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Hi everyone,
I'm new to this, but I do have an equatorial mount. I tried to find omega octanis without much success, so the way that I align mine (with pretty good success) is that I set the altitudeto as close as I can, and then aim 1 leg at approx 168 deg (much like chris). I then have the problem that I am based in Sydney, so even on clear nights like last friday, its still difficult to see the smaller stars. Instead, I find a bright object like mars, or something else about 30 deg above the horizon, and focus in on that star/planet. Then, depending on any drift noticed with observing Mars, I correct either the azimuth or altitude until there is no more drift. On Friday when I did this, a cloud passed over mars just after I aligned the scope, and when the sky cleared 15min later Mars was still in the same spot. I am aware that this is not the "correct" method, and that it is a hack. However, until I get better at this, I think it works.
as an aside, having done this I was able to find other stellar objects by setting RA and DEC to the appropriate locations.
I will have to try your method though Chris, it sounds pretty comprehensive
J
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