Can anyone in Perth teach me how to polar align an EQ6 mount.

[flyingbaby (Allan Chan)]

Hi there...

Can anyone in Perth teach me how to polar align my eq6 mount....I can travel to your place so that you can demonstrate me how that is performed...

Hope to hear from anyone...

My mobile number is 0406062424

Allan

[The Mekon (John Briggs)]

I can't Allan as I am not in Perth.

Your post however prompts me to make some observations - and please do not take this personally, as the comments apply generally.

I am amazed that this question is coming up so frequently and often in relation to this very capable and advanced mount. Years ago such a mount would have been only in the possesion of very experienced observers. Today, they are being bought as a "first mount" by many.

This leads me to my second observation, which is the only reason you need to get very accurate alignment is for imaging (astrophotography to us older guys). Again this used to be the domain of those who had many years of visual observing behind them. Today everyone wants to image first up.

So Allan, if you only need for visual, point the mount south, and set the elevation according to the scale. Do the 3 star alignment - you will be amazed how well it points!

If you want it more accurately, and without going into the drift method which is noted elsewhere, you will need to use the polar scope.

Set the mount up without the telescope, and turn the dec axis so that the hole can be seen in the front. Turn the mount off - you will never see the Octans trapezium pattern with it on. If you can identify the Octans pattern, then waft your dimmest red torch in front of the polar scope. This will give you an idea of the orientation of the pattern. Now turn the RA axis to get the pattern in the right position. Then using the "waft the red light" method, slowly adjust the azimuth and altitude controls until the patterns co-incide.

Good luck.

[marki]

Allan, as John has said it only needs to be really accurate if you plan to take long exposures with a camera. Other wise rough enough is good enough. If you are really stuck send me a PM, I might be able to help out.

Mark

[OzRob (Rob)]

My advice would be to forget drift alignment and using the polar scope. IMO software assisted alignment is much better as it saves time and requires less thinking and tweaking. The cheapest I have found is Alignmaster. All you need to have is a goto mount and the ability to connect the mount to a computer. You have both with the EQ6. You can try the program for 30 for free and then it is only 14 Euros. It is easy to use.

Alignmaster

[garin (Garin)]

Allan, I'm in Landsdale and would be happy to run you through the alignment process. Email me and let me know if you still need help and I give you a call.

My email is garin@iinet.net.au

Cheers
Garin

[TheAstroGuy (Shane Ross)]

Hi There,

I'd be more than happy to help you, True Polar aligning is my specialty.
That is the traditional way using the polar scope and finding the Octans Asterism.


Regards

Shane

www.theastroguy.com.au