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Polar Alignment without Polaris


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Here's a method I found based on a Meade LX setup by Dave Herald of Canberra, Australia.
You need a scope that can GoTo a star of your choice, Synch on a named star, and displays Dec on the handbox.

Step 1 - Point the polar axis as best you can towards the pole. 

Step 2 - With the handbox, point the scope at a known star to the east. 
Locate that star in your handbox menu, and Synch the scope on that star.

Step 3 - Identify a star on the opposite horizon.
Use GoTo to send the scope to that star.
Of course, the scope will not be pointing at that star. 
Using the handbox, write down the Declination of that star.

Step 4 - With the handbox, move the scope so that it is pointing at the actual star. 
Write down the Declination where the handbox thinks the telescope is pointing.

Step 5 - From the two Declinations, determine the Declination that is half-way between. 
Using the handbox, drive the scope so that it is pointing at that half-way Declination.

Step 6 - Now adjust the Azimuth of the wedge/mount and the handbox RA only until the star is centered in the telescope.
Critically, at this point you ONLY adjust wedge/mount Azimuth, and handbox RA. 
DO NOT MOVE the telescope in Declination.

Step 7 - Once the star is in the centre of the field of view, Synch the telescope on that star.

At this point, the following has been achieved:
  - the wedge/mount has been aligned in Azimuth.
  - the Declination reading in the handbox has been aligned with the telescope optics.

Step 8 - Now select a star near the meridian, and use GoTo to move the telescope to that star. 
Of course, the scope will not be pointing at that star.

Step 9 - Now adjust the Polar elevation of the wedge/mount (and, if needed, the handbox RA) until the star is centered in field of view. 
DO NOT MOVE the telescope in Declination.
At this point, the wedge has been aligned in Altitude. 

Step 10 - Synch on the star. The alignment is complete.

The method works best if the stars are near 6hrs hour angle, and the meridian. But you can use other stars - just plan on repeating the cycle.

Michael


 

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