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Thanks for the condolences guys,
The Dint is more like a hale dint where the box was ripped open. The fact is, the supplier reckons that this sort of thing happens all the time & that he has seen worse…Mind you…I am not exactly happy to hear this kind of response & IMO does not make it acceptable.
I have just started a new job and am going through a hell of a lot of stress…Given the response of the supplier on nothing back from TNT, I am just feeling completely deflated. I need all my strength at the moment to deal with things at work and home.
Like Eric said…I need to assess the alignment of things…So if your out there and Listening Eric…allow me to give you a quick run down:
I can live with the Hail Dent…BUT…I thought exactly like you did…what reaction would the other components have to such a blow that was strong enough to dent in the first place. The dent looks quite sharp which is much better than a long/elongated one…ANYWAYS…
I used the laser collimator…(SIMPLY) by placing in focuser tube and engaging it…I then adjusted the three screws on the secondary as it already seemed lined up nicely…By playing with the secondary adjustment screws I was able to line the beam up with the “O ring sticker” already on primary mirror. (I TAKE IT THAT IT’S OK TO HAVE THAT STICKER THERE PERMANATELY??)
When I got the beam exactly in the middle of the O sticker the light seem to split into two dots…which on closer inpection on a wall…seem to have 2 very small dots?........yadda yadda………..The return beam was just a little off the led emitter on the collimator…
And this is were I was wondering…If this is the main factor of adjusting the primary screws to line up the return beam exactly on to the emitter???
I just have not messed with the primary adjustments…mainly because…It looks like a pain in the ass haing to adjust three screws with every turn needing me to get up from a bent position to look in what direction I am forcing the beam…up/down/up/down/up/down…if you know what I mean.
After this little experimenting…I found I got a much better result (Venus Looks Fantastic!!!! Never have I seen such a well rounded shape and the size was really big!) With bright stars having more of a circular shape in & out of focuse with the spider much more central…but then… guess what happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......T he ^%&$ing Focuser started to slip during my start tests…….There is absolutely no grip on the damn thing when I turn the focusing knobs.
When the scope is in the up right position it seems to behave itself…only just!!! But as soon as you move the scope…the thing is loose as a bucket of water???????
Now that has really got me worried…might of happened due to me lifting the tube to carry in and out of the house…I just put my arms either side and lift with the tube resting on my gut as I steadily walk in and out…feels ok doing it…but I guess I must not of locked the focuser tube and something went wrong???
Anyways…I am just about short of tears with this hole thing and have to get some sleep for work…I need to keep focused at work so will just log back in here afterwards with maybe some suggestions.
I am willing to cut my losses I guess and buy maybe a better focuser??? Any suggestions…I am really sick of dealing with the supplier…they make me feels as if something is wrong with me.
You guys have been great! I am going to work through this and when I am done, I am going to get more people involved in this great hobby…I know I am learning heaps thanks to you guys…I just can’t find any place here in Toowoomba like a club or even anyone interested to help with collimation. There was once a little group that gathered to star gaze from the UNI…but I don’t think it’s operating anymore…or it may be a select group?
I think I am going to have to drive to Brissy and attend a star party and politely ask for a quick lesson on collimation or just have someone look my scope over.
Later guys:
Dave
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