Takahashi polar scope

[starspoon]

Hello, has anybody had any experience with polar alignment with a Takahashi mount using the built in polar scope, I have read it's very easy to use in the Northern Hem, however I am not so sure how well it will perform in the Southern Hem.

I have heard the G11 and similar mounts using the same polar scopes are not that flash with South Hem especially if you are not in a dark sky location.

Any input from experienced users of the Takahashi mount would be appreciated.

Thanks
Mark

[Dennis]

Hi Mark

I have the EM200 Temma II and find the Polar Alignment Scope (PAS) very accurate and simple to use once you have mastered the art of reversing the Date and Time circles. I find the red illumination of the PAS a little too bright at a dark sky site, but in Brisbane it is okay and I can usually see Sigma Octans reasonably well.

I have written an xls spreadsheet that reverses the PAS date and time based on the system date and time of my computer. PM me with your e-mail if you would like a copy of the xls file.

The NJP PAS is different from the EM200 AFAIK.

Cheers

Dennis