Hello Friend,

Is your telescope behaving properly?  Or is it like a bad date?

Now that Spring is really in the air many folks are pulling their telescopes out from storage
and thinking about using them again.

There are a few things you will want to check be sure that it is functioning properly, and this
is best done before you get it out the first night.

First, if it's electronic, power up the drive system and make sure that it is tracking and slewing properly,
in both axes.  

Secondly, if you haven't updated the firmware on the instrument, now is the time to to that.
Most firmware is supplied free and is on the manufacturers website ready for download.

Thirdly, check the  collimation (optical alignment) of the instrument especially if it is an SCT or
newtonian design.

The best way to do this is with a laser collimator.  Get a decent one, it makes a huge difference!

Check your owners manual for more specific details on how to do this.

It's a bit of an effort to do this, but worth doing right before the observing season really gets
underway. 

Fourth: Clean the optics, but exercise extreme caution here.  If you don't do it properly, you can
 permanently damage the optics, or scratch the coatings.  

Fifth: If using a finderscope, or telrad, make sure it's properly aligned to the main optical tube.
Do this during the day if you can, it will be a lot easier. 

Now you could also avoid doing some or all of these things, but if your telescope then behaves
like a bad date,  well don't blame me.

Clear Skies,

Ray "ready" Khan

PS  If you are having any mechanical or optical issues, and require further assistance, our technician
      stands ready to assist you.  We can repair most telescope brands, and electronic issues that may arise.
      Call us 1 800 580 7160 or 416 783 4140 local. Or just reply to this email.