You are not logged in. [Login] Entrance · Main Index · Search · New user · Who's Online FAQ · Calendar

Telescope Specific Forums >> Celestron NexStar Previous   Index   Next   Threaded

Pages: 1 Andre Moutinho member Reged: 09/13/04 Loc: Sao Paulo, Brazil Nexstar 5 (older non i model) alignment problem       #5674572 - 02/11/13 06:17 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hello all, I live in Brazil and I have bought a very good condition Nexstar 5 (gray tube not i version). I am trying to align it using the "2 star alignment" method and the stars Castor and Canopus. The alignment process finishes showing the message "Alignment successful". The problem is that when I request the controller to go to an object the scope slew to the object but aims the scope about 1 or 2 degrees below the desired object. When I ask the controller to go to the alignment stars the scope slew to them correctly. Does anyone know what may be going on? The scope may be defective? Is there any software bug when using it in the Southern hemisphere? The alignment location is Latitude: 19º 37' 09" S, Longitude: 43º 13' 37" W. Thank you, Andre Moutinho Post Extras:       Midnight Dan Postmaster Reged: 01/23/08 Loc: Hilton, NY, Yellow Zone (Bortl... Re: Nexstar 5 (older non i model) alignment problem [Re: Andre Moutinho]       #5674627 - 02/11/13 07:00 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Andre: I don't have any experience with the southern hemisphere, but I haven't heard of any problems reported on these forums regarding that kind of error in the southern hemisphere only. Can you provide some more details about what you're doing? When you say the scope is off by 1-2 degrees, is that for all objects regardless of location in the sky? Does the amount of error get worse as you get farther from the alignment stars? Are the problem targets near the zenith or horizon? Also, were either of the alignment stars near the zenith or horizon? -Dan Post Extras:       Tel Postmaster Reged: 03/31/06 Loc: Wallingford England Re: Nexstar 5 (older non i model) alignment problem [Re: Midnight Dan]       #5675286 - 02/12/13 05:47 AM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   Hi Andre, Dan is right in as much as it would help to know more of how you are aligning your Nexstar 5. However, perhaps to guide you a little, you should be observing the following fundamentals: 1) Make sure that your Azimuth GoTo Approach is set to Positive. (The Nexstar 8/11GPS and Nexstar 5i/8i require a Negative setting for use in the Southern Hemisphere but NOT the Nexstar 5). 2) Conversely, ensure that your 'scope's Altitude GoTo Approach is set to Negative. (I think you'll find this to be the default setting). 3) Always move the OTA DOWNWARDS to make the required right angle with the mount arm. Precision here is important. To that end, ensure that both the mount is level with the ground and the OTA is at right angles to the mount arm. Use a bubble level for the purpose. 4) Getting to the starting position for a "Two Star Align" with a Nexstar 5, approach North by pressing the RIGHT arrow button. This will minimise drive gear backlash. 5) Using a medium power eyepiece (EP), ensure that you centre each alignment star with the correct movement. In the case of the Nexstar 5, this should be performed using the RIGHT and UP arrow buttons. 6) You will find it easier to centralise the alignment stars if you throw the 'scope out of focus to produce what looks like a doughnut. Alternatively, use a reticle or cross-haired EP to centralise. 7) Choose alignment stars which have a good angular separation between them. (90-135 degrees is considered ideal and do not choose ones below 20 degrees or above 70 degrees in altitude). Hoping these "basics", specific to the Nexstar 5, help, but as Dan advised, it would also assist if you provided a little more detail as to what you have done and also importantly, what you settings are with particular reference to your Altitude and Azimuth GoTo Approach and to your method of alignment star centralisation. Best regards, Tel Post Extras:       Seiko4169 super member Reged: 07/04/09 Re: Nexstar 5 (older non i model) alignment problem [Re: Tel]       #5675823 - 02/12/13 01:08 PM Edit   Reply   Quote Quick Reply   I'd just add that make sure the Altitude nut is tight enough, I have a 5i and the 1 degree you mention can actually be the tiny slop/rocking in the alt axis. Post Extras:       Pages: 1

Previous   Index   Next   Threaded

Extra information 2 registered and 8 anonymous users are browsing this forum. Moderator:  KWB, WaterMaster  Print Thread Forum Permissions       You cannot start new topics       You cannot reply to topics       HTML is disabled       UBBCode is enabled Thread views: 201 Jump to *Announcements and News* -----   Cloudy Nights Announcements   Discussion of CN Articles, Reviews, and Reports   Celestial Events*General Astronomy* -----   Beginners Forum   General Observing and Astronomy   Outreach   Light Pollution*Equipment Discussions* -----   ATM, Optics and DIY Forum   Binoculars   Binoviewers   Cats & Casses   Classic Telescopes   Equipment   Eyepieces   Mounts   Observatories   Reflectors   Refractors    Video and Electronically Assisted Astronomy*Astrophotography and Sketching* -----   Beginning and Intermediate Imaging   Film Astrophotography   DSLR & Digital Camera Astro Imaging & Processing   CCD Imaging & Processing   Solar System Imaging & Processing   Sketching   Astro Imaging/Sketching Contest *Observing* -----   NEO   Planetary and Solar System Observing   Lunar Observing   Deep Sky Observing   Double Star Observing   Solar   Variable Star Observing and Radio Astronomy*Telescope Specific Forums* -----   Celestron NexStar    NexStar GPS / CPC Telescopes   Questar Forum   Meade ACF/RCX / LX / GPS    Meade ETX*Speciality Forums* -----   Arizona Science and Astronomy Expo   NEAF (Northeast Astronomy Forum) and NEAIC (Northeast Astro Imaging Conference)   AstroArt   Astronomy Clubs and Star Parties   Astronomy Software & Computers   AstroWebsites   Science! Astronomy & Space Exploration, and Others   Space Rocks   Stellar Media*Swap and Shop* -----   Shop and Swap Audio Components*CN Feedback and Vendor Announcements* -----   Vendor and Group Announcements*International Year of Astronomy 2009 - Forums are now closed.* -----   IYA Archive Info

CN Forums Home