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Wow, I have never realised it can be such a problem. Is the main problem with the alignment/electronic procedure/configuration of the LX200R?
My situation with the LX200 Classic is perhaps different..
1) Put the wedge on the pier such that the wedge is facing the southern pole. Set altitude to roughly the right value
2) Put all the bolts through the wedge to the pier and tighten the centre one
3) Put the top bolt in to the base of the LX200
4) Lift the LX200 up and on to the wedge such that the bolt hooks in place
5) Tighten that top bolt somewhat but not completely
6) Put the other bolts in to secure the LX200 to the wegde and tighten all 3 bolts
7) Turn on the LX200 and set mode to Polar
8) Synchronise on one star
9) Perform polar alignment using drift or other methods.
It is much easier with two people, especially when lifting the LX200 up and securing the bolts, as giggling the LX200 to the right position can be required.
An understanding of polar alignment is essential.
Any changes you make to the polar alignment of the wedge are best done while you watch a star in the eyepiece or camera such that you can accurately compensate for any slack or backlash in the wedge mechanics and such that you can accurately quantify the movements you are making to speed up your alignment process (so you know for example if you moved the star half way across the FOV last time and it improved drift by half next time you can move the star half way across the FOV twice and you’ll be a good way towards good alignment).
Once aligned and permanently on the wedge each night I (with LX200 classic) simply sync on one star.
I find it’s best if I tweak the alignment once every 6 months to keep it good.
If you don’t have a permanent setup then I imagine setting up a wedge every night might be a bit of a task when it’s a 12” LX you’re having to lift up on to it.
Roger.
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