Skywatcher EQ3 PRO Synscan GOTO

[masonic light]

Skywatcher Explorer 130P

Skywatcher EQ3 PRO Synscan GOTO

Hi everyone, still a bit new to this hobby, although it’s something I’ve wanted to do for many years.

The question I ask is, do I still need to set Polar alignment on this mount through the Polar scope, or can I just use the three star alignment using the SynScan GOTO and still get the same results?

Thanks in advance

Pete

[Cornelius Varley]

You will still to polar align. Polar alignment is required to ensure that the mount is aligned with the North Celestial Pole. If you don't polar align you will have problems with drift and goto accuracy.

Peter

[ndastgir]

Yes, as Peter said, you still need to do polar alignment. What I have noticed with my EQ3 GOTO is that if polar alignment is too poor, then I cannot do a 3-star alignment with synscan and it fails all the time. Also, if you have done a good polar alignment and still fail to do 3-star alignment, check your cone error.

I had a problem with that. the cone error was so much that I could not see Polaris through the telescope although I could see it in the polarscope and the alignment was good. Then I realised that cone error was causing it and fixed it.

Also, if you wat to do Astro-Photography, then very accurate polar alignment is cruicial, otherwise you will get trails on any exposure longer than 15 seconds.

Naeim

[hemihaggis1]

_{masonic light ??}

[masonic light]

Thanks for the helpful replies

[S.A.M]

Hi Pete,

I also own an EQ3 GOTO mount, only extra bit of advice I would add is to make sure the tripod is level to start with. I use my own spirit level as I am not sure if the built in ones are that good? Yes polar align as well, balance scope and then balance scope with mount and then you are ready to 3 star align. Enjoy the night sky.

Peter

[Cornelius Varley]

Levelling the tripod isn't required with an equatorial mount., adjusting the az and latitude bolts is all that is required. I do it though because it makes finding Polaris a little easier, but doesn't affect the performance of themount.

Peter

[Astrosurf]

I don't know if this is of use with the EQ3 for polar alignment??

http://www.astro-baby.com/HEQ5/HEQ5-1.htm

Aexxx

[masonic light]

I don't know if this is of use with the EQ3 for polar alignment??

http://www.astro-bab...HEQ5/HEQ5-1.htm

Aexxx

Thanks a lot for the link....All info gratefully appreciated

[masonic light]

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