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Old 21-03-2013, 06:51 PM
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alistairsam
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Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Box Hill North, Vic
Posts: 1,838
hi David

as others mentioned, solar noon gives a very good reference for az if imaging from a backyard.
drift alignment even with an illuminated reticle will get you very close and I've gone through most methods including alignmaster but have finally settled on the ccd PA method, which is essentially drift alignment but is a lot more clearer in identifying drift. there's no ambiguity, you just have to get the v to a straight line.

I had a heq5 pro as well, and what I found useful was to adjust your setting cirles in ra and dec using the spirit level as in the SW manual, then setting your park position based on the circle. that in my experience helps immensely with the first goto.
but you do need to be closely aligned in az and elevation.

the angle meter is invaluable for elevation. only variable thats then remaining is azimuth and the stars and stellarium are good to get you started.
do let us know how you go.
cheers
Alistair
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