Another weather report: The forecast was clear tonight with the possibility of snow in the morning.

I spent some time this afternoon modifying the focuser (putting some shims under 1 side) and changing the bolts from the original to longer bolts.  I knew this would mess up the collimation and the focus but I’ve been pulling the camera to one side with tape in an effort to get the light path straight and I though this would be a more permanent solution.

I’m not sure what the correct method is to square the focuser to the tube but I held a straight edge across the opening of the tube and through the centre line of the camera.  Its crude but it appears to have worked with a few washers helping to make everything square (ish).

Looking forward to the clear skies I started early and quickly collimated and focused and even though the bright stars had halos I was ready to capture some long exposures. It’s now just 19:23 and already the clouds are too thick and there is a threat of rain (or snow) so I’ve had to close the roof – doh!  If it clears up later I may have another go but I think that could be the last “session” in January.