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Help me collimate this vixen.

Started by Tony Grigsby, 04/06/2011 10:00PM
Posted 04/06/2011 10:00PM Opening Post
Im just not sure whats actually going on inside this little thing. I have the 110 mak. Ive collimated scopes before, but not this type. It has 3 sets of screws. 2 screws in each set.. One pushes, and one pulls. My questions are..
Do you loosen ALL the pushing screws then pull to collimation, then slowly tighten push screws back?
I just dont know what it looks like in there and do not want to take it apart, as my first one had stripped tube threads from factory and had to be sent back. Im assuming the threads are very fragile. They are quite fine.
Also it said on vixen website to soak the screws in alcohol due to them being glued. This just sounds silly to me specially since it was Waaaayyy out when it got here. Anyways, If I do this how much alcohol? How long do I let it sit? I dont want to send it anywhere like vixen recommends. I feel this is something I should be able to do since all the scopes Ive ever owned Ive done on my own. Any advice is so appreciated.
T.
Posted 04/07/2011 10:04AM #1
Tony Grigsby said:
Do you loosen ALL the pushing screws then pull to collimation, then slowly tighten push screws back?

I would loosen all three push screws very slightly --
just enough to take pressure off the assembly --
less than 1/8 turn -- maybe much less. Then
adjust the collimation by working the pull /
push screws in pairs. If you loosen a pull screw,
immediately tighten (slightly) the corresponding push
screw. Adjust in very small steps. When you are
all done collimating, go back and tighten all the
push screws so they are snug.


Also it said on vixen website to soak the screws in alcohol due to them being glued. This just sounds silly to me specially since it was Waaaayyy out when it got here. Anyways, If I do this how much alcohol? How long do I let it sit?

Use 91% isopropyl alcohol -- the strong stuff (not
70% rubbing variety). A tiny drop on a toothpick
on each screw should be enough. Takes a while to
work -- give it maybe 10 minutes, then put
another drop and test one of the screws.
Alcohol evaporates pretty fast, so you may need
to re-apply several times as is soaks into
the glue.