I've recently started collimating my LX200 using a webcam. It's miles easier to turn the alignment knobs whilst looking at a screen than through an eyepiece. However, it strikes me that a bit of computer assistance would make this job even easier.
1) You keep having to re-centre the out of focus image on the scope after each adjustment. Wouldn't it be great if an autoguiding algorithim did this for you.
2) Wouldn't it be great if the software indicated to you which knobs to adjust, and in what direction?
3) Wouldn't it be great if the software showed you how far out you were and when you had the collimation perfect?
Come on guy and gals, can someone write this or has it already been done?
I have used CCD Inspector on occasions with excellent results in interpretation. It is a much longer process, taking about 10 minutes when you have to image each time and interpret and then image again. I still find using the old Chehire eyepiece method much quicker than CCD Inspector. In fact I can collimate very quick within 3 minutes. I have also used laser collimation, but it is not as accurate as the Cheshire method. I have also used video, this all depends on the seeing conditions to see the Airy Disc.
