Have I missed something with polar alignment?

[KentDave]

Possibly a silly question, but how else will I learn without asking?

I have an EQ2 mount, once I have polar aligned the mount and locked the azimuth and latitude, should I not be touching them again?

Should I be just rotating the scope through the RA and DEC axis to point at objects?

I have had trouble tracking things and think this might be why.......

I feel a bit silly!

Thanks!

[James4]

Dave, you have it exactly right! Once your Polar Aligned, don't touch the Azimuth and Latitude controls. Good luck. James

[brantuk]

Polar alignment as you describe it sounds spot on. It's the mount you are aligning in alt and az. Then use the ra and dec to swing the scope around. You will be able to track in ra only with small tweaks in dec now and then.

Only thing I'd add is that when you polar align ensure the tube and mount are parallel. But even a rough alignment will make tracking a doddle

[KentDave]

Thanks alot guys, I have worked it out properly now and had a great time last night tracking Saturn with ease!