Hi Matt
The Vixen GPDX mount also has a fixed or non-rotating PAS and this is okay, it’s designed that way. Here is how I polar align.
- Find the correct field through the PAS.
- Make sure you have enough adjustment in the Azimuth screws by grossly moving the mount first, if so required.
- Rotate the mount around the RA axis (DEC clutch locked) until the PAS reticule is approximately the same orientation as the Octans asterism.
- Use the mount Alt Az adjustment screws to then move the mount so that the reticule and asterism overlay, making the final (small) RA axis rotational adjustments as necessary.
- Note that sometimes, I have to remove the 'scope off the mount to stop it crashing into the mount or pier.
During certain seasons and depending on whether it’s early evening, mid night or early morning, the reticule overlays the Octans asterism with minimal rotation of the RA axis. At other seasons/times, I have to rotate the RA axis of the mount almost 180 degrees to obtain the alignment.
Cheers
Dennis
PS – By fixed or non-rotating PAS, I mean that the PAS does not rotate independently in the mount. To rotate the PAS reticule you have to rotate the RA axis of the mount.