DugDog
super member
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 740
Loc: Temecula, Ca. USA
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I wanted to be sure I am aligning my Atlas EQ-G Correctly.
1) Start with Mount Point north, and weights pointing DOWN.
2) Then Move "Polar Alignment Scope" by "un-threading" to match the star pattern in sky.
3) Align Polaris in the "Polar Alignment Scope"...all the while keeping the weights pointing down.
Correct?!?
The reason I asked is when I "un-thread" the "Polar Alignment Scope" there is slack in the threads, and you can MOVE the "Polar Alignment Scope" up and down by hand and watch the alignment on Polaris move!
I thinking I am doing it correctly...the only thing I think that would be better is if I could move the "Polar Alignment Scope" without "un-threading" it from the mount.
Help!
Thanks!
DD
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Orion StarShoot Pro DSI.
EON 120MM, and 80MM F11.4 Guide Scope.
Atlas Mount.
Celestron CPC 800 XLT
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RandallK
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 726
Loc: Nanaimo, B. C. Canada
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Errrrr....I don't think so. I don't have your mount. But your polar scope should ONLY move when you move the RA axis.
Once properly calibrated, it should remain true (no wobble) and fixed inside the bore. The grid or reticule must be properly aligned in respect to the current date showing the correct hour angle of Polaris. Polaris rotates in a 24 hr period and for astrophotography it is critical that Polaris is properly positioned (overlayed) in the tiny circle on the larger circle at the correct hour angle. Getting Polaris just in the center is OK for visual observing. Right now my local time is 7:00 PDST. My latitude is 49.10° N and the correct hour angle of Polaris just happens to be right now, close to the 12:00 Positon.
Another way to check this is when you're out and can see Polaris, draw an imaginary line from Polaris to Kochab. Where Kochab is is pretty close to where the hour angle of Polaris is. Take a look in your Polarscope and the tiny cirle should encompass Polaris. If the tiny circle is somewhere else, either calibrate it or, ignore that little cirlce and just adjust your mount using the fine azimuth contols and your latitude T bolts to position Polaris on the larger ring at the correct hour positon.
There is an abundance of help on the forums for correct Polar alignment. It's a heck of a lot more difficult to explain than actually doing it. I takes me all of 1 minute to get my mount properly aligned. It's easier to do at twighlight (when you start to see Polaris) rather than waiting for dark.
Edited by RandallK (08/02/08 10:18 PM)
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Peter in Reno
super member
Reged: 07/15/08
Posts: 183
Loc: Reno, NV
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I ordered the same mount as yours today!!!!
From looking at operating manual from:
http://content.telescope.com/rsc/img/catalog/product/instructions/IN_266_RevB_Atlas_EQG.pdf
It says:
".... Rotate the reticle so the constellations depicted match their current orientation in the sky when viewed with the naked eye. To do this, release the R.A. lock lever and rotate the main telescope until the reticle is oriented with the sky."
In other words, don't loosen the polar scope, rotate the telescope in R.A. direction.
The statement is on top left of page 7.
Peter
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Celestron 11" OTA with ADM Losmandy dovetail
Orion EON 80mm
Orion Short Tube 80mm with ADM mini-dovetail and clam shell tube rings
Orion StarShoot Pro CCD camera
Orion StarShoot Auto Guider
Nagler 31mm
Ethos 13mm and 8 mm
2" William Optics diagonal
Atlas EQ-G with 1" CW shaft from Telescope Stability Systems, ADM Losmandy saddle.
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DugDog
super member
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 740
Loc: Temecula, Ca. USA
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Thanks! I thought I was doing it wrong. So the correct way is to FIRST test your "Polar Alignment Scope" on a FIXED position Like the fence post...move the RA and make SURE the fixed position stays in place while moving 180 degrees.
It really doesn't matter where your "Polar Alignment Scope" is pointed...just ensure its tight, and move the RA to match the pattern in the sky!
 
Thanks!
DD
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Orion StarShoot Pro DSI.
EON 120MM, and 80MM F11.4 Guide Scope.
