EQ6 Track Speeds - Page 2

Moon (James) · #21 17-08-2009, 09:53 PM

I think we are getting close.

Quote:

Regardless of how the scope is aligned in relation to the pole,

Remember this - we are trying to align the MOUNT with the pole, not the TELESCOPE. No need to point our telescope anywhere near the pole.
Here is the way I visualise it (well at least 50% of it)
Think of the angle a star sets in the west. You want your mount to track at this same angle, right? So as the star sets, you want your mount follows it exactly. If you think about it, the altitude bolts control this angle. The Azumth setting has no effect on the angle (it just moves the green line to the position of the blue line on my diagram).

darrellx (Darrell) · #22 18-08-2009, 09:14 AM

Guys, Thanks for your patience. I think I had a revelation last night as I was trying to get to sleep. I have always had it in my mind that the mount is tracking while using the illuminated reticle.

It dawned on me last night that when I go through the process of centering a star; use the hand controller to move the star to the edge of the field; align the reticle lines; move the star back to centre - the mount should not tracking.

If I am now thinking clearly, this should give me a result quicker.
Darrell

Moon (James) · #23 18-08-2009, 10:32 AM

You were right the first time, it should be tracking all the time!

darrellx (Darrell) · #24 19-08-2009, 09:20 PM

Hi All

It looks like I may have worked this out at last. After a false start with the clouds, things have cleared and I got the chance to use the illuminated reticle.

After only a few adjustments, I think I now have the Dec alignment spot on.

James, thanks for the instructions. It has worked well.
I centred the star; advanced the RA axis to set the diagonal lines(cross hairs?). Let it drift; did the adjustment (rotated the mount base on the tripod). And yes, it does work better with the tracking on.

For the last 20minutes the star hasn't drifted outside the double lines. Beautiful.

However...... there is always a but. The star has been drifting down the RA axis. The mount is outpacing the star movement. In the 12mm reticle it looks like it will take just under an hour or so to drift outside the field of view.

I can understand the Declination drift. I now understand how to compensate. But can anyone suggest a cause for drift like this in RA and how I might correct it?

Thanks
Darrell

Moon (James) · #25 19-08-2009, 09:49 PM

There are two parts to this, have you done both yet?

Azimuth: Use Star on Meridian. If the star drifts UP adjust Azimuth to move the star LEFT

Elevation: Use Star in West. If the star drifts UP, adjust Elevation bolts to move the star UP.

It sounds like you may have only done the first part?

darrellx (Darrell) · #26 19-08-2009, 09:59 PM

doh! Yes. I got too excited. I am so close.
I will go out and try that now, before the clouds come back.

Thanks

darrellx (Darrell) · #27 19-08-2009, 10:27 PM

James

You're a champion.

Worked perfectly. Thanks so much. Yahooo....

Been tracking for 10minutes now and the star (Alpha Cent) has just moved to the side of the centre square in the reticle. One more minor adjustment and it looks like it will be fine.

I suppose the real test will be tomorrow night when I try to set it all up again.

Now for the guiding.......

Darrell

Moon (James) · #28 19-08-2009, 10:37 PM

Well done! Sounds like you are really lined up well. It's gets faster and easier each time...

If you are guiding as well, then even better - the guider will compensate for some polar misalignment

darrellx (Darrell) · #29 23-08-2009, 08:32 AM

James

I was able to get my equipment out again last night and try the alignment process. Things went very well. It still takes a while, but I am getting there.

I just have a question for you regarding the star on the meridian. Should I use a star lower down towards the horizon? Or does it not matter, as long as it is crossing the meridian?

Thanks
Darrell

Moon (James) · #30 23-08-2009, 10:05 PM

Glad you are making progress.

For the star selection, it depends which part you are doing:

Azimuth: Use Star on Meridian up high, as high as possible.
Elevation: Use Star in the West - down low. About 20 degrees above the horizon.

darrellx (Darrell) · #31 24-08-2009, 04:16 PM

James

Thanks. Last night I gave it another go. I was quite happy. Taking my time I got it pretty well aligned in about 35 minutes. But I was using stars for both Az and Elevation adjustments down low as I could go to the horizon. It caused my a bit of frustration. But we live and learn.

I am going to try again tonight.
Darrell