New from the UK

[J_N_Y]

Welcome to SGL. sounds like a mighty fine piece of kit you have there. let us know what it's like when it's out of the box!!

also - to copy what Ju Piter said - "no question is to silly." I've tested this theory pretty stringently here and it stands true!

[pyrasanth]

Welcome-you have joined a great family!

Get the boxes opened- it is much scarier trying to open the box- I know-I opened my mount box- came back from the postman delivering a parcel to find 3 cats in the box with the 4th chewing the cardboard boxes- I think Sphinx's like astronomy.....and cardboard. 

[Garethr]

Hi Tad2106'

That's a great present. I have the same scope and it's fantastic enjoy.

Gareth

[HIP3802]

Hi, Tad2106, a warm welcome to SGL - and to the worlds of amateur astronomy!

[Moon-Watcher]

Hi and welcome to SGL - I remember keeping all of my kit in the box for 10 months as I was too scared to open them as it all looked so difficult

I know the feeling.  However, I am sure as soon as I rip the tape on one of the boxes, everything else will follow, gout notwithstanding. (other complaints are available)

Welcome Tad, you're going to love it.

Cheers,

Mark