Collimation of C-8

Hi,

I have a C-8 which I would like to collimate. My first question is this. Can one achieve accurate collimation during the daylight hours by focusing on a sign or and adjusting for a crisp effect? Or is this something which really must be done at night? I suppose I am wondering whether focusing on a star (light-emitting object) is different than a daylight-reflecting object, and if so, why?
When I focus on things during the daylight hours the don't come into sharp, clear focus. The mirror looks good. Would this be an indication of a collimation problem or perhaps something else?
Thanks,
Tony

Complete Collimation during daylight hours is not normally possible. You can get close with the proper settings "alighnment only". You will need a night time star to star test "the second step after alignment". A star is a point source of light not a reflection as in a planet "or ball bearing struck with a light source". When you do this you will see the difference of the two light sources. Before attempting to collimate, you should read all you can about what it is and what it does and then make a plan to attempt it. You may render your scope unusable "but recoverable" if you attempt this before educating yourself. Good luck !! Also look in the book that came with your scope it may show you how to alighn it.

By the way, i see my keyboard is sticking again and I keep getting an H after a G. Daytime focus may just be heat rising from your surroundings. Since your likely attempting to focus at a real low altitude the rising air currents blur your target. This is most pronounced during the summer with tempatures in excess of 90 degrees but can occur at anytime. If you live in a temperate zone it can render a terrible image. Those who live in the western deserts sometimes see this as moving, shifting waves of air, floating up and across the landscape.