How to set wedge

[shropshire lad]

New member and new to astro here. I live in the uk midlands... 52 deg north.

Probably a stupid question .. I have searched the web but cannot find the answer.

When adjusting my wedge do I use the Red angle ( 52 deg from horizontal) or the Blue angle ( 52 deg from vertical).

[AKB]

You want to point to the pole.  At the equator, that would be horizontal.  At 52 degrees north, that would be 52 degrees from the horizontal.

Tony

________

PS: not a stupid question at all.

Edited November 14, 2020 by AKB

[fifeskies]

So its the red one , the scale should (nominally) read the same as your latitude.

 

I am 56 North so my scale reads 56

If you use a Polar align utility (like Sharpcap) , this will help you make the final fine adjustments to get it set perfectly.

The scales are sometimes a bit rough and can read a few degrees out sometimes.

 

Make sure the mount tripod or pier is set level before you add the head, a spirit level helps.

Edited November 14, 2020 by fifeskies

[shropshire lad]

Thanks Guys tripod has spirit level but I also have a 25cm spirit level I can use, also I have downloaded an ap for my android phone that shows angles to 1 decimal place e.g 52.4 deg ... so may use that also.

Are the polar align utilities free (Aps or window download ) and any suggestions would be greatly received.

Paul

 

[fifeskies]

Very accurate Polar Align is only needed for astrophotography, though for visual don't neglect it , just don't waste time tweaking it.

 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.RapidoDroid.synscaninit2&hl=en_US&gl=US

this app is handy if you have a polarscope and is free   , mostly useful for skywatcher mounts

 

the tiny bubble level in the mount may not be true level depends it it is fitted properly , a short external spirit level is good to confirm level.

 

 

(it would help to know what telescope and what mount you have , these can be added into your digital signature and show below your posted messages)

Edited November 14, 2020 by fifeskies

[shropshire lad]

Thanks @fifeskies , I am awaiting the Sky Watcher AZ_GTI goto mount head and intend to use it with my Dslr or my Bridge Camera.

And I think a little later I will be looking into getting a telescope to go with it.

 

 

[fifeskies]

You should get some good results with your DSLR on your AZ-GTI.

Once you upgrade to a telescope a small refractor would be my advice , it will just be like using a very long lens on your DSLR so will feel familiar.

[shropshire lad]

Thank you again, and I will probably be looking for some recommendations as to what refractor to buy closer to the time, but I would like one I can connect my camera body to.

Paul

 

[fifeskies]

what refractor to buy

 

I love my Equinox 80ED , gives great results, no longer available new.

It is very similar to the Evostar 80ED pro, the 72ED pro would be a good choice too and probably a better match for the AZ GTI being slightly lighter.

I use a field flattener/reducer that screws into the DSLR body , this then fits into the 80ED body.

 

Small imaging refractors like these are often for sale on the forum  (I got my Equinox 2nd hand).

 

North America Nebula from my ED80 with DSLR

 

Edited November 14, 2020 by fifeskies

[shropshire lad]

Wow I would dream to get images like that.