Hiya!
I am anticipating many a long night out under the stars with my newfound interest in Astronomy and I'm glad there are sites such as this to help along the way.
Also, I couldn't highly recommend the gentleman at Saxon West Melbourne and Optics Central in mitcham. They were more than helpful for a complete newbie and I had a pleasureable experience shopping at the stores.
I decided after much research on a Netwonian eq5 mount and Saxon velocity 2001 200mm telescope for a first and upgradeable unit.
purchased today... Nothing but cloud tonight haha! (murpheys law!)
I am having a hell of a time trying to balance the scope.
I have the RA balanced no worries, but no matter where I move the counterweights to, the scope and lenses are too heavy for the CW to balance properly :'( Is there something I am missing? It was straight out of the box with everything stock as was and in the manual.
A little confused?
Also, Star parties? Clubs? Are there any within reach of Bendigo in Victoria? I don't mind travelling a coupla hundred k's or so if necessary
.
Cheers!
Clay