For collimation of my 16LB I use an Orion collimating eyepiece, and then get to get things really close use a Catseye autocollimator. With the autocollimator you can get the best view possible, and I really noticed the difference when viewing Jupiter after I got it. I don't use my laser collimator at all now, because I can't be stuffed trying to collimate it, and it isn't that precise anyway. I try to do set up before it gets dark when possible, because everything is much easier to see.
For a counterweight I have used a couple of barbell weights in a money pouch, which I wrapped around the base. Not elegant, but it works until I come up with something else. This allows for a shroud, Paracorr and 31 Nagler to be used without any dramas.
Cheers,
David
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