Continuing alignment problems :(

[Dubbs75]

Using 2 star alignment on a SynScan goto system. One (probably stupid) question. Before doing anything else do I have to manually raise the altitude of the mount to match my northern coordinate e.g as my N is 52 degrees, do I incline the mount using the manual bolts to the sane figure, and then turn on the goto unit and begin the alignment process?

[Breakintheclouds]

If you've got an equatorial mount, then yes, the polar alignment (getting the mount pointing at the celestial north pole, which can be done by pointing the mount north and setting the altitude to your latitude) should be the first thing you do. You'll be able to get this even more accurate if you add a polar scope to your mount.

[bcfcciderhead]

If its an EQ mount then yes.

On the side of the mount is you latitude scale, set this to your current latitude i.g 51

to slow agian

[scoobymike]

Yep! Also remember to have the weights pointing straight down, and the scope itself should be pointing North too before you align, as this is what the computer will be expecting.

[hemihaggis]

can you tell us exactly what mount/scope you are using ?

[brantuk]

Don't forget it's the mount you are aligning - not the scope - that will follow naturally when the mount is correctly pointing at the pole star. Align the mount before you put the scope onto it.

[Odd Dob]

Before you set the latitude/inclination though make sure your mount is level though! Use a spirit level.

(Otherwise setting it to 51 deg on the mount is not going to actually be the angle you need to be at 51 dec with the Earth)

[Dubbs75]

I've a SW200 on an EQ5 goto mount if it helps?

[hemihaggis]

cool ,face the mount north (side with locating pin ) set the latitude to 52degrees , put the scope back to polar home position , then do alignment !! simples squeek !!

[Dubbs75]

Will it be a problem if I can't see Polaris? My house blocks the northern view.

[brantuk]

Yes - You need to be able to see polaris to do the polar alignment procedure. If you are imaging this will be essential - however if just observing a rough alignment will be fine.

Set the mount pointing magnetic North and the Altitude scale to your latitude and you'll be able to track in RA with little tweaks in Dec now and again

[bcfcciderhead]

DOH beat to it again......i was going to say yes as tracking wont be as good

[hemihaggis]

hi as kim was saying (brantuk) there is a difference between a rough alignment and a super good alignment for imaging , setting the mount facing north and you latitude to 52 will be a "rough alignment " then put scope in polar home position (arrows lined up on ra and dec axis) and align as per instructions , usually a two star job lol !! , this will be fine for visual use , just a little tweek on the up and down keys to center the object occasionally .

[Dubbs75]

hi as kim was saying (brantuk) there is a difference between a rough alignment and a super good alignment for imaging , setting the mount facing north and you latitude to 52 will be a "rough alignment " then put scope in polar home position (arrows lined up on ra and dec axis) and align as per instructions , usually a two star job lol !! , this will be fine for visual use , just a little tweek on the up and down keys to center the object occasionally .

Ok excuse my ignorance again but what do you mean by lining the arrows up on the RA and DEC axis?

I am going to be imaging soon so I think my inability to polar align is going to lead to another thread on here soon!

Thanks for your help so far guys, much appreciated

[Ptarmigan]

I am going to be imaging soon so I think my inability to polar align is going to lead to another thread on here soon!

Well here is a coincidence ! I just posted THIS HERE about "Drift Alignment" without Polaris and then the very next thread I read is yours !!!

[Dubbs75]

Thanks will give it a try!