Easy and quick polar re-setup?

[richyrich_one]

Hi, just wanted to get opinions on whether this would work.

I don't have a permanent setup so have to setup each session. What I was thinking was getting the polar alignment spot on using alignmaster and putting a locking nut on one of the azimuth bolts to lock it in place.

To tear down I just loosen the 'other' bolt and remove the mount. Setup would be fit mount, tighten the 'other' bolt again and still be perfectly aligned.

I have the tripod leveled and solidly positioned so it should work???

[cotterless45]

Different locations and times will vary the position of Polaris for alignment. The very easiest way , if you set up in the same place is to get accurately set up and mark the position of the tripod bases and height of each leg. You'll still have to tweak the az and RA to get Polaris aligned.

I have small base holes in base slabs and permanent pen marked lines on the tripod legs. Set up is pretty quick.

I use the Kochab clock method as at weaker, just aligning Polaris on the outer circle in the direction of Kochab. For visual it can get stars central at x150 and above after three star alignment.

Even from a temporary set up the Heq5 pro is very accurate.

Nick.

[richyrich_one]

Thanks.

I have my tripod on grass with lengths of 15mm copper pipe driven into the ground so the legs are positioned precisely and the whole thing is very solid.

I was hoping my theory would negate any of the traditional polar alignment steps. Done once and fotgotten. One less thing to do when setting up and to possibly get wrong.

[Tinker1947]

Thanks.

I have my tripod on grass with lengths of 15mm copper pipe driven into the ground so the legs are positioned precisely and the whole thing is very solid.

I was hoping my theory would negate any of the traditional polar alignment steps. Done once and fotgotten. One less thing to do when setting up and to possibly get wrong.

This will be fine for visual, if you want to image then PA will need tweaking ever time.......

[richyrich_one]

Ok, thanks.

Tweaking not so bad I guess, not a worthless endeavour then. 

[Tinker1947]

This is how i used to set-up, carry the tripod and mount out together, drop the legs in the pre drilled patio holes, it did work for visual but imagine needed a tweak and this meant less time with the shutter open. A permanent solution will make for a more enjoyable session as setting up and taking down does get to be a grind with the UK weather...

what it can end up like...

[pyrasanth]

I've got lazy. I would not want to go through the pain of continuous polar realignment. That is why I've set up a permanent pier & I'm within fractions of an arc second from the the refractive pole. A portable setup can be very convenient but also just as inconvenient when the weather plays silly devils with the limited amount of time you sometimes get. I like to just throw a cover over the mount & be ready to go in the blink of an eye & only spend a minimum amount of time on setting up.

[JRWASTRO]

Greetings Chaps,

Cant add Anything new but I sure like Tinkers' sun dial in the first picture .

Jeremy

[JRWASTRO]

Just thought of it:

1. I see that the Sun Dial is also polar aligned !!

2. Suggestion:

One can always draw a compass rose on the ground.

The footing of my pier is in the shape of an octagon. With a compass rose ( to be completed).

Jeremy