[ballaratdragons (Ken)]

I have mentioned before about using the South Polar Star for polar aligning (yes, there is one).

I thought I better explain it a bit better for people wanting to use it.

If you are fortunate enough to have Dark Sky, or if you get to observe or image at a dark sky site, this will greatly help you Polar align, making Drift alignment probably unecessary.

This is my method, and my GoTo's are almost dead centre every time at 6mm!!!!

Attach a green laser pointer to your scope.
Find a bright object (Sirius, Jupiter etc). Align the laser on the object while the object is in centre of the FOV in the scope. This step is to ensure the scope and laser are the same.

Now set the scope to ensure that it is locked perpendicular to the mount (use the setting circles if they are accurate). By using the Alt/Az adjusters only, point the laser at the South Polar Star (shown below). Look in your finderscope (I use binoculars coz there is a camera in my finderscope). Adjust your alt and az accordingly. Using the map below you will see which side of the pole star to place your laser to get exact SCP.

Check your monitor for an image like mine (shown below) and fine tune the mount.

You are now EXACTLY Polar aligned

As my mount is permanently polar aligned, I use this method to align the Home position before doing a 3 star alignment.

1. Taki's Map showing the the Pole Star. (coutesy of Taki's 8.5 mag Star Atlas)
2. Image on my screen with imaging camera showing the stars on Taki's map, and location of the SCP.

Good Luck