[Doug]

dennisjames1, here is a 'cheeky' method that I can not vouch for, but will save you the cost of a good compass............if it works that is

Why the uncertainty? I am currently trying this method but clouds are complicating the issue at the moment so I can't say 'been there done that'.

I have 2 main problems to overcome, firstly my south celestial pole area consists of a pine tree, and secondly a compass reading is out by about 40deg because of colour bond fences and patio, so.......

I guestimated where south pole should be.
I skipped alignment and performed a goto the Moon.
I then parked the mount and powered off.(this was to establish a datum point in memory)
I then powered the mount back on and did a goto the Moon again.
at this point the cloud rolled in, but I was at least somewhat close to the Moon, same part of the sky anyways.

What was intended to follow next was to physically move the mount to center the Moon in the EP, without having powered down the mount electronics..
Will this method work? I have no idea and wont until clear skies allow me to finish trying it. It should work in theory because I will be using the on-board atlas to find SCP by default. If you have clear skies you might like to try this method and let me know if I'd be wasting my time or not.
Of course I will still need to drift align to do any imaging, but the above should get me ball park alignment in a 10 minutes or less.

cheers,
Doug