Parking PMX in The SkyX

[E_ri_k (Erik)]

Just a quick question for you guys using TSX. When defining the Park position, the manual says something along the lines of "For mounts in the Southern Hemisphere, do not choose a park position from due West to due East (Through South) or below the celestial pole. And not in a position which will cause the counterweight bar to sit above horizontal.

With my old mount I always parked the scope with the counterweight AND the scope in the horizontal position, on the East side of the mount. Only because it was a practical place to stow it when it was not in use, and it means there is no way I am able to clip the scope with the roof when I open it! If I forget to move the scope before hand!!!

If I understand what I have read in the instruction book, it is saying not to do this? Right??

Would it cause any harm doing it anyway?

Erik

[PRejto (Peter)]

I've been parking my MEII/TEC180 with the dec shaft horizontal to the ground but with the scope pointing straight up. No problem. I can't see why having the scope horizontal should make any difference.

Peter

[E_ri_k (Erik)]

Originally Posted by PRejto

I've been parking my MEII/TEC180 with the dec shaft horizontal to the ground but with the scope pointing straight up. No problem. I can't see why having the scope horizontal should make any difference.

Peter

Thanks Peter, yeah I can't see a problem. Thought it might be because it screws up the synchronisation somehow. Don't see how it could though, or why the manual tries to make a point not too? I'll do it and see what happens!

Erik

[SpaceNoob (Chris)]

Originally Posted by E_ri_k

Thanks Peter, yeah I can't see a problem. Thought it might be because it screws up the synchronisation somehow. Don't see how it could though, or why the manual tries to make a point not too? I'll do it and see what happens!

Erik

I don't overly trust the park function so I just "Home" after every park, just to make sure.....

[gregbradley]

I suspect its because they don't want you to park with pressure on the gears and it sits there like that for extended periods. The AP manual mention something like this.

Greg

[frolinmod]

It has nothing to do with pressure on the gears or with messing up a sync. It has to do with ambiguous coordinates. Coordinates that can be pointed to with the mount on either side. If you choose ambiguous coordinates, you can flip a coin as to which side of the mount it will actually park on. Always park with the counterweights at least very slightly below the horizontal.

[E_ri_k (Erik)]

Originally Posted by frolinmod

It has nothing to do with pressure on the gears or with messing up a sync. It has to do with ambiguous coordinates. Coordinates that can be pointed to with the mount on either side. If you choose ambiguous coordinates, you can flip a coin as to which side of the mount it will actually park on. Always park with the counterweights at least very slightly below the horizontal.

Yes, that actually makes sense...
Thanks.
Erik.