View Single Post
  #10  
Old 16-09-2008, 12:16 PM
AstralTraveller's Avatar
AstralTraveller (David)
Registered User

AstralTraveller is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Wollongong
Posts: 3,819
Jen,

It looks as though the RA axis on your scope is horizontal. It needs to be pointing up the same number of degrees that you are south of the equator (about 35-37 - you need to check). That way when you point the RA axis due south (as opposed to magnetic south) the RA shaft will be pointing at the south celestial pole. Once you get that aligned you can follow objects by turning the RA shaft only.

As Sheeny said you need to have the scope in balance. My favoured method is to have the dec axis horizontal and the tube horizontal. With both locks disengaged the assembly should just stay in place. If not you need to either move the tube back or forward in its rings, or move the counterweight in or out, depending on which way it is out of balance. Once it is in balance it should remain stationary in any position even without the locks engaged. That way the locks and drive have the least amount of work to do.


cheers,
Dave
Reply With Quote