Hi all
well after months of waiting, my 12" Lightbridge arrived. The guys from Bintel have been great and now the Lightbridge is at home with me in Daylesford
The Lightbirdge came with the 26mm wide angle eye piece, but I also purchased a 15mm wide angle, a 3 x barlow lens and polarised moon filters. I also purchasd an Orion Collimating Eyepiece and a laser Collimator so I seem to be set to start off.
I've had been reading a few threads about some mods prior it its arrival(thanks astronut!).
I have changed the primary and secondary collimation screws with knobs from
http://www.astronomy-shoppe.com/ and also changed the springs (from the same place) for the primary mirror.
I think I'm getting the hang of collimation, the laser makes it easier I must say, but boy, so much more to learn. Took the scope out last night (not the best viewing as there was some cloud, but I had to get out there!). Had some problems with the focus and I don't think I cooled in time so things were pretty fuzy - will try again tonight.
I have a question with regard to the Collimation Lock screws. Now that I have replaced the collimation adjustment screws with the springs and knobs, do I need the lock screws? Do I just get rid of them? If so, why? does it make a difference?
Also, I'm sure I read a thread a while ago about some boxes that someone made for the lightridge to make travelling easier and safer, but I can't find it anywhere now - have any other lightbridge owners got carry boxes made?
Would appredciate any other hints I may have missed. Now looking forward to going to some star parties and viewing nights.
Yours in still learning
Martin