celestron NexStar 102 SLT

[welsh crusader]

HI I am new to Stargazers and to astronomy. I have a few other hobbies as I need to keep the old brain box ticking over. I used my scope last night with disappointing results. As you know this is a powered scope. When not under power you can elevate/depress the telescope but not move from left to right. When under power and the object has been found I tried focusing but as the tube was extending the objective lens was elevating. I found that even when under power the elevation/depression was not locking.had the scope 6 weeks and last night wad first time out of the box.Any help please before it goes back to Amazom. Many thanks Ken

[baggywrinkle]

Welcome to SGL.

Have you actually set up the handset with date, time & location.?

Are you using batteries or a power pack?

If batteries are low then sometimes the mount can do its own thing.

Normally the handset arrow keys will allow you to move up, down left and right.

[ngwillym]

Also, its a known issue with these scope - sometimes the nut holding the altitude axis is a bit loose - you'll need to remove the scope and tighten the big nut you see underneath it

[welsh crusader]

Thanks ngwillwm. The nut seems tight but the 4 phillips screws holding the housing were very loose. Tightened them and it's made a lot of difference. When I can get to my garage I will double check that nut. Thank you for your help.