Quote:
Originally Posted by billybear
Howdy! I inherited a Sky-Watcher 6-inch (153mm) with Dobsonian mount. I realise it's very entry level but I thought I may as well have some fun with it!
I read somewhere it may need calibrating though I was able to have a good look at the moon recently, but not much else.
Any suggestions? I read to get a barlow lens too...?
Thanks!
Billy
|
Hi Billy and welcome to IIS!!
You are correct that this scope is an entry level scope BUT it is probably close to best possible entry level scope, and if it is free all the better!
By calibrating, you may mean "collimating" which is the process of making sure the mirrors in the scope are aligned with each other. To start with it is not really necessary to get worried too much about this. A reasonable guide to collimation can be found here
http://www.astro-baby.com/collimatio...on%20guide.htm
The other things that needs checking is that the finder scope is aligned. Put your lowest power eyepiece (often a 25mm with these scopes) in the focuser than in daylight (being very careful not to point the scope anywhere near the sun) try to find something like a chimney, tv aerial, or top of a tree that is a fair distance away, in the scope. Then adjust the finder so it points also at the same thing and it is done.
Cheers
Malcolm
