[glend (Glen)]

Thanks gents for all the replies. In response:

I get my co-ordinates from two software packages, the first being SkyX Light on my laptop which came with my Celstron 130 and which I have used for some time and found it to be accurate on both the Dob and the 130. I also have Skeye on my Android tablet which gave the same information.

As to the finder I have the standard GSO 50x8 right angle finder that ships with the 12" dob. It has worked fine on nearer object.

I should also mention that prior to trying to find M5 I was viewing Saturn last night and my setup was spot on for that near object, which of course was very bright and high in the NE at that time.

I will take your advice and start by going for the brightest possible Ms and verify my approach that way.

I think last night was also compromised by a couple of weather related factors, the first being some high cirrus bands that were in the area around sunset, and the heavy condensation that I had to deal with here on Lake Macquarie, that cut my session time down. The dob has a mirror fan but I haven't done the mod (yet) to isolate it to allow it to run while viewing (without induced image vibration).

I will have a look at the Bintel book link.

Thanks again.