Hi Peter,
Yeah, its important to get the first star name right.
Perhaps you need to get a Southern Hemisphere Planisphere
(mine is like this image).
Or the star map pages of the Ice in Space calendar, or check online like Stellarium (free)
I usually do 2 star alignment, found it easier and more accurate.
Every thing else sounds like you are doing it right.
Did you check the clutches were tightened? Mine used to slip sometimes, especially in the cold!
Good luck with it.
I'd love to come down and help, if you want to go halves in the airfare?
