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I need to write an article on iterative Synscan Polar Alignment one day. Easier and quicker than a drift alignment, uses ANY stars, and gets VERY close.
I find if I set up using a good compass (with offset for magnetic declination), the FIRST Synscan 2 point (do NOT do 3 point or 1 point) alignment will get me usually under a degree in Az off, and using a GOOD inclinometer, I get usually sub-minute in El. Once the first one is done, and it reports the magnitude of errors, dial in a correction using the bolts, and go back into Setup, and run ANOTHER 2 point alignment. Keep doing it, making adjustments using the bolts each time I reads out the errors.
I usually find that unless I overshoot (I am ALWAYS on the negative side), I can positively nail my polar alignment with 3 iterations of a 2 point alignment - so accurate that the star will be dead centre of the finder and camera by the last iteration.
Total time for 3 iterations - about 10 minutes.
It also helps to have backlash in both axes well managed.
I have to emphasise - DO NOT use the Synscan Polar Realignment routine - it is BUNK! Also, the PAE feature adds another calibration, which can be helpful on the other hemisphere to the one you did the alignment on.
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