[glend (Glen)]

The GSO battery pack can be attached to the base, there is plenty of wire for it to be located there. Why should it go inside the tube? I have mine mounted to the base with velco and its no probkem at all, and is easily accessed to change the batteries. I also use a 12v jump start battery to run the fan, as it came with a plug that fits the dob fan power connector.

GSO assembly instructions have been provided via pdf for some time now and is available through Andrews Communications, and they should have sent it to you.

I agree with the comment that the GSO's from Andrews are something of a wholesale item and there is a certain level of knowledge that might be required or at least some previous newtonian experience with smaller scopes, but that said dobs are very simple instruments. They do present the best aperature size for the $ and the optics are very good value. Yes you may get more TLC from Bintel but that shows up in the price differential.

I have had no problems with my eyepieces or focusing is very sharp. You may be out of collimation due to shipping shocks, it did travel a long way to reach you, and as Malcolm has pointed out the stock spring are a weakness. I have put the Farpoint springs in mine.