished by loosening the locking nuts and making very slight adjustments to the cam shaft mechanisms. Collimating in the Z-axis is similar to the typical X-Y collimation performed on telescopes. Three adjustment screws work against each other and the spring tension to provide a slight tip/tilt between the two plates. After adjustments are completed in real-time using live images, the adjustment camshaft mechanisms are locked into place.
The Equuleus OAD is shipped with the cam shaft mechanism pre-adjusted so
that the plates are parallel within 0.001". The adjustment mechanism is
easily accessible from the sides so all adjustments can be performed
while imaging. Adjustment is achieved using the supplied 5/64" Allen
drive tool to rotate the cam shaft assemblies. First, slightly loosen
the locking nut using the supplied 5/16" hex nut driver. Keep some
tension on the locking nut - a Belleville washer below the nut will
allow the shaft to remain somewhat stiff so that precise adjustments are
easier. A very small amount of adjustment is all that is required. One
full turn of the cam shaft will provide all the adjustment that cam shaft
is capable of, so start with very small adjustments - 1/20th turn may be
all that is needed. The T-handle 5/64" drive tool will make the
adjustment amount easier to keep track of and provide a visual clue to
the amount of adjustment performed. Review your changes in real-time
using CCD Inspector or your favorite image analysis software until the
tilt angle has been reduced to zero. Finally, tighten the locking nuts
and you're done.
Technical Specifications:
- Outside Diameter: 5.25" (133mm)
- Nominal Thickness: 0.50" (12.7mm)
- Clear Aperture: 2.95" (75.0mm)
- Weight: 9.2 oz. (260 g)
- Back-focus Usage: 0.50" (12.7mm)
- Camera Payload Capacity: 5 lbs. (2.3kg)
- Maximum Deflection/Adjustment: 2mm *
- Maximum Tilt adjustment: 1-1/2 degrees
* Measured corner to corner on 50mm diagonal CCD imaging plane.
Mechanical Interface:
- 3"x24tpi female thread, both sides.
How to Order:
Click Google Checkout button at right to order online, call, or email.
Recommended Adapters:
#17666 2-inch to 3x24tpi nosepiece.#17832 3-inch to 3x24tpi nosepiece.
#19370 3x24tpi to 3x24tpi (male-male) adapter.
#19371 3x24tpi to T-thread adapter.
#19372 3x24tpi to SBIG STL (2.156x24tpi) male threaded adapter.
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