Spile

Definitely sent it back for a replacement 

It’s good to read that you haven’t fallen down the trap of thinking you need to keep spending money to improve your experience. Visual is really about a patience and a willingness to learn. The only thing I’d recommend when starting out is a copy of Turn Left at Orion and a star app ideally on a tablet.

I tried between the RACI and focuser but because I had to place it so far back, it didn’t work for me even with the extra height adapter. The other side of the focuser was much better but it necessitated moving to the other side of the OTA. Ive since made a shoe that means I can finally use a 3 way dovetail and use the EP, RACI and Telrad from the same position. 

There is nothing fiddly about using a Cheshire eyepiece and sight tube combination tool and it has some advantages over a laser. 1. It doesn’t need collimating 2. It will not give false readings due to it not being seated correctly (registration) 3. It will allow you to confirm that the secondary is correctly placed and that you don’t have offset errors.

At the end of the day choose the tool(s) that work for you.

3 hours ago, Christopher farmer said:

Is it hard to collimate a dobsonian 200p thanks 

No very straightforward with a Cheshire eyepiece and sight tube combination tool for the secondary and a cap for the primary. As explained at https://astro.catshill.com/collimation-guide/

7 minutes ago, John said:

I guess that is because a 6 or 8 inch dobsonian is very good for observing most astronomical targets 🙂

For what they cost, it is difficult to think of another telescope design that provides better views.

 

 

Exactly this especially for the money. The Dobsonian just works.

Yes but only with guidance from an adult.

A good thread to read 

I would avoid that telescope. Spend some time reading posts from others in order to get a sense of what is recommended and to save you wasting money. I’ve put my thoughts here https://astro.catshill.com/buying-telescope-start-here/

For such a young age the best route will be one that is guided by a tutor. I believe that is the key if you don’t want to throw money away. This is my getting started guide https://astro.catshill.com/buying-telescope-start-here/

I’d echo the recommendation to get a Dobsonian within your budget. A used one is definitely worth considering. More advice on my blog but the Heritage 150 gets great user reviews if something larger is out of your price range.

I read a lot of posts from folk asking about upgrades before they have even got their telescope. I’d say slow down and get used to used to using it because only then can you make a judgement call on what is right for you. There is a good chance you might not need to spend more ££.

Definitely along with the matching Barlow.

I use SkySafari when star hopping. Normal mode when using the RACI and inverted when using the eyepiece.

The offset error is nothing to do with the dark reflection of the secondary mirror which is as you say meant to be offset. It’s just a case of getting a=b but it’s close enough now. 

Actually there is a bit of offset error which you may choose to  ignore. If not move the secondary a little more away from the primary.

Thats the coarse adjustment dealt with.

A little, fine tilt/rotation correction will sort the last bit of error...

All I see is offset/tilt error, so I'd move the secondary away from the primary and correct tilt as required.

Yes it is a great Dob with just one advantage in my opinion over it’s better equipped equivalent from Apertura/StellaLyra…

It doesn’t wobble on its mount and it can be carried in one piece.

Everything points to an 8” Dobsonian in my opinion and I would recommend the StellaLyra. It will fit comfortably on the back seat of a car including the base.

4 hours ago, Gfamily said:

Might be tempting. The only thing that concerns is when they might be thinking of releasing Version 3 (as, once again, there won't be an upgrade path).  

Based on version 1 I don’t think we will see version 3 for a year or two.

I would suggest placing a piece of paper behind the focus tube and, taking the photo through a cap with all of the edge of the sight tube visible .

aka…

There is nothing wrong with the Skywatcher focuser. It can be upgraded to dual speed and that is worth doing in my opinion. The focus tube extends into the tube a few cm  if an extender is used when non is required. If you are buying new I would recommend the StellaLyra Dobsonian as it is better equipped than the Ursa Major or Skywatcher. 

I like a zoom eyepiece and given the good user reviews I would suggest a Svbony .

If you have the 10 and 25mm eyepiece that comes with the Skywatcher, I would not recommend any Barlow.  A better way forward would be to save up for decent zoom lens in my opinion.