Hi all, May I continue this by adding, last week, a lady rang me saying that her hubby had just purchsed a t'scope from Aldi????, for, wait for it, $89. Could I please help them set it up, as they could only see a small black circle inside a white one. (or something like that). I arranged to go later that week during daylight hours, to help out.
When I arrived, I saw an *OPTUS* brand 700mm x 76mm reflector with one of those alt/az mounts with a single screw/rod for slow motion control, on a wobbly tripod. I spent the next 5 1/2 hours there, adjusting the secondary, primary, finder,etc etc etc. The mount is so cheaply made that it would'nt even lock.(can be fixed). After all my work,(with tea breaks + biccys and discussions on all subjects), we took it outside to collimate and found that the finder needed packing under the front etc etc. I could not show them anything because of the cloudy conditions, but they were happy just to see the top of the telegraph pole 500mtrs away, and the birds sitting on it, albeit at the wrong angle!
I'd taken some books and a planisphere to show them how to navigate/orientate themselves around. They even bought a copy of 2005 off me.
They were very happy with my efforts, time and the information that I gave.
This couple are aged in their mid to late 60's, and were just curious to have a look at the stars and moon and the birds.
They are in a different situation compared to the young children that often attend our meeting/ob nights.If this couple find that it's not for them, then not much harm done, BUT as I said before, if the kids are disillusioned and frustrated by a cheap t'scope, then you will probably never see them again.
ps. They rang on Mon. night, asking, where was Jupiter and Saturn, as their daughter had arrived and wanted to see them.
Just the facts m'am!
pps. This happens quite frequently.
ppps.Must apologise to seeker for not seeing his ref. to the 75mm.