Tablelands Astro

Thanks for the link...it is one that I have watched a few times...

It is refreshing to know that my issues are shared by others. So much to learn and so much time invested. I do enjoy a challenge and will continue to learn and not be afraid to put my hand up for help when I find myself in a bind. Good luck in your endeavours Kev!!!

Guys... Many Thanks for the thoughtful and helpful advice. I am taking baby steps and tonight was able to carry out a successful polar alignment in hand or manual mode only...(rough I know but the aim was repeatability when identifying the stars required. I will practice this for a few nights until I am confident in finding Octans at various times and orientation. Rather than try and chew on the whole mount operation, I am attempting to break it down into manageable chunks. PA/Mount Operation and then camera settings, lens choice etc etc... I have checked and double checked all basic adjustments and tonight appears to have verified these items. I have also marked the surface of my "viewing area" and will laser engrave some stainless plates and attach these to the concrete to act as guides for "exact" mount locating going forward. Next, will be practicing the Synscan equipment and general mount operation in a "live" sense and see if I can build on tonight's success... Again, many thanks for your input!!! Regards, Rod

Hi All and thanks for allowing me to join this group. I purchased a new HEQ5 Pro and PoleMaster last year. I figured this would offer a good starting point for a number of years to begin my quest in Astrophotography, firstly using DSLR technology. I figured that this would be a rig that I could grow into rather than out of. I have devoured any reading possible but am yet to get past the Polar Alignment stage. Maybe I am a tad slow or am missing something but gather that this step is maybe like learning to ride a bike and hoping that once the penny drops, the rest will follow. As stated, I have watched and read nearly every offering but alas have not been able to locate the star pattern as required. Last night however, I think I may have progressed and then again I may not have. My question: If I have set up the mount and thru the PoleMaster screen have reached a stage where if I spin the mount, the viewable stars move in a concentric circle around the middle of the screen, have I reached a point where I am in the sky position that I should be...in other words am I on the right track? Any answers and indeed any other help or encouragement would be massively appreciated. Thanks In advance!