Drift Alignment Procedures1.
Roughly polar align your scope (point the polar axis at the North
Star). Have the drive
ON and set to Sidereal tracking rate. 2.
Using an illuminated reticule eyepiece, center a star that’s very
close to zenith. Rotate the
eyepiece so the crosshairs are parallel to the scope’s axes (check this
by looking through the eyepiece at the star and nudging the scope (or
pressing one of the N/W/E/S buttons on the hand control) along one of
the axes – the star should appear to move parallel to the crosshairs). 3.
Let the scope track the star for several minutes and watch for
drift*. If the star drifts North, your polar axis is pointing too
far West. If it
drifts South, the polar axis is pointing too far East. Adjust the azimuth on your mount accordingly. 4.
Point the scope at a star on the eastern (or western) horizon,
say 10 to 15 degrees above the horizon. Let the scope track the star for
several minutes and watch for drift*. If
the star drifts North, the polar axis is pointing too high
(too low for a western star). If it drifts South, the polar axis is aimed
too low (too high for a western star).
Adjust the altitude on your mount accordingly. I usually perform
the above steps with just the reticule eyepiece for the first go-around.
Usually takes me 10 minutes or so.
Then I repeat with a 3X Barlow in (this really magnifies the drift),
watching for drift over a period of five to ten minutes.
If I’m looking for a really, really accurate alignment I repeat
the barlow'd steps. I’m usually
aligned within 30 to 45 minutes.
After you become accustomed to your scope’s altitude and azimuth
adjustments, you’ll have it down to a half hour or so as well. * Hint: Determine
direction of drift by nudging the scope North – if it looks like the star Drift alignment procedure by Brian McFarland
Astronomy Home Astronomy Picture of the Day San Diego CA Weather Forecast Messier Objects San Diego Astronomy Moon Phase Calendar Telescopes Buy a Telescope Drift Alignment Procedure Bob's Astronomy Pictures Imaging Tips Links GuestBook
|