Alignmaster - Timing

[Galah (Patrick)]

I am using a CPC1100 on a wedge and when utilizing the in-built EQ Two Star alignment method, tracking is automatically turned off,and time between centerings is apparently accounted for internally.

When using Alignmaster, can anyone comment as to - does the length of time between centering the two alignment stars have any effect?
Similar question when carrying out mount adjustments?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards,

Patrick.

[Sarge (Rod)]

Patrick,
I have a SW NEQ6 and when doing a two or three star alignment I have been timed out - usually because clouds get in the way and slow me down.
Never had an issue with Alignmaster re timing out, no matter how long it takes it comes up trumps. I don't do alignments with the Synscan, just use Alignmaster to polar align.


Clear skies

Rod

[Galah (Patrick)]

Rod,
Thanks for that. I had not given thought to a timing out process.
Rather, I was concerned about a scope that was tracking (or not) during the entire process - centering the first star, moving to and centering the second star, and also during the mount adjusting process.
Seems to me that tracking/not tracking would affect the result?
Regards,
Patrick.

[naskies (Dave)]

Originally Posted by Galah

Rather, I was concerned about a scope that was tracking (or not) during the entire process - centering the first star, moving to and centering the second star

Tracking's not technically needed - as long as the alignment stars are centred on your reticle/camera at the moment you press "Next", you technically don't need to track. However, it'd be rather challenging to keep a star centred at high power without tracking enabled!

, and also during the mount adjusting process.
Seems to me that tracking/not tracking would affect the result?

Tracking is rather important for the mount adjustment process... How are you going to be able to adjust the mount if the star (i.e. your visual indication of what the polar alignment error is) just zips out of view immediately?

[redbeard (Damien)]

HI Patrick,

I have a Meade LX200GPS 10" on a wedge and use Alignmaster.

I have had no issues with the time it takes between the 2 star selection and have never had it time out or do anything strange. Quite often though, after selecting a set of stars for the first run through with Alighmaster, the next set of stars to choose may not have the previous set available and have to choose a different set of stars. Normal though as the earth is turning.

As a note with the scope setup, before I use Alignmaster, I put the scope in the home polar position, run Alignmaster, then do a 2 or 3 star sync, ie go to a star, centre it and press the sync button. Seems to work well.

I would have thought that tracking is a must, I have it turned on.

Cheers,

Damien.

[Galah (Patrick)]

It all makes perfect sense - there is no substitute for experience (and clear thinking ).
Many thanks for all your responses and advice.

Regards,

Patrick.