Thanks for your reply, Johan

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I have now managed to input latitude and longitude. Not yet fully set up as weather has been adverse, plus other factors. Each time I try to get going properly I learn more.

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The biggest logistic problem is that the new handset is very sluggish - I think it does not like Kentish Winters. With the 8SE on batteries, there is no display. With a lithium 12v input, the display appears after several minutes. Presumably the 12v warms things up. I do have a warmer (dew controller) but there are enough leads trailing about already as the front element of the OTA needs a bit of warmth. Also the position of the camera is not ideal, as the OTA alone is easiest carried opposite to the fitting arm. I am nearly 80 but fit. I bought an 8SE after checking that I could handle it. The camera position is? vulnerable with me carrying.?

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Anyhow, tonight was forecast clear skies. They weren't. Moon, Jupiter, Mars, Venus all variably visible but only occasional glimpses of Capella and Rigel. Castor and Pollux winked at me. Experience has taught me that a camera sees objects that I cannot but the StarSense could not see enough stars to function. It was clearly seeing some. I learnt a lot more tonight however so will ask the weather forecasters for something better.

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Many thanks for your input

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Nick Hudd