Hi Mike!
I do understand where you are coming from and I agree with you. For Darcy's situation, I simply wanted to reinforce the notion that imaging with a smart phone can be surprisingly productive....from what I understand, there are several apps that allow you to get control of the camera and do some "wild and crazy things" with it...to para-phrase one of my favourite comics. :-) Having fallen down the rabbit hole of imaging cameras....and telescopes for that matter, I often scold myself for not having spent enough time with a toy to get to really understand its capabilities and maxing out its potential. I feel that that is important because it guides you in the next purchase if nothing else. From what I have seen lately in the smartphone imaging department, I believe it would serve Darcy, and anyone else so inclined, to push their phones, even if it is with limited telescopes aperture.
Darcy...I think your ETX issues are primarily due to unfamiliarity and I will ask again...do you have a manual? If not, here it is:
? ?Just hit the "downloads" button...sort of 1/3 down along the left side of the screen.
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Now that I have seen how the telescope and eyepiece are set up, I would suggest that any red dot finders be mounted "not" on top but to the side...maybe 2 o'clockish so the eyepiece does not get in the way. I hope there are no issues with the electronics. If the controller is damaged, a ton of familiarity will not overcome that.?
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I do a ton of imaging, but as Paul has described, I have difficulty spending literally hours over several nights trying to capture an image of a single target. My imaging is more for the record of where I have been....like a well heeled tourist. It also allows me to see deeper than what my telescopes alone will allow. It can reveal new targets that are worthy of eyepiece time for those nights I am looking for a challenge...say...when I have a few minutes to kill during a Messier Marathon.
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Bottom line, results generated while using basic equipment are very satisfying and provide good learning. I agree with Mike, Damian Peach has produced some stunning results...my favorite are the early double star images that he produce at F50 with his 9.25 Celestron SCT and a 5x barlow. It inspired me to start imaging double stars. The fact is, I know a couple of guys who are imaging double stars with smart phones and they are stunning images....albeit...taken with medium and large dobs.?
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I'll stop now for the fear of repeating myself!! :-) Darcy...Good Luck!! Let us know if you continue to experience issues your scope.
Cheers, Chris.
Chris T