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G'day David, the HEQ 5 comes with a built in polar scope, does it not ? It will depend whether or not you have a clear view of the SCP and dark enough skies from where you are, but it may be helpful to learn how to use the built in polar scope (assuming you don't already know).
The Octans 4 star pattern is actually pretty well recognisable and in full field of view through 7x50 binoculars, and because it's so close to the SCP, I certainly find that you get used to locating it quickly each time, albeit depending on seeing conditions. Then, once you level the tripod, and get the first sighting through your polar scope (remember the image may be upside down through the polar scope vs true orientation), then you lock in the latitude angle of the polar axis, which won't change for your regular site. Now, from that point onwards, provided you get pretty good tripod levelling, using the polar scope (ie. to achieve good enough alignment for visual) should also get easier each time cos it's only the azimuth that should need adjustment.
Hope this helps, cheers, Fox
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