How to centre planets for planetary imaging?

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Hi all - anyone have some tips for centring planets on a planetary cam when using a powermate, and high magnifications? I have tried using a flip mirror, but that didn't seem accurate enough.

[OzEclipse]

If you are changing focus between eyepiece and camera on the flip mirror, use spacers to parfocalize the eyepiece and camera so that you don't have to shift. Some focusers suffer from image shift when focus is shifted.

If possible don't use a 1.25" nosepiece on the camera. Attach the camera to flip mirror using a direct T2 connection and T2 spacers.

If possible use a T2 screw on connection between the flip box and focuser.

Get a widefield crosshair eyepiece. Using a short widefield scope, work out where the centre of the camera field is relative to the crosshair when you flip the mirror. This relationship is between the camera, flip box and eyepiece The widefield scope just makes it easier to find something in the field. This gets rid of a lot of flexure in the back end.

Do it without the powermate first, eventually work up to the high mag arrangement.

Good luck

Joe

[doppler]

Most astro cam software has a reticule function on the tool bar that puts various cross hairs on the screen.