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Old 28-11-2008, 01:56 PM
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andrewk_82 (Andrew)
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Inverell, Australia
Posts: 48
Quote:
Originally Posted by gmeredith View Post


Here is my question:- given my lattitude for where I live (Hobart, tassie) which is:
Lat: 42 50 34 S
Long: 147 17 18 E

At what angle from level should I raise a wedge surface to sit the Dobson on to be correct for an equatorial mount? How would I find this info out? Or is it not as simple as that? Are there other things I should know? I've read up on the setup procedure for an equatorial mount for the southern hemi, and I think I understand how to do it. I got a rough approximation by trial and error just by inclining my mount and facing the incline roughly south and tracking a star with my hand.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Graham
Hi Graham,

I'm no expert and only a newby, but from what I've learned given your latitude at Hobart I would think that you would need an angle of 47 10' 26" for your wedge (assuming the mount is sitting completely level). If pointed south at this angle, with the scope at 90 degrees in relation to the mount, it should be pointing at the south celestial pole which would be 42 50' 34" above the horizon. A compass to get it pointing in the right direction might also be handy.

I've never thought of using a wedge to turn my dob into an equatorial mount, sounds like a good idea .

I hope this helps

Cheers
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