Quote:
Originally Posted by Tamtarn
Thanks for the input Terry.
We hope you can help us with this question.
One thing we are not sure about regarding the polar scope, after following all the instructions every thing is okay until we get to page 13 in the instruction book.
Preliminary Step : Determining the Zero Point on the Longitude Scale.
This is meant to put the reticle into proper orientation.
Do we have to do this procedure or is it only for the Northern Hemisphere?
Some say YES and others say NO .
When we look in to the reticle the overlay for Octans at the moment is completely upside down.
We don't want to touch the polar scope unless it is necessary.
Did you have to do this originally with your polar scope ?
Thanks
David
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Dear David
I found this to be a problem initially as well. The first thing to note is that you need to do the polar align before you attach the scope to the mount because you will need to pivot the RA axis around to make the reticule align with the stars in Octans.
Take no notice of the zero point thing. It is only for polaris in the north.
My method is.
1. Plonk the mount down aiming it roughly south. No telescope or counterweights attached.
2. Level using the bubble.
3. Connect power but leave it turned off.
4. Find the 4 stars in octans and move the adjustments to put them one side of the centre.
5. Turn the mount on and orient the reticule as near to the stars as practical. I don't lock the RA clutch but let it sit. It is reasonably balanced with no counterweight and the bar extended. You then move both the mount and the reticle unti lthey line up nicely. Then tighten the bolt under the scope to stop any play.
This ss now pretty close. To impove it further I attach the scope and counterweights and aim the scope at the pole. I have almost no cone error so I just spin the scope on its axis adjusting the dec until the stas just spin in the eyepiece. It should then be aiming pretty much at the south pole. I have made a chart of the south pole and now know where the surrounding stars are. I then fine adjust the orientation of the mount. It will now be within a few arcmins of correct. Then lock the clutches and power it up. All done in about 3 minutes.
Hope this helps.