Questions setting up heq5 eq mount....

[mbaddah (Mo)]

I've just recently acquired a heq5 pro mount and was hoping someone could answer my silly questions:

1) How necessary is it to set the setting circles on the mount? If using goto tracking is it worth setting the scale on the mount accurately?

2) How necessary is it to level the tripod and mount when setting up home/park position?

3) When levelling the RA, does it matter if the counter weight shaft is to the left or right of the scope?

4) Unfortunately mine came with v2 2.04 synscan handset My understanding is that there's no way of upgrading to v3 without actually buying a whole new handset?

5) Is it even worth calibrating and using the polar scope for us southerners? I'm not interested in astrophotography just yet with this mount, i just want to get the basics down for visual.


I had a lot more questions which I can't remember at the moment I'd appreciate any wisdom in answering these questions, many thanks

[codemonkey (Lee)]

Congrats on the new mount! :-)

1) Unnecessary. They can be used for manually finding things but if you're using the hand controller (or other electronic systems), it's unnecessary.

2) Also unnecessary.

3) I assume you mean balancing rather than levelling here? Based on that assumption it doesn't matter for visual use.

4) Not sure on this one, I use EQ Mod to control mine.

5) Not sure on this one either; I've never used a polar scope. Not sure what version of the hand set comes with the polar align tool, but that was pretty handy from memory.

[Screwdriverone (Chris)]

Hi,

Regarding 4 and 5,

The hand controller can be upgraded using the upgrader program but recommend using a pc with a 9 pin serial port as some USB to Serial ports have trouble.

You don't really need to set the polar scope up for southern hemisphere, especially because the octans constellation is so dim, it's hard to line them up. Set the scope up using a compass and your true south adjustment, making sure to try and set the altitude of the Mount to suit your latitude, as the scale on the altitude setting is often wrong.

Chris

[mbaddah (Mo)]

Thanks Lee and Chris for the prompt response

Originally Posted by Screwdriverone

The hand controller can be upgraded using the upgrader program but recommend using a pc with a 9 pin serial port as some USB to Serial ports have trouble.

I tried this and it didn't work. Apparently the v2 handset isn't upgradeable even with the updater program as I found out

[acropolite (Phil)]

Only V3 and higher handsets are upgradeable. EQmod is the best way to go.

[Slawomir (Suavi)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

EQmod is the best way to go.

I second that.

[photosinferno (John)]

Originally Posted by acropolite

Only V3 and higher handsets are upgradeable. EQmod is the best way to go.

I third that.

[Shiraz (Ray)]

the version2 software is quite functional - just lacks a few bells and whistles. No pressing reason to buy new really, since it works ok and the better long term solution is EQMOD as others have said.

The polar scope is very handy when you can recognise the octans star pattern. If you are imaging, phd2 has very quick and effective PA alignment software - it's better than the v3 handset routines.

[niko]

I agree - version 2 is fine especially as you are getting familiar with the mount and correct aligning. I wouldn't consider shelling out the considerable $$s for a new hand controller. Once you're competent enough with what you have but feel you need more just use EQMOD via a laptop.

good luck - practice definitely rewards you

[niko]

oh, and these might be helpful too

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-498-0-0-1-0.html

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-499-0-0-1-0.html

cheers

niko

[mbaddah (Mo)]

Thanks guys for the input. I ended up purchasing a eq5usb cable from bintel and had a preliminary run of eqmod last night. Connection worked on first go

My alignment was still a little off despite a 3 point alignment, so I'll need to figure out what's going on there. So far impressed, thanks

[Pebs4 (David)]

Hi Muhammad,

I have the same questions and gear, one other question, was what is the best way to home position your telescope with a EQ5 in the southern hemisphere.
Some one mentioned a true south alignment with the counter balance shaft. but thats as far as they got where does the telescope point then and at what degree 90?

Kind Regards

David