Atlas Mount.
Celestron CPC 800 XLT
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David Pavlich
Postmaster
Reged: 05/18/05
Posts: 6539
Loc: Mandeville, LA USA 30.38 X 90....
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The worst part is getting the polar scope aligned so that a centered object stays there when the mount is rotated in RA.
Once that's done, point the mount as close to celestial north as possible to make aligning easier, orient the images to match the sky, adjust the Alt and Az to put Polaris in the circle and you're good to go.
I found that it's much easier to do the PA before you load the mount up with your astrogear.
David
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A few scopes and mounts.
Proud Member; PAS NOLA,
Life expectancies would go WAY up if green vegetables smelled like bacon...
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astro_baby
member
Reged: 06/17/08
Posts: 53
Loc: United Kingdom
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If its any help I did a guide for the HEQ5 which is fairly similar to the Orion EQ-G.
Its here http://www.adur-astronomical.com/HEQ5/HEQ5-1.htm
Might help you.
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No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit
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DugDog
super member
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 740
Loc: Temecula, Ca. USA
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WOW Astro Baby!
That is exactly what I am looking for! First thing I noticed is MY "date/longitude index mark" is NOT set "RA Index Mark".
Let me read the article, and I might have a question for you later.
Thank you!
DD
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Orion StarShoot Pro DSI.
EON 120MM, and 80MM F11.4 Guide Scope.
Atlas Mount.
Celestron CPC 800 XLT
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DugDog
super member
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 740
Loc: Temecula, Ca. USA
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Ok, I still have another question.
After I have turned my RA to match the star pattern in the reticule, and lets say the "weight end" is pointing horizontal after Polaris is aligned.
Do I then release my RA and point the "weight end" down again to begin my alignment? Or do I begin my alignment from the point where Polaris was first aligned?
That is the part I am getting stuck on...Last night I tried to start my alignment from where I found Polaris (basically the telescope wasn't pointing north), and it failed to align.
Then I reverted back to my WRONG old habits, of loosening the "Finder Scope" and turning the star pattern to match the sky, all the while leaving the "weight end" pointing down...while I know this isn't perfect, it aligned and I was able to find my targets.
I sure would like to know what to do AFTER Polaris is aligned...do you start alignment from the point where Polaris was aligned? Or after your Polaris alignment do you simply take the "weight end" point it down, lock the RA and begin the alignment. Also, if I do move the "weight end" down again, should the main telescope have Polaris aligned before I begin any alignment?
I am still an idiot and I am still confused! 
DD
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Orion StarShoot Pro DSI.
EON 120MM, and 80MM F11.4 Guide Scope.
Atlas Mount.
Celestron CPC 800 XLT
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RAKing
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 12/28/07
Posts: 818
Loc: Clouds-ville, Virginia
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After you do your polar alignment, release the clutches and get the mount back to its "Home" position before you try any alignments.
Home position on the Atlas is counterweights down and the scope pointing north. (Like the pictures in the catalog.) 
Ron
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Time spent looking at the stars is added to your life.
Orion XT10i / Moonlite CR2 -- The New "Time Machine"
"Hi Def" TV-102
C925-CF SCT
Ethos and Naglers
GM-8 GEM / A-P Portable Pier
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TheSheriff
sage
Reged: 07/15/07
Posts: 218
Loc: Oregon
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DD
This concept threw me at first as well.
There is no magic relationship between the polar scope and the direction the weights are pointed. If there were, the polar scope would have to be mounted in a specific orientation to the mount.
All you are trying to do is place Polaris at a specific point, based on the current time, at the right "time" on a clock face. For example, Polaris is generally just past "nine" when I head out to image lately. The picture in your polar scope accomplishes this by comparing the Big Dipper to Polaris; in effect, setting the right place on this imaginary clock that Polaris should be.
Since we are dealing with a circle (rotation around the true NCP of Polaris), it makes no difference where your weights are pointed before or after alignment, as long as Polaris is placed at the right "time" on this imaginary "clock" based on the current time.
