Newbie saying hi

[AMG Dave]

Hi I’m Dave. 
Ive just joined the forum. I have a Celestron Nextstar 8se. I’ve had it 2-3 years but basically haven't got a clue how to use it. I’ve tried having a play a few times but gave up and covered it up with a sheet. And that was it. 
Im after any help available as I feel it can’t just stand there doing nothing, and I do want to use it as I love the night sky and want to learn about it. 
 

cheers 

[Davey-T]

Hi Dave and welcome to SGL, can't have too many Daves 😂

Loads of advice on here some contradictory but all helpful.

Dave

[JamesF]

Welcome.  And this isn't true, by the way

6 minutes ago, Davey-T said:

Loads of advice on here some contradictory

:D

James

[badhex]

3 minutes ago, JamesF said:

And this isn't true, by the way

Welcome Dave! And I disagree James 😂

[John]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Your scope is a good one - well worth getting to know how it works. It has great potential as an observing instrument.

There will always be a range of opinions on a forum like this but all are given in good faith and occasionally we all agree

I don't currently have a Celestron 8SE but I have come across this movie on setting up one of the smaller models on the same mount so that might help you:

 

[laudropb]

Hello and a warm welcome to the SGL.

[Sunshine]

Welcome to SGL!

[Floater]

Welcome. Have lots of fun on the learning curve. 🙂

[PXR-5]

Welcome Dave, thanks for joining SGL

This is a good site and I highly recommend the book

https://www.nexstarsite.com/

Edited November 18, 2020 by PXR-5

[PeterCPC]

Hello and welcome.

[sloz1664]

Hi Dave, and a very warm welcome to the Lounge

Steve

[banjaxed]

Hi Dave, welcome to SGL.

[Neil H]

Hi Dave welcome i have only been doing this for just under a year 

Everyone has so much help to pass on and its all good 

Nice compact scope 

[Dave Lloyd]

Hi Dave, welcome. 

[Nigella Bryant]

Welcome Dave, very helpful people on here, have fun with your hobby, that's the best way to go. Also time getting to know your equipment is important, unfortunately the hobby isn't plug and play but worth it.

[Mr Spock]

Hi Dave, welcome to SGL 

[AMG Dave]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the replies and links. I now have somewhere to start. 👍🏻

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire 🙂

[wookie1965]

A warm welcome to SGL