Quote:
Originally Posted by mithrandir
The RA and Dec circles have to be calibrated. If you point the scope at a known location or object (eg due east and at the horizon) and have your computer tell you what the RA and Dec are for that time and object you can loosen the adjustment screws, rotate the circles so the correct value is under the pointer, and then tighten the screws.
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Let me clarify for my two brain cells what you are saying here.
The wingnuts on the RA and Dec allow me to freely move the telescope and then when these are tightened I can then use the flexible knobs to follow the object I have aimed the scope at. These large wingnuts are distinct from the screws that you mention? If I read you correctly when I have the telescope aimed at an object(say Saturn) and then lock the wingnuts, I can then loosen a different set of screws that will then allow me to move the actual numbered dials until they reflect the true location of Saturn. Relock these same screws and the scope will then accurately reflect RA and Dec.?
Sorry if I sound pedantic but I am what my nick implies.
Can I not buy a scope that has onboard GPS and that will then calibrate itself to my exact location automagically? Are these sorts of things expensive?