Aligning the polar axis of an CG-4 mount at low latitudes

[gustavo_sanchez]

Hi,

I've been trying to polar align my Omni XLT 120 refractor for use at my home in Puerto Rico, which is in the Caribbean Sea at a latitude of approximately 18.5 degrees North. The problem is that since the latitude is low, the counterweights of my CG-4 mount hit the tripod leg which is labeled "North" and I cannot get any latitude lower than ~20 degrees. Do you know of any way or device that can help me with this? I am interested in astrophotography and for that I need to properly align my scope.

I hope that I explained myself correctly... I am somewhat new to these technical terms... Please help!

[Merlin66]

One of the guys in Singapore had a similar problem....

two solutions:

1. Shorten the north leg of the tripod!! - set the scale to a "safe" latitude and then just ease the leg down until you get polar alignment. The head doesn't have to be sitting horizontal - as long as the polar axis points to the pole everything is OK.

2. Make up a "reverse" wedge to fit the top of the tripod ie tilt the head backwards by say, 10-15 degrees and then use the altitude bots to "fine tune" the polar alignement as usual.

- I think he just shorten the leg - much easier!!

Ken

[gustavo_sanchez]

Thanks Merlin66 for your advice. It seems that the easiest way to polar align my telescope will be that way... I hope it doesn't affect stability too much.

I will try that at my next star party.