Some level advice required

[OneEyedSam]

I have built a printed PVC setting circle into my 12"lightbridge, this should be accurate to half a degree. I find some nights my astro navigation is pretty accurate, and on other nights it can be a little off 3-4 degrees

i level my scope as best I can, my question is how level does the base need to be, to give an Az within 0.5 to 1 degree

[knobby]

I've normally just levelled mine with a spirit level and its pretty accurate.

how are you 'calibrating ' it?

I aim it at something known, then look up the alt az with sky safari.

I know some people calibrate by aiming north but I have better luck my way

Keep at it !

[OneEyedSam]

I aim at Polaris, and zero on that, so that does make me slightly out, I know that. Sometimes, I will use a planet or star and look up the actual Az in luminos. I agree that's more accurate.

[knobby]

You can do a sort of 'pae' or pointing accuracy enhancement as the skywatcher goto describes it

When you're in a certain constellation you can tweak the scale to match another known object.

[OneEyedSam]

Yeah, I feel that if I set up right, that shouldn't be necessary, but it's a plan b

[houston]

I use a wixey for altitude and its very accurate. Cost nearly £30 tho and the base needs to be as level as possible.

[OneEyedSam]

Yeah, I use a wixey too.Do you find with the base at 0.0 on the wixey that your az readings on your setting circle are accurate.

[houston]

Usually not far off. Wide field low power eyepiece and object there.

[OneEyedSam]

Well I had a very successful night, took time to level my base. Generally objects were out by a degree at most. Partly the errors will be due to me calibrating to zero using Polaris which isn't 100% accurate, and I guess small errors in levelling as the scope slews around. I guess the base/be earring gives a little as the main tube is swung around.

with practice I know I'll get better, and will be able to level the base better and quicker. I beat my mate to locating things, and he's using goto

[baggywrinkle]

Use a 'bulls eye' type spirit level. They will allow you to get well within a degress.