The trick i found was to
(1) Assuming you have the scope leveled; and pointed close to the meridian and the celestial equator, see this
http://www.asignobservatory.com/driftalignment.aspx
(2) Make sure the RA alignment knobe have equal travel on both sides.
(3) watch for the drift, then not using the knobs, rotate the mount an inch or two and keep on until the drift changes direction. Then you have crossed the celestial pole and can fine tune with the knobs.
If the star drifts out of the railway lines in 5 seconds then you are about 5 or more ep FOV's from the pole so need gross quick adjustments to get in the ballpark. I mean just watch for the direction of drift and then rotate. When it is taking 30 seconds to drift accross the reticle lines then use the knobs.
It took me a while, a few months, but now I can plonk it down anywhere aimed roughly between crux and the pointers and have good drift alignment in 40 minutes. I have never tried to find sigma octans.
Paul