Dec setting circles on eq5

[tim26792]

Hi all,

Dumb question I know but my first scope so bear with me. I think I have got my head around the ra setting circle and how to read it, but how do i read the dec scale, what are the numbers on the top scale that read 1 2 0 1 2. I have sort of guessed the numbers below it are the degrees as they read from 0 to 90.

Thanks

[david o]

Hi Tim,

I wouldn't bother too much with them to be honest.

The setting circles on most modern, mass produced mounts are way too small and inaccurate to be any use at all. It really is a waste of time using them.

If you look at photos of old mounts, from the era when setting circles were a vital bit of equipment, you'll see they're about the size of saucers, maybe larger.

[Merlin66]

The smalll scale is a vernier scale supposed to provide a more accurate reading, but as already mentioned they are more for adornment than functional use.