View Single Post
  #3  
Old 22-01-2013, 10:08 PM
barx1963's Avatar
barx1963 (Malcolm)
Bright the hawk's flight

barx1963 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Mt Duneed Vic
Posts: 3,982
Welcome aboard!
With regard to collimation. It may be roughly collimated but don't just assume it is OK. My 12" GSO was quite badly out.
Having said that all you need to do to get started is make sure the secondary looks roughly circular and centred in the focuser and you can see all 3 primary mirror clips holding the primary in the secondary mirror. If that is the case you will get nice images, maybe not perfect but nearly there. A good reference for collimation that I have used is here http://www.astro-baby.com/collimatio...on%20guide.htm
For basic collimation, a simple cap will do the trick, it enables you to centre your eye over the focuser. One this that needs to be emphasised is when adjusting the screws on the secondary don't drop the screwdriver! as it will fall on the primary.Either do it with the tube level (which can be a little uncomfortable) or tie the driver to your wrist with some string and some tape so if you do drop it your primary is safe.

With transporting I used to lie the tube across the back seat and pop one of the seatbelts around it. Otherwise in the boot wrapped in a blanket and but the base in the back seat (if it fits!!)

General tips
- Buy an atlas, even this very basic one http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories...oductview.aspx will get you started. The Cambridge Star Atlas or Sky Atlas 2000 are also excellent beginners atlases or the Pocket Ky Atlas
- Collins Stars and Planets is a worthwhile guide to lots of objects
- This beginners pack is also worth considering http://www.bintel.com.au/Accessories...oductview.aspx
- Don't buy eyepieces until you know what you want. Easy to waste money on expensive kits or premium EPs without much benefit.
- Get to a Star Party or Club night. Best things going for new observers!!

Malcolm
Reply With Quote