Do I polar align 1st (Synscan on HEQ5 Pro)

[Veracocha]

Just getting my new setup ready for what looks like clear skies. Do I have to polar align prior to using three star alignment? On my Nexstar I provided no polar alignment, just offered it three stars and off it went.

[Digz]

You should polar align as this will ensure greater accuracy when tracking objects in RA.

The star alignments just tell the scope where it is and how the sky is mapped out in relation to its position (thats my understanding anyway )

[Veracocha]

Thought as much, roll on SGL6 where someone will hopefully run me through it. I think I'm there but it's getting the workflow right so it becomes easier and hopefuly second nature. Cheers for the help.

[ronin]

You should always align the scope as best you can, either EQ or Alt/Az. The fewer errors that the scope has to take account of then the better the tracking