Mount Alignment Confusion - HEQ5 Synscan

[JohnJ]

I've just taken delivery of my first scope; Skywatcher Explorer 150pds and HEQ5, I'm managed to setup the mount as per the instructions (which seem a bit rubbish btw). I'm now thinking about collimation and alignment, with regards to alignment I'm getting a bit confused!

The way I understood it;

I level and balance my scope & mount (in the garden) and point the 'N' marked on my mount in the direction of North from a compass. Then power up my Synscan and select the alignment process - enter my longitude/latitude and date/time. Next I select 2 or 3 star alignment and the mount automatically goes through the alignment procedure then I'm all set.

However, watching some youtube videos and reading numerous articles I am getting confused - Do I also need to use a polar scope along with synscan? Does the Heq5 even come with a polar scope? (I didn’t see another scope in the box)

I'm away from my kit at the moment so I can't get hands on, but hope to later tonight.

cheers

[StuW]

Have a search on YouTube for the Astronomy Shed videos, he goes through the complete setup procedure from collimation to polar aligment.

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[Richie092]

Just sent you links to them all via PM as I tried posting a link earlier and it didn't work.

Excellent videos, It's so much easier when you can watch someone do exactly what you want to do!

[JohnJ]

Cheers I will take a look.

[Astro_Baby]

Read the manual that comes with the V3.32 software, you can download it from skywatchers website. Also rea the mount manual for the mount. All will beome clear.

[Jiggy 67]

Read the manual that comes with the V3.32 software, you can download it from skywatchers website.

Good advice, the new downloadable manual is 100% better than the rubbish that comes in the box

[JohnJ]

Good advice, the new downloadable manual is 100% better than the rubbish that comes in the box

Thanks.

Ha, you can't make it up the Skywatcher website is down!

[brantuk]

If you unscrew the dome shaped plastic bit at the back of the mount you'll find your polar scope in there. It's more of a lens with a reticle rather than a scope as we conventionally think of it.

[Jiggy 67]

Thanks.

Ha, you can't make it up the Skywatcher website is down!

I know, I tried to put a link into my post!!!.....sods law!!

[JohnJ]

Oh well I'll try the website again tomorrow