thanks rmcpb, that's really what I want to do is get a really good feel of my current equipment which is still pretty good for a first-timer and once I know how to use what I have well, I will look at upgrades, eyepieces, etc
Either way you answered what I wanted to know which is that I should see way more of Jupiter (and other objects) than I currently am and as previously mentioned I can't even tell if it's Jupiter or not!!
I have pretty much spent my budget on the gear I have which was just under 1k for the kit so in saying that is there a particular collimator that is simply a must have now for my current issue and for future maintenance ..
and btw it's a newt and on EQ mount, no dobby here
