[glend (Glen)]

I am trying to get started on observing the Messier catalog but am finding it a bit frustrating. I was trying to get Cluster M5 tonight simply because I was going to tackle some of the brightest first and it was hanging out there in the northern sky (about 3 degrees off N) at about 52 degrees of altitude, where I thought I should be able to see it. Yes I allowed for true north declination in my setup

What's the best approach to zeroing in on these deep objects? I have a 12" Dob with setting circles, leveling base, and alt angle measuring device. Everything was set correctly for M5 but I couldn't find it where my software said it should be. I was using a 25mm Possel EY to start with to get a wide field of view.

Any advice?