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Now for some seriousness though - it might sound boring but try looking at a couple of the planets first especially with a new instrument. Most good telescopes will give you jupiters rings and some of the moons.

There is some decent software on the net that allows you to plug in your co-ords and provides you with the night sky at different times. One you find what you are looking for with the naked eye then use the spotting scope to line up, have a quick drink to get rid of the jitters and then hopefully you'll have a star in your sights.

Any area with light pollution makes it tough, so the darker the better. I was working up north on one of the minesites and there was an OP set up about 2 kms from the mine / living quarters - what a difference when there is absolutely no light pollution.

Yes mate, this week you can show me....

Seems to me I get the idea, also had the objects upright now!!!

Hi Sawubona, your scope should not be giving a reverse or transverse picture. Is your scope a refractor, reflector or newtonian type ?
What your are describing sounds like the elbow is missing which connects to the scope and then houses your eye piece. Check it out and let me know...

Hi guys, just received an early Christmas present, always wanted one, but have no clue on how to start . It included an amazing program called"the skyX first Light edition", that looks amazing. I put the telescope together as per the instruction manual, but it has a little focus gadget stuck to the side on top, that I don't know what to do with? I took it outside the other night and saw zero!! Am I supposed to focus with it? I AM COMLPLETELY CLUELESS AS TO HOW TO START WITH THIS THING, PUT IT WHERE? POINT IT WHERE? HOW TO FOCUS?? HEEEELLLPPP PLEASE???

Howzit Fatcat!

My SO bought one about 8 months ago and had no probs with the setup. I will get him to give you some advice tonight if someone else does not beat us to it.

Chat Later!

lee

Thanks Lee, one would think that out of 54 views, at least a few would comment. You're it, and thanks

OK, here goes - just checking - you should have also received a little box containing lenses. Mark says to attach the 20 mm lens first (to see if you can make out anything) Also use the sighthing scope (mounted on top of the 'barrel' AND VERY SENSITIVE) - the purpose of the sighting scope is to give you a rough indication where in the universerse you are aiming at.

Please feel free to contact us if you battle. I will get him to phone you and talk you through if needed.

Good Luck!!!

lee

Thanks again Lee, I was wondering what the side "jobby" was for on the side / top. Yes I did get the lenses as well. Will try it soon, I have a lot of tall trees around my property and tall roofs as well, now of course we've had clouds for a few days, but I'm not complaining - we need the rain. Thanks for your kind offer , if I get stuck I will contact you

Hi again Lee, I have never felt so stupid in my entire life. Tried this telescope thing again last night and cannot even get focused on the moon. I don't know if its the light above Joburg that prevents me from seeing stuff or if I'm doing something wrong. The fiewfinder on the side does not really help. I can see the moon through that,but then there's nothing in the main thing. I found the big bright light of the moon a few times,but cannot focus nicely, surely I should be able to see the craters etc. on the moon? How clear exactly can you see some of the planets?

Bring the telescope along to the astronomical society class (telescope making) at Parktown Boys High school any Saturday afternoon and the guys will help you. They are a real nice friendly helpful bunch and they know telescopes inside out as they actually make their own telescopes.

Thank you Starman0955, you're an angel, I'm at my wits end with this telescope . I was told by a man at a camera shop yesterday, that I am having trouble focusing because my pupils are too big Will definitely try it out