Mount alignment when directly connected to a computer

[DavidLJ (David)]

On another thread (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=131772) I was advised to connect my SW AZ-EQ6 GT mount direct (i.e. cutting out the SynScan hand control) to my laptop to avoid a problem that I have been having connecting to EQASCOM. I have ordered a Shoestring RJ45 to USB2 interface cable and hope that it will work. Pending its arrival I got to wondering how, if the SynScan hand control is no longer connected, am I going to align my mount at the start of a session using typically a 2-star alignment. Playing around with ASCOM set to the EQMOD ASCOM simulator I dont see any alignment function there. It's probably a dumb question but for the moment I don't see the answer. Any help will be most gratefully received.

[Merlin66 (Ken)]

If you set up close to the pole, then the EQMod does endless syncs to achieve the best "pointing model" - you're not restricted to on two or three targets.
Read through the EQMod manual while you're waiting.

[DavidLJ (David)]

Thanks Ken.

I've found the document "EQASCOM Alignment" - 28 pages. It's a lot to take in but should keep me busy until the Shoestring cable arrives. Thanks again.

David

[Amaranthus (Barry)]

Also, if you combine this with using Astrotortilla to plate solve, then you never have to fiddle around with centring a star again!