So the clouds are clearing and I am about to set up the scope again.
Thank you all for your suggestions.
Unfortunately the wife says we cant afford to move to Brisbane especially as I am already drooling over an 8" nexstar and planning to build a Monster Dob mounted Newtonian.
Meanwhile I will try a 30 minute time offset and see if that helps.
Sounds like a brilliant piece of group detective work to me!
Great support here!
I will buy my next scope from you guys !!
Anyway ..... the scope should be cooled down by now so I will shine a red light on a street directory and show the silly thing where it is.
many thanks to all and wish me luck.
Keen as ever