Is a polar alignment scope worth it in the south?

[johngwheeler (John)]

I'm slowly getting better with my polar alignments, but still find my start point with the mount is often several degrees out, depending on whether I can see Crux, Centaurus or Achenar (SCP seems to be almost half way between Achenar & Hadar).

I can't really make out Octans very well at all, and have no hope of locating Sigma Octanis with the naked eye.

I'm wondering whether a polar alignment scope is worth it in the southern hemisphere? I've heard some people say it's a waste of time, and to just use the ASPA routine of the mount. However, I'd like to get as close as possible before I start alignment, because it makes everything easier if you're almost spot on to start with.

They're about $70-80, so I don't want to waste my money if it won't give me any significant benefit.

Thanks,

John.

[rustigsmed (Russell)]

hi john,

I know a couple of people who use them but the majority don't bother and align through drift alignment or other polar alignment routines. what mount will you be using?

Cheers

Russ

[multiweb (Marc)]

I have one for my G11 and that's the only thing I've been using for the past few years. Quick and easy.

[bojan]

Yes, it is.. very quick and very useful.
Especially if you add compass, to determine the rough direction towards South, because sigma Oct is not easy to see among other stars.


I used drift only for my permanent setup in the garden, once.

[raymo]

Hi John, regardless of what method you use, it is a very good idea to make marks on the ground where the tripod feet go, or superglue washers to the ground that have just the right inside diameter for the
tripod feet to fit into. You'll be almost spot on from the word go.
The trouble with asking opinions on this subject is that everyone has their own reasons why they do or don't like or use P.A.scopes.
I'm pushing 80, and don't enjoy grovelling on my knees, or getting a crick in my neck. My scope doesn't have variable brightness, and consequently drowns out Sigma Octantis.
I can be ready for visual work in 5-10 mins, and imaging in 15-20
using the inbuilt alignment routine, happy with that.
raymo

[johngwheeler (John)]

Originally Posted by rustigsmed

hi john,

I know a couple of people who use them but the majority don't bother and align through drift alignment or other polar alignment routines. what mount will you be using?

Cheers

Russ

I've got a Celestron AVX. From the answers, it seems like quite a few people do use them for "quick and easy" alignment. I appreciate that a more precise alignment would be necessary for imaging. What I'm after is a means of cutting down the time necessary for my visual / goto use.

I'm aware that the goto alignment will work OK even if the polar alignment is a bit out (although object tracking will be off over time), but everything just seems to be easy if the polar alignment is close to start with. Ideally, I'd like to get my go-to alignment done in less than 5 minutes, and not have to bother with the mount's polar alignment route.

It could also give me the option to not bother with powering the mount at all, and just use it manually (moving RA axis by hand).

It sounds like the money could be well spent if it saves time in the long run.

How easy is the PA scope to use? It is pretty obvious how to locate the guide stars in the reticle? I don't know what it looks like!

Thanks,

John.

[bojan]

Once you are done with it first time, it will be easy next time.
The best time to do it is when it is not completely dark.. and when the alignment is rougly there (with compass) because there are a lot of other slighlt faiter stars nearby.