Thanks to all who replied. Just thought I would update those who are interested.
Had a go at collimating on the weekend. I used Alnilam. As this is a new scope for me (had a 10” dob before and use to collimate during the day) I’m learning how to do this. Spent quite a while turning screws and checking and although it was roughly there, I couldn’t quite seem to improve on this very rough collimation.
Last night I thought I’d have another crack at it. This time I used a combination of Alnilam and Aldebaren. Now I’m getting somewhere. I think I was going wrong by not tightening all the screws.
As I have replaced the original ones, they weren’t tight. So this time I only tightened each screw that needed adjusting. My local conditions couldn’t support anything like high mag collimation, so my goal of getting it ready for some really detailed planetary views will have to wait. But it’s getting there now. I wasn’t out there long as I get up at 5am for work (and I need my beauty sleep), but before I packed up I swung over to our old friend Orion and had a look at M42. Looked good. Icould quite easily see the ‘E’ component of the Trapezium at 140x (first time I’ve ever seen it), and I swear ‘F’ was there somewhere teasing me.
I ‘am super impressed with my new setup. When I emptied my bank account on this I was hoping, but honestly didn’t think I would see THIS much difference from my Newt. Can’t wait until I really start stretching its legs.