You may find, as I did after the first 6-8 outings, that using the picture in the polar scope is more time consuming and questionably accurate since it is not to scale. I use the free "PolarFinder" program now. Just see where Polaris should be for the current time and put it there...no need to rotate the RA at all! Sorry I don't have a link for the program but Google will provide many hits
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Brad
C8SE XLT, TMB 80SS, Orion ST-80
Atlas EQ-G/EQMOD
40D (stock), SSAG
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DugDog
super member
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 740
Loc: Temecula, Ca. USA
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Brad,
Thanks for the tips. Astro Baby's website had the link to Polar finder.
http://24.237.160.4/files/Astronomy/software/Polarfinder/
This looks like a great tool to have on your laptop. A problem for me is I often can't see the Big Dipper because of the sun setting in the west and trees...But I can see Polaris, Vega, and Antares much sooner. Polarfinder will be a time saver for sure! You know how that last bit of dusk seems to hang forever...It would be great to get my alignment finished and ready to roll before dark!
I would like to Thank everyone for helping me get started!
DD
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Orion StarShoot Pro DSI.
EON 120MM, and 80MM F11.4 Guide Scope.
Atlas Mount.
Celestron CPC 800 XLT
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Peter in Reno
super member
Reged: 07/15/08
Posts: 183
Loc: Reno, NV
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It looks like an old program (latest 12/16/2003, long before Vista arrived). Will it work with Vista? Does your laptop use Vista?
Peter
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Celestron 11" OTA with ADM Losmandy dovetail
Orion EON 80mm
Orion Short Tube 80mm with ADM mini-dovetail and clam shell tube rings
Orion StarShoot Pro CCD camera
Orion StarShoot Auto Guider
Nagler 31mm
Ethos 13mm and 8 mm
2" William Optics diagonal
Atlas EQ-G with 1" CW shaft from Telescope Stability Systems, ADM Losmandy saddle.
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DugDog
super member
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 740
Loc: Temecula, Ca. USA
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It should work for you Peter. I am using XP pro. Once you see this program running, you'll ask yourself why you didn't get it earlier. Its amazing!
DD
--------------------
Orion StarShoot Pro DSI.
EON 120MM, and 80MM F11.4 Guide Scope.
Atlas Mount.
Celestron CPC 800 XLT
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Peter in Reno
super member
Reged: 07/15/08
Posts: 183
Loc: Reno, NV
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Wanted to say that PolarFinder works with Vista. Very nice little program.
Peter
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Celestron 11" OTA with ADM Losmandy dovetail
Orion EON 80mm
Orion Short Tube 80mm with ADM mini-dovetail and clam shell tube rings
Orion StarShoot Pro CCD camera
Orion StarShoot Auto Guider
Nagler 31mm
Ethos 13mm and 8 mm
2" William Optics diagonal
Atlas EQ-G with 1" CW shaft from Telescope Stability Systems, ADM Losmandy saddle.
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RandallK
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/10/06
Posts: 726
Loc: Nanaimo, B. C. Canada
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Takahashi has an on-line Polar Program as well. You can e-mail them for the stand-alone mode so you don't have to connect each time to the web. I shows a much larger circle somewhat resembling a Heads-Up display.
The other thing is as mentioned above; It's difficult at first to separate the mount head adjustments and Polar alignment...they're two independent issues.
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Scopes: Meade SC-8AT w UHTC
SkyWatcher 5" F/5 Reflector
SkyWatcher 127mm MAK
Mount: HEQ5 Pro
Cameras: Orion Starshoot DS Colour Imager V.1
Imaging Source Webcam DMK21AU04.AS
Palm TX PDA w Astromist and Bluetooth wireles control.
Edited by RandallK (08/04/08 11:38 PM)
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astro_baby
member
Reged: 06/17/08
Posts: 53
Loc: United Kingdom
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Hi, Sorry I didndt get back on this one. I got busied out Sunday with some unexpected guests and last night was my Astro Club night. Anyway seems you have it sorted out now.
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No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit
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