Unfortunately we continuely teach ourselves the same old tricks. The other night after my 12" dob had traveled a couple of weeks in my van it was set up for viewing. In order to test my time worn and proven "theory" I did not initially collimate which is my normal habit. Any time that I collimate immediately after setup there is misalignment. However, after cooling of the mirror, it is usually necessary to counteract the adjustments.
A few hours later I approached my scope and learned that it was almost perfectly collimated(not a singular event). So, clearly under certain circumstances collimation is affected by the microclimate of the scope, but it seems to return to proper settings once the scope is cooled. The old addage "If it ain't broke don't fix it" is only partially applicable here. A lot of moderate quality viewing can be had while the mirror stabilizes, so unless I have the luxury of allowing the scope to stabilize before viewing commences I will continue to go through the ritual of correcting collimation until the scope comes to some agreement with the weather.
Is this consistent with anyone else's experience?
Jud
A few hours later I approached my scope and learned that it was almost perfectly collimated(not a singular event). So, clearly under certain circumstances collimation is affected by the microclimate of the scope, but it seems to return to proper settings once the scope is cooled. The old addage "If it ain't broke don't fix it" is only partially applicable here. A lot of moderate quality viewing can be had while the mirror stabilizes, so unless I have the luxury of allowing the scope to stabilize before viewing commences I will continue to go through the ritual of correcting collimation until the scope comes to some agreement with the weather.
Is this consistent with anyone else's experience?
Jud
I Yam What I Yam!
