How to set polar scope without directing SCP?

[Elliot1628]

Hi, guys!

I got a HEQ5 PRO with GOTO, but actually, the biggest problem is that in my current house------ a share house with my other two classmates, there is a limited backyard, which means that when I observe the starrynite in it, I always cannot find SCP for polar alignment.

So, I meet a real difficulty in my observing nights------how to initialise HEQ5 PRO GOTO at night, without polar alignment without using polar scope to direct SCP directly.



Guys, do you have some good ideas that can help me to use HEQ5 PRO?


Thanks！

:lol:

[Fox]

I would take the scope out into the field first where you can see the scp. Align the polar scope so you can get the latitude angle correct (mount needs to be level ofcourse). Then back at your house, the next time you need to align, (mount level again) I assume you can turn the RA tracking on and bypass the alignment star process. From thereon you only need to align the azimuth (since polar scope angle is correct) using the manual 'drift method' - an illuminated recticle eyepiece might be handy. Hope that makes sense, fox.

[gmbfilter]

Point it true south, use a compass. Level by eye make sure everything looks lined up away you go. Works for me.
The aliment wont be perfect but goto and tracking will work.
You will still have to drift align for photography
You dont need to "see the pole" or polar scope to have fun

[Dennis]

I use a protractor and a stick.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=14036

Cheers

Dennis

[Moon]

I haved used google earth to find south, works for me.

[Elliot1628]

What? Google earth can be used for finding the south when we want to look for SCP?:eyepop:

[Moon]

Google Earth can be used to find south when you don't have a compass. Just make a note of which landmark you need to aim for from your observing position.

[White Rabbit]

I cant see anything through my polar scope because the light pollution.
Chances are that if you live in a city you wont be able to see the octans anyway. You need to learn how to drift align. If your only observing you dont need to spend hours getting your drift perfect but the closer you get the SCP the better your goto's will be.

You need to find out what your magnetic declination is for your location,
in other words you need find how far east of magnetic south true south is and then set your mount accordingly. Usually this would be enough to get your mount to do a successful 3 star align, if you find that it's not then start to do a bit of drift aligning.

Check this site out for a description of the drift method. There is also a simulator so you can practice. http://www.petesastrophotography.com/

The closer you get to the SCP the better you Goto's will be.

[lacad01]

Great link, thanks for posting, that simulator is a great idea also :thumbsup: