15 replies to this topic

[randallpatrickc]

First two nights trying to use my new to me EQ6 mounted C9.25 to observe using Goto. Obviously, I have to align it first but using the hand control 3 star alignment, it asks for stars that I haven’t a clue where to find. I took great care to set the home position as best I could with Polaris nicely centered in the EP and finders. I was planning on aligning with the HC then going on to use the HC to polar align but I didn't get that far - couldn’t find the stars.

Help please!

 

I see the EQ6 has a polar scope and it came with a “Polemaster QHYCCD” camera but I haven’t a clue what to do with that (did try starting their app but it didn’t find the cam!). Getting down that low to squint through the mount polar scope will be hard on my back but is that what I need to do?

 

(With my old forked orange C8, all I had to do was point at Polaris with zerod scales and off I hopped… Wasted two lovely evenings faffing  about!)

Edited by randallpatrickc, 21 November 2023 - 01:32 PM.

[mystang52]

I have the out of the box Evo 6.  I use the SkyPortal app to move the scope to "any 3 bright stars."   Sometimes it takes a 2nd or even 3rd try, but I've had success aligning.  I have trouble seeing the read-out on the HC so don't use it for aligning.

[Bean614]

Polar align first! Then, use a chart, or something like SkySafari, to learn where the Stars you need are located!

[kathyastro]

One solution is to use Stellarium to find the stars that the EQ6 is suggesting.  This will help you to learn the names of the brighter stars.

 

Another solution is, if you know a few bright stars, you should be able to change the ones the controller is suggesting and instead pick the ones you know.

 

You could also connect a computer to the scope, which requires a special cable, and then use EQMOD (free software) to control it instead of the hand controller.  You can align EQMOD using Stellarium.  Pick a star in the sky that you can see, find it in Stellarium, then tell it to go to that star.  You don't have to even know the names for that to work.

[Jon_Doh]

Use Stellarium to see where the alignment stars are and then once outside use Google Sky to find them.  Point your phone at a star you think you know from Stellarium and the app will verify.  

[Echolight]

Sometimes I use the solar system align.

[randallpatrickc]

Why doesn’t the EQ6 have an alt and az “fixed hardware” scale that shows the home position? 

[kathyastro]

Why doesn’t the EQ6 have an alt and az “fixed hardware” scale that shows the home position? 

The home position is based on RA and dec, not alt and az.  Some mounts do have home position sensors.  The EQ6 isn't one of them, though.

[Chris K]

There's no substitute for learning the sky. Everything we look at is referred to by the constellation it lives in. Just like we refer to cities by the State or Province they're in. Take your time, they're not going anywhere.

 

Right now there's still three easy ones to choose from that make up the summer triangle in the evening hours: Altair, Deneb, and Vega.

 

Use a free app on your phone that will let you hold up the phone and direct you to the star if you must. Maybe buy a planisphere and play with the wheel to see how the sky moves.. then take it outside and compare it to the sky.

 

It's a rewarding feeling when you know your way around a bit. Like not needing GPS to get to the supermarket.

[Jehujones]

There's no substitute for learning the sky. Everything we look at is referred to by the constellation it lives in. Just like we refer to cities by the State or Province they're in. Take your time, they're not going anywhere.

 

Right now there's still three easy ones to choose from that make up the summer triangle in the evening hours: Altair, Deneb, and Vega.

 

Use a free app on your phone that will let you hold up the phone and direct you to the star if you must. Maybe buy a planisphere and play with the wheel to see how the sky moves.. then take it outside and compare it to the sky.

 

It's a rewarding feeling when you know your way around a bit. Like not needing GPS to get to the supermarket.

Yes, when you learn the sky it becomes a field of destinations instead of a menu. It’s great when you’re out somewhere and conversation turns to hobbies and someone asks “oh, what are your hobbies?” and you respond, “I like observing with my telescope” and then they point at a bright star and ask “What’s that ?” and you can tell them. It’s not so great when you can’t name anything in the sky but you say astronomy is your hobby.

[Bean614]

Why doesn’t the EQ6 have an alt and az “fixed hardware” scale that shows the home position? 

Quite simply, because it's an EQ (Equatorial) Mount, NOT an Alt-Az Mount.  But, you DID know that before you bought it!

[randallpatrickc]

Quite simply, because it's an EQ (Equatorial) Mount, NOT an Alt-Az Mount.  But, you DID know that before you bought it!

Fair point! (Actually, I was buying the C9.25 with its Evo mount so the EQ6 was a pleasant surprise :-) ) But different!

[Astro_In_Tampa]

Yes, when you learn the sky it becomes a field of destinations instead of a menu. It’s great when you’re out somewhere and conversation turns to hobbies and someone asks “oh, what are your hobbies?” and you respond, “I like observing with my telescope” and then they point at a bright star and ask “What’s that ?” and you can tell them. It’s not so great when you can’t name anything in the sky but you say astronomy is your hobby.

lol... Now that's funny right there! It's also the best argument I've heard yet for why you should forgo the automation technology and learn the sky on your own. 

[Jehujones]

lol... Now that's funny right there! It's also the best argument I've heard yet for why you should forgo the automation technology and learn the sky on your own. 

The use of technology is fine, just don't let it be the only thing you know about the hobby. One of my scopes has GoTo capability if I choose to use it, but it's simply an accessory not a necessity.

[56S]

A problem I've found is trusting the mount to put the right star in the finder scope. My solution was to get a three way finder scope mount. Finder scope, polar finder scope and green laser with momentary switch. I too hated getting on my knees to look through the polar scope when it's in the mount.

Once learning the sky, one star at a time and with help from Stellarium I can feel assured I know what I'm looking at.

Be very, very careful using a green laser pointed to the sky. I run flight radar 24 on my phone and use that as an aid in verification that no aircraft are in my vicinity. I cannot stress this enough.

[jesse 3]

Because of the same issue, I purchased EQ6 WiFi adapter, then I can pick up any stars from their iPhone app or sky safari . I don’t use their handheld controller any more.


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