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Hi Tim
Sweet looking setup, it will serve you well for years and years. With the moon up I'd spend time getting to know your hand controller in the dark. Get some software like Stellarium, free, and learn what is up there and when. There is plenty of bright stuff to track down when the moon is up all the while learning your equipment.
I have the 12" Orion version of yours and it has PAE, pointing accuracy enhancement. I assume the Skwatcher version has something similar. It is really good for finding bright stars near dim objects, hit esc and then hold down the escape key. Then dead centre your bright star and hit enter. Then slew to your faint fuzzy. It will then be somewhere near dead centre. Roll your eye around the area and you'll find it.
Great job on your DIY improvements too, they have added value to your observing sessions. Now to get your beast out to a dark sky.
Wayne
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