Hi Tony,
A couple of ideas that pop out at me...
first, have you actually aligned the finder scope to the view or just have it pointing straight up along the scope? Finders will be slightly offset in their view from the straight line through the centre of the scope. One of the easiest ways to check this is to setup in the day, find a target 1-2 km away and using a long focal length EP (>20mm), centre the target in the telescope view, then check your finder scope view. I suspect you'll find it is not pointed at the target. There will be 2 or 3 adjustment screws for the finder scope, adjust these slowly until you get the target in the centre. Then using a shorter focal length EP (10-15mm) refine the adjustment until you can move the scope using the finder scope and the target be in the view every time. Be aware that each time you take the finder scope off it may require adjustment when you put it back on.
Proper polar alignment is needed for the GOTO to align well. It doesn't have to be perfect but closer is better. A compass and inclinometer is needed. Google polar alignment southern hemisphere for 100's of Youtube videos.
The next thing to check is the cone error of your telescope. If the telescope is not accurately aligned with the polar axis of the mount, it can cause the GOTO to align improperly and targets will not appear in the view when you slew to them. Especially if you go from one target in the west to a target in the opposite side of the sky.
Check your finder scope first and go from there.
Good luck!
|