Synta Refractor Collimation

Hi all,

I ‘m sure this has been posted before, I’ know some folks had sent me info on it before but I’ve since lost it and it’s becoming an issue with my scope again. I’m looking for any information anyone my have on collimating a 4.7” F/8.3 Synta refractor (it's the older design with the non adjustable doublet). My planetary views used to be really sharp but over the lat few years (and many star parties) the sharpness has been decreasing a little, making me wonder if the scope is out of alignment. If anyone knows some way to do this, please let me know.

Clear, dark, steady skies to all,

David

One of my Syntas has a similar creeping collimation
issue. A quick fix thats worked so far is to
place the scope pointing straight up, loosen the
front retaining ring from the lens, give it a
couple gentle raps all around the side of the
lens cell, and then tighten the retaining ring
again. I think what is happening is that the
lens elements creep around in the cell (either
separate or move sideways), and this seems to get
them back in the right place again.

It may be enough just to re-adjust the focuser; it may be off the objective's optical axis.