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Philip - I've read varied opinions about collimation. Some swear by laser collimation, others prefer using cheshires/caps. I suppose it's a case of whatever works! I'm glad to hear that the LaserMate works well for you - perhaps it will be fine for me as well. I've been a bit reluctant with collimation because it feels like I can make it all worse but I'm starting to feel more confident with making adjustments on primary.
Quite a few people seems to mention laser collimators might need collimating themselves (or at least need checking to make sure) but I'm unsure how common a problem it actually is.
The cap and cheshire method appeals to me because you know that there's no chance of the eye needing collimation. I'd also feel more confident in the laser collimator if it was perfectly verticle in the focuser but that's not possible with a dob (even the instructions mention that tightening the thumbscrew can throw it slightly off).
It seems the only way to really test is the star test and conditions haven't allowed me to check it this way yet with any clarity (I think I need a more powerful eyepiece for this as well).
Dunk - thanks for the advice. One thing I did recently realise (which is actually fairly obvious) is that even though it seems fully dark about 8.30, by 9.30 you can actually see much more with the naked eye. I'll have to do some later sessions, but the DSOs I've been trying to find start getting very low.
I'm pretty excited about what lies ahead - alawys something new to look forward to.
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