RE: Dumb newbie Nexstar question
If not already done, grind a flat spot on the nose gear wire where the set screw for the control horn goes. This will help prevent your nose gear from slipping.
Make absolutely sure your airplane balances correctly either to nuetral balance (balanced exactly level to manufacturers recommendations) or just slightly nose heavy. some nose heaviness is ok, any amount of tail heaviness is bad.
Make sure the control throws are correct (how far the control surfaces move) if they move too far or too little it will make the airplane difficult to handle.
Most people will recommend you do not use the AFS system. I agree with them.