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Hi Darrell, I have an AZEQ6 which I use both altaz and equatorially.
In EQ mode it isn't really necessary to level the tripod, but levelling it first means minumal futzing - often none - with the altitude setting assuming it was set up that way last time.
In altaz mode levelling the tripod N-S and E-W is essential, it makes a HUGE difference to the accuracy of the subsequent alignment and subsequent GOTOs if this is done to 0.1 degree, and for this I use an iPhone app "clinometer" (ie a big bubble level) which I calibrate beforehand.
With a smaller scope it might not be so critical but at a focal length of 3100 the field of view of my beastie is a tad over 0.5 degree. With care the mount will put the scope regularly within 15 arc minutes of the target, without doing anything special beyond a basic alignment.
The Synscan handset can also do localised corrections for up to 85 patches of sky by I haven't explored that feature yet.
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