|
OK Andy, here are some tips on aligning an HEQ5 or EQ6.
1. Get close to the pole initially by learning where the SCP is in the sky. Use binoculars to find the "trapezium" and sigma octans and this will help you with the azimuth as you can just stand behind the mount to check you are in the right area.
2. Ensure you have the correct lat/long, date(month first) and time. Get the time to within 5 seconds if you can.
3. Park position - get it as "neutral" as you can, ie, cwt shaft vertical and dec axis at 0.
4. Set alignment stars to magnitude - then the controller will chose the brighter stars.
5. Start with 2 star align. Once the scope has slewed to the first star (watch the finder as it zeroes in on the star),press "rate" (button 2) and select 4 or 5- enter. Slew star in finder first and then in main scope at about 100x.,
Do same for second star. Note your have to select the new rate at each star.
If two star does not give good alignment, then try 3 star.
YOU DO NOT NEED ACCURATE POLAR ALIGNMENT FOR GOOD GOTO PERFORMANCE.
good luck
John
|