polar alignment - iterative method

[richardtheboffin]

Hi, I have been trying the iterative method of polar alignment.

I have a meade lx200 gps on a fixed pier. the scope is set to polar.

This is what I do:

Align Easy.

Set scope to 90 degrees Dec by centering the star rotation.

Set scope to 0 RA - scope is now upside down.

Hit enter - scope moves to polaris.

Centre Polaris by moving mount.

press enter.

Scope goes to Rigel.

align with Rigel using hand controller. Press enter.

Now I goto Polaris.

It will be slightly out.

align using mount.

Goto Rigel.

Align using hand controller.

Synch.

Repeat goto polaris align using mount, goto Rigel, align using hand set, sych.

Keep going until no error.

I seem to be getting the same error when returning to Polaris and have to keep adjusting the mount in the same direction every time.

what am I doing wrong???

[hemihaggis]

hi richard , what kind of mount is the meade on ?

[richardtheboffin]

It's on the meade fork, which is on a wedge, which is a concrete pier.

[Tinker1947]

Never heard of this type of alignment, can you change the star after a couple of back and forths. ???

[richardtheboffin]

Reading some more, it appears to be critical that you don't remove the entire error on each alignment with polaris, only 1/2 to 2/3 of the error each time.

Also make sure that the other star is at least 3hours away from polaris.

If we ever get another clear night, I shall try again!