The only reason I am including this in the Beginners section is because I was a rank beginner not so long ago, and the idea of touching either of my 2 mirrors was harrowing. My attitude was "I'm not gonna mess with this thing - I dont know enough about it, and, besides, it's new and so it should be fine".
After using it for a couple of years, I finally sold it because I just wasn't getting the views I once did...wonder why??
It wasn't until much later that I realised that the scope had been actually pretty good for a Department store scope, and there was nothing structurally wrong with it - it just hadn't been collimated in 2 years!
Newbies - please read the plethora of articles and "how-to's" available on the Internet (just google "telescope collimation", without the inverted commas), and pick out a method you want to start with, and feel most comfortable with. Then - take the plunge and check your instrument for proper collimation.
Word of advice - if you need to adjust the primary mirror by removing it from the tube (for whatever reason...), get yourself a pair of white cotton gloves to wear when touching the mirror. You'll minimise the chance of leaving your fingerprints on the face of the mirror. I learned this little trick too late, with another scope, and I couldve kicked myself for not thinking of it first. So, never touch that mirror with your bare hands.
Good luck - and if your scope is out of collimation badly, get ready to grin, cos when you properly get those mirrors in line, you're gonna see a BIG difference in the skies!
