Hi rmcpb, I picked up a skywatcher collimation tool on the weekend, wasn't overly impressed with it though.
Laser collimator I'll probably purchase too as I'm a sucker for perfection and want the mirrors aligned as close as possible.
Collimation was ok, but I feel the secondary mirror needs to turn clockwise so that the sec. mirror reflection is centered in the focuser circle.
I'm a bit scared of touching the sec. mirror as yet and not sure how to do this. the slight bend in the spider vanes have me a little concerned also. But I gather this is common that they aren't dead straight ? The bolts that screw these tight, I'm a little unsure how tight these should be screwed. (really a beginners forum question here)
Telrad is on the wanted-list, will make an order tomorrow if they are in stock.
I believe the barlow is a necessity for me already, I'm yearning for higher magnification and some filters to improve viewing of nebulae.