CGEM Series Computerized mount.

[Iain.k (Iain)]

Hello, I currently have the CGEM computerized mount for my 9.25 edge hd scope. I recently got it but am having some trouble aligning it. Im not sure if im doing some thing wrong or not as this is the first time I am using such a mount with polar and star align.
I entered in time, time zone, and my altitude and longitude but for some reason it is having trouble aligning after doing a 2 star align.
Any one happen to have any suggestions or thoughts on the matter?

Cheers
Iain

[graham.hobart (Graham stevens)]

Hello- Here's how I align my CGEM
roughly align south and altitude (42')
align finderscope with main scope so I know when my finder can find a star it will be in the field of vision of a low mag eyepeice/or my dslr.
Remember dst finished so enter date time lat long etc accurate as possible
use hand control to choose firstly two bright alignment stars- scroll menu/change E/W if can't see any
align with finder, switch to mainscope eyepiece or camera
align with this then high mag (reticle eye piece or cross hairs on dslr screen on laptop)
repeat with calibration stars -I usually do at least 3-4
pick a nice star for ASPA, do the align as before then press enter when ready to align mount
move the mount only to align-
then unsynch, then back to some calibration stars
I am in Hobart if you want to give me ring PM me
Graham

[Iain.k (Iain)]

Cool thanks for the tips, ill give that a try tonight driving up north as the cloud will be down here in Hobart.
I also change the latitude and longitude to E/S befor hand. But still had a little trouble. Hopefuly I might nut it out tonight with any luck.
Good to know there are fellow tasmanians here also.

Iain

[rjbruce (Rob)]

Hi Iain,

Another thing I have noticed with my CGEM is that it needs to be well balanced (scope position, rotation and counterweight) for pointing to be accurate. I had issues one night when alignment and calibration was done but nothing landed in a low power field, I then found the balance was out, corrected this, re-aligned and then it pointed with a good degree of accuracy.

Rob

[Gem (Grant)]

I have had excellent accuracy for GOTO with my CGEM. I have noticed that once I loaded it up with an extra 80mm guide scope and cameras the GOTO accuracy did suffer.... so I would concur with the comments about balance/weight being important.

Overall, it has been a great mount.

[Iain.k (Iain)]

After some tinkering I got it to align well enough and able to find objects quiet quickly. I did change a little bit of balancing but i have it pretty much spot on now. Thanks for the help.

Yeah the mount is great. balance does play a big role though to easly and quickly align.