Hi Peter!
Your method seems too good to be true. I think that the mount knows where it is pointing when it starts from home. When you alter the screws instead of using the controller, the computer will not realise that the scope has moved and will assume it is still pointing at where IT thinks the star is at. Confusing, I know! I will try your method though!
I have tried a different method for visual work. . I do the star alignment, and keep the scope on, and do not touch the screws. I then tell it to slew to Alpha Crux (say), When it has finished pointing, I manually then de-clutch the RA and Dec levers, manually centre the scope on to the star and then tighten the levers. Then I tell it to go to the next star. I am not convinced though this works, because it still does not stop exactly on the next star!
Remember that when you use your compass, to take into account the magnetic variation for your area - ie if it is 14 degrees East (published on web sites and good charts) then in the Southern hemisphere, you get compass needle to point to 180-14 = 166 degrees, then the south mark on the compass will point to 180 degrees True. Remember the adage "Variation East, steer least, Variation West, steer best."
