Help-Instuct'ns on drift method - refractor South'n Hem'

[RB]

Hi everyone,

I need intructions (step x step) for drift method alignment using a refractor (southern Hemi).
I know there's probably a link in here somewhere but Hav'nt found it and Im in a hurry. Skies looking good tonight.

Thanks for your help guys.

:stargaze:

[GrampianStars]

G'day Rocket
try here http://www.darkskyimages.com/gpolar.html

[anthony2302749]

Hi

I did a quick search of the net and found some instruction, they maybe of help

http://www.actonastro.com/polar.htm
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/ccdastro/drift-align.htm

Anthony

[bird]

Well, this is what I do...

- use a compass, align mount approximately to true south.
- find a star in my 12mm reticle EP and centre it. Rotate the EP so that the crosshairs align with the RA and DEC movements.
- watch the star and note which way it drifts in the DEC axis. Ignore movement along the RA axis.
- Use azimuth controls on mount to rotate the scope some distance in a random direction and repeat previous step. Do this a few times until I see which azimuth movement corresponds to which drift direction.
- Adjust the azimuth so that the star doesn't drift in DEC anymore.

Bird

[GrampianStars]

G'day Rocket
CCD Drift Align (http://www.skyinsight.com/wiki/index.php/CCD_Drift_Method)

Here's another method using a CCD camera

Might try this one myself looks kind a interesting :camera:

[GrampianStars]

G'day Bird
Remember dont forget to allow for Magnetic Deviation for your area
where I am its 10.5 Degrees East

[bird]

Yeah, I *nearly* mentioned magnetic deviation, but I thought Id just say "true south" instead, sort of hoping that people would know that is not the same as magnetic south :-)

Bird

[h0ughy]

I also found this too http://www.astrocruise.com/polarnew.htm

[RB]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Very helpful.
I'll spend alot more time studying all the info and then give it a try.
I didn't get out there last night, cos I want to be more certain of what I'm doing.
I don't want to pick up any wrong habbits first up.

The webcam method looks very interesting BTW and I'd like to give that a try as well.

Houghy thanks for the LX200 link too.

Cheers everyone.
Your the best.

:astron:

[cventer]

There is a great animated tutorial with voice over on drift alignment here:

http://www.andysshotglass.com/articles.html

Actually there are several on other topics that are very good as well.

Regards
Chris

[acropolite]

there's also an excellent explanation on pete's (from Hobart) astro site http://www.users.bigpond.com/lansma/art_sh_polar_alignment.htm Pete also documents an easy method for PEC training on an LX.