Science Tech 262 telescope image problems.

If you are satisfied it is well collimated, then:


- did you use a laser collimator? If so is THAT collimated? Lots of them are not.
- check all the adapter rings, diagonals, barlows etc that you might have are all properly seated
- then, I'd say your main mirror securing clips are done up too tight and are distorting the mirror. They should only just touch lightly.

If your telescope is a reflecting telescope then the problem might be with the mirror alignment - the process is called collimation. There is an entire process on how to do this (Google Collimation Reflecting Telescope).
If you scope is a refractor then maybe you forgot to remove the lens cap. Check it out. Sometimes it is as simple as that.
Without further information and pictures, we cannot help too much.
walt

Hi David I would try calling and leave a call back number with them.

You will not find a manual for that telescope. However Meade maintains a web site with all of their manuals. Look under the "4.5 inch Reflector" Heading for one that is similar to your telescope. They all assemble and are used in the same way.

http://www.meade.com/manuals/index.html

Look at this picture:
http://www.tulsawalk.com/projects/telescope/images/secondary/secondary6.jpg

http://www.universetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/reflecting.gif

The secondary is mounted toward the front of the telescope tube underneath the focuser (hole).

The scope must be collimated once you install it.

http://www.andysshotglass.com/Collimating.html

Yes, it is probably way out of collimation with the main mirror actually tilted -- watch this video;

http://www.andysshotglass.com/Collimating.html

I have found a company that makes the "Science Tech 525" telescope.
the name of the company is Elenco Electronics.

Here is a link to them

http://www.elenco.com/

Hope this helps.
Here is a link to an item being listed on ebay called a equatorial mount. That is the term for a precision telescope mount. This may be much more that what you need, but the price is tempting.
Take a look.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Meade-small-telescope-equatorial-mount-tripod-NEW-/230569965105?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35af0a7631
I understand how your nephew feels,
Hope this helps,
Best Regards,
Mark

The secondary mirror is a small tilted mirror near the front end of the telescope mounted on what's called a "spider". It reflects the light from the large mirror in the bottom back out through the hole in the focuser.

Usually these are already assembled and in place when you buy a reflector style telescope.

See this web site and watch the video:

http://www.andysshotglass.com/Collimating.html

The front is the part where the eyepiece and the focuser happens to be. That is called a REFLECTOR style telescope. Light enters the front of the tube and bounces off the mirror in the bottom of the tube. There returns and bounces off the small secondary tilted mirror out into the focuser and eyepiece. There should be an easy to remove dust cap on the front end near the focuser. That end is pointed toward the sky.

These types of scopes should be checked for collimation to determine if the optics are all lined up.

Watch this video:

http://www.andysshotglass.com/Collimating.html

Try to find a local Astronomy club and get them to help you with the telescope.

You might find this info helpful http://www.spacealberta.com/equipment/refractor/collimate.htm
good luck