Paul,
Spend the time you have, at home, and close to help.
Use it to work out where the focus is on the particular scope you are using (TV85??), and work out how to focus with the software of your choice (what are you using?). I use FocusMax, but it is an automated process using a motorized focuser.
Clean the sensor, and or the cover window, as there appears to be a few dust spots on the sub you posted. Bake the desiccant as per the instructions in the manual, I had to, and everyone seems to have to at some stage, don't expect it to clear as soon as you reinsert the desiccant plug, it will take a few days.
Do a flat field and work out what sort of exposure you need for this.
Lastly, use any time you have to work out the self-guiding intricacies, especially how to "calibrate". In my case I calibrate the self-guiding at the start of each night, and normally in the area I am looking to image. I use Maxim, and also have TheSky running, so the mount/scope is controlled by TheSky. There is a school of thought that says if you calibrate at or on the meridian you can then self-guide anywhere else, and let the software (TheSky and Maxim in my case) figure out the relevant differences in the guiding requirements. I used to use this with the ST8, but of late all I have been doing is calibrate in the area of imaging, and it seems to work just fine.
If you can nail all the above, then try further afield, or better still crack some Ha from home.
If I can help any more sing out, either here or at
g.beal@xnet.co.nz
Gary