Tracking Modes

[Fernando]

I have a SW AZEQ6 GOTO with a C11 on it for observing. I will keep it for observing together with my wife, son, daughter, granddaughter.:)

Right now, I am considering buying a mount for AP:D. I have been doing some search/research and I am kind of between the AP Mach1GTO and the SB Paramount MX. I am in Brasil. The AP specifications says its "Tracking Modes: EQ North" and the SB "Tracking Modes: EQ North and EQ South". Although right now I am in favor of the SB, if I decide for the AP (less expensive...), does it make a difference for someone in the Southern Hemisphere?

Regards, Fernando

[gary]

Hi Fernando,

To get your head around what is happening, first consider that as the Earth rotates
that stars appear to rise in the East and set in the West.

If you were in the northern hemisphere facing the North Celestial Pole (NCP),
the stars would appear to rotate around the pole in a counter-clockwise direction.
Thus an equatorial mount aligned with the north pole will need to have its motor
track in a counter-clockwise direction.

In the southern hemisphere, as you face the South Celestial Pole (SCP), the
stars will appear to rotate in a clockwise direction. Hence the motor in the mount
will need to rotate clockwise.

[Merlin66]

gary,
I think, the real issue is that the AP spec only mentions "EQ North" - does this infer that the motor(s) only go one way ie to suit northern hemisphere????
(EDIT)
http://www.astro-physics.com/index.htm?products/mounts/mach1gto/mach1gto
The southern hemisphere reticule seems to answer the question!

[gary]

Hi Ken,

Season's Greetings.

That was meant to be an implied "heads-up" warning in my response.

Now and then we have encountered owners of some brands and models of
mount's that have motors that they could not readily reverse with a simple
motion of a switch.

Whether the AP mount can also track in the southern hemisphere I do not know,
but given Fernando's reading of the spec and given the considerable expense of
these mounts, the best possible advice is for Fernando to contact AP and ask the
question as to whether it can be made track in the southern hemisphere.

The southern hemisphere reticle otherwise would have a limited sales potential if the
mount for some reason can't track southern hemisphere polar rotation.

In any case, AP will know their own products better than anyone. :)

All the best for 2014.

[Fernando]

Thanks for the answers and explanation. It helped a lot.
As the SB Paramount MX may track in the southern hemispher, is lighter and can hold a heavier payload (although more expensive...) I will go deeper in reading the manuals, reviews and opinions about this mount over the internet.