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Hi guys
This is my first post on the forum - I definately am not trying to hijack the thread, I just thought it would be better to ask another EQ5 question here rather than starting a new thread. I've tried looking around to find the answers I'm after, but I've either read mixed opinions/haven't found what I'm after so far. So I'll try to keep it short. Basically I got my first scope/mount the other day, and after a lot of research I thought I'd go for a mount that I wouldn't need to upgrade in the immediate future, so I got a Skywatcher Mak 127mm combo with a HEQ5 pro.
The HEQ5 seems to be a great mount - a little too great for a beginer like me, but I just wanted something that will last, and will allow me to expand my horizon (no pun intended!) in the future. So I have two questions regarding the mount:
1. I'll be getting a wall power supply on the weekend, one that meets the specific requirements for the mount (12v, regulated, 2amp+ constant current, positive tip), but for now I have a jump start power pack that I got from supercheap auto - I had been reading around and a lot of people seemed to suggest these as a simple portable power solution. It seems to fit most of the criteria so far, but since I am not very good with electrical stuff (amps, watts, volts etc), I have no idea if it's providing the necessary constant 2amps that the mount requires. It is a 1200amp, 24Ah pack with a 12v output, but it doesn't say anything about the output current - not that I'm sure it's meant to.. that's where my lack of understanding lets me down! Is the current just what the mount will draw out of it constantly, which will then determine the life of the battery between charges? Sorry for my cluelessness!
2. Reading through the instructions of the mount was fairly confusing given my little knowledge. I'm trying to get my head around polar alignment (I'm getting there very slowly), but right now I'd just like to use the "manual" control of the scope, i.e. the directional arrows on the Synscan controller once connected. My main concern is trying to get it to move when it's not ready. I could, thus far, find anything in the manual about what state the mount should be in before trying to operate with the controller. Does anyone know if/what knobs have to be locked/unlocked before I try to operate this way (e.g. R.A, Dec)?? And finally, how on earth do I get to a stage where I can control it myself without it going to a specific object in the sky? Assuming I've entered in my long/lat, date/time etc - do I HAVE to polar align it even before I just want to slew it myself??
Sorry for the hugggge long post, but I would really appreciate any help you guys can offer as I'm sure many of you are experienced users.
Thanks so much!
Zal
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