[Jen]

Originally Posted by AstralTraveller

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

Thanks Dave i just knew there was going to become a time when i have to deal with this RA stuff that i have no idea about I have been putting it off for a while and i just keep picking up the scope and turning it around to where i want to go i was going to wait for the warmer nights to kick in so i wont freeze my butt of for an hour just to see one thing i just cant work out why i cant go up any higher than 70 degrees I will try and have a play with it and see how i go
thanks Dave