My NEQ6 Pro has arrived, and what a beast it is. I can see this will never be a grab and go mount!
After expereince with Pushto Dobs, Alt-Az pushto Vixen Porta II, and Goto mounts like the iOptron Smartstar, I am finding the EQ6 a bit daunting, and its not just the weight.
My question is should I worry about polar alignment when using it for visual use? Obviously the Octan stars, which are mentioned in the Mount Manual (not very well done I think), can be used but only when it is really dark at my place and I'd rather setup while it is still light or twilight if possible.
Can I just keep doing what I did with the iOptron, which is to level the mount, use my good compass and laser desgnator to show true South (or SCP azimuth), set the mount latitude (33S in my case), and then do a star alignment from there?
Finally, when I am ready to try some imaging, can I still use this technique or do I need to use the polar reticle technique in the manual? I realise Drift Alignment is also possible. I guess I am saying is polar alignment a necessity in the Southern Hemisphere?
Thanks
