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Polar alignment using Polar finder by Jason Dale


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Hi folks

I have searched the internet but I am still confused re the use of the Jason Dale PolarFinder chart.

I assume that the charts give the position of Polaris on the circle for the current time at my Long/Lat, and then using my Az/Alt adjusters on my mount, looking through my Polarscope I make adjustments to get Polaris in the approximate position on the circle to that indicated on the Polarfinder chart?

My doubt, however, is should I first use RA to rotate the little circle on the polar scope image to the approximate position indicated by the Polarfinder chart AND THEN use the Az/Alt adjusters to get Polaris into the little circle. If this is the case then this would need to be done without the scope on the mount as some of the gear prevents RA from being turned round enough to get the little circle in the right place?

Thanks for your help

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Hi Alcol620,

I think I'm right in saying using the polar finder is normally done without the scope on the mount as you're aligning the mount to NCP., not the telescope. Importantly, have you collimated the polar scope to the mount? Once you've done that, then, yes, turn the polar scope to the 'clock position' Jason's chart shows (I've never seen the chart, he (or someone) kindly did an app for iPad which I use) and then use the RA and Dec bolts to move polaris to the position on the polar scope.

Hope it works for you.

Cheers

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My doubt, however, is should I first use RA to rotate the little circle on the polar scope image to the approximate position indicated by the Polarfinder chart AND THEN use the Az/Alt adjusters to get Polaris into the little circle.

Exactly this! Make sure that you flip the PolarFinder image to match the view through the polar finder - this is a tick box labelled 'Show view through telescope'.

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Thanks for feedback, will make sure I align before adding the scope to the mount next time.

DaveS you mentioned "I've recently discovered the EQMod polar alignment tool". What tool were you referring to?

Regards

Alec

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Importantly, have you collimated the polar scope to the mount?

I was just about to ask a question about doing this, so may as well do so in this thread.

Most collimation guides suggest aligning Polaris or a substitute on the central cross, then rotating the mount to see if it stays on the cross.

I currently have Polaris on where I think is the correct point on the circle and want to avoid adjusting alignment if necessary.

Is it as good a test to have Polaris on the circle, rotate the mount, and check that Polaris remains on the circle?

Then if it moves off the circle I can judge how much adjustment is needed.

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I found a PDF on it by doing a search on eqmod polar alignment. I think it's this one.

You'll have to copy and paste into your browser as I don't think it's a direct link.

  • eq-mod.sourceforge.net/docs/PolarScopeAlignment.pdf
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  • 11 months later...

My doubt, however, is should I first use RA to rotate the little circle on the polar scope image to the approximate position indicated by the Polarfinder chart AND THEN use the Az/Alt adjusters to get Polaris into the little circle. If this is the case then this would need to be done without the scope on the mount as some of the gear prevents RA from being turned round enough to get the little circle in the right place?

No, there is no need to try to position the little circle - that is on the reticle to be used as part of a convoluted method using the mount setting circles to get the correct position for Polaris without using a computer.  All that is necessary is for Polaris to be in the correct place on the BIG circle.  Just 'eyeball' it, as you were going to do for the little circle.   Best to do it with the 'scope ON the mount - there is always a small amount of flexure when the 'scope and balance weights are added.

Cheers,

Peter.

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