Renato has covered off on most of your points quite well.
Indeed the skywatcher view finder is focused in the way he described (loosen top dew shield bit, then rotate the next ring to focus, then retighten dew shield part.
I had a 10" skywatcher dob so I know what you mean about heavy eyepieces.
You need to add weight to the bottom end of your scope.
I used to tie some ankle weights to the bottom end, probably about 2kg should do it.
Now I use a more sophisticated method, bar magnets.
Just be careful not to obstruct the free swing of the tube in the mount.
Easier than a planisphere or star atlas is a smart phone app.
For my Android I use Google sky. (Free)
It helps identify where you are looking and what you are looking at.
Another tip, always try to have the mount level to stop it moving "downhill".
|