Aligning GoTo Mount

Hi guys,

when you're aligning you mount does the ota actually having to be pointing at polaris or can it just be pointing north? Also is there somewhere I can download a map showing the names of the stars for the 2 star align as I'm not sure if the telescope goes in the right direction for the calibration


Clear skies

Hi Joanna,
From memory, you have a Celestron CGE mount. If that's right you might try this site.
Nexstar Resources Site

though the site deals mainly with nexstar mounts there's lots of information on the CGE mount including a list of alignment stars for the CGE (just type CGE into the search area and it will come up as one of the results). The site also has links to programs that will tell you the best combinations of alignment stars to use.

You need to tell us the mount before we can help, as the procedure is different for different mounts.

It's a CG5 EQ SGT mount

Hi Joanne, the CG 5 mount is easy to set up, the mount is the part you are aligning and not the OTA so it can point at germany if it likes, but! when you align the mount read the hand control, its very straight forward and simple. First you set the tripod in a north facing position, put the mount on the tripod. the mount has a hole going throught it and you can make a rought guess as to where polars is by looking throught the mount and ajusting the screws to line up. Then slap your OTA on the mount and do what the hand control says about aling the stars, the mount is always out but a few degees as you start looking for those alingment stars but as you aline your 2nd and 3rd star the mount with become more precise. After you have done that go into you menu and go to utilalties and then look for polar aline and press enter. the mount will be have a pop as to where its thinks where polars is. What you have to do is the screws on the mount which ajust up,down,left and right just play with then abit and put it on to polars. DO NOT USE THE HAND CONTROL TO DO THESE AJUSTMENTS! Once you have done you should be polar alined. Turn off the power and do your 3 star alinement again and then your ready to rock n roll for visual or photography work with the scope.

Regards

Rob

Hi Joanne,
The CG5 mount is the same type I have and it is easy to align once you get familiar with it.
1. Before you go outside adjust the mount for the correct altitude, its pretty difficult to see the altitude scale in the dark. Use the altitude screws to set the altitude to match your latitude, once set thighten these screws against each other to prevent it from moving. Open out the azimuth knobs fully.
Once outside
2. The tripod has a locating pin* to position the mount. Set up the tripod so this bolt is facing north.
3. Place the mount on tripod using the locating bolt. Secure the mount in place using the central screw rod, make it quite tight but do not fully tighten yet.
4. Position the mount so the DEC and RA index marks line up.
5. Level the mount using the bubble on the side of the mount, try to be reasonably accurate, but doesn't need to be exact.
6. Find polaris in the opening for the Polar alignment scope ( don't bother buying a polar alignment scope, I did and it was a complete waste of money).
7. Use the Azimuth knobs on the Alt-Az section of the mount to bring polaris to the centre of ope, this doesn't need to be exact. You shouldn't need to adjust the Altitude screws.
8. Tighten up the Central screw rod fully tight now.
9. Put the Counter weigths and telescope on the mount as per the manual.
10. Check the bubble level and the pole star position again to make sure that they have not moved.
11. Start up the mount and carry out a two star alignment following the instructions on the hand controller. Try to be as exact as you can during the alignment procedure it really pays dividends.

After this the scope should be adequately aligned for visual observing for the night, i don't even bother with adding a calibration star. I haven't carried out the pole star alignment routine either as I haven't needed to, though I have heard that you're better using the drift alingment method to get an exact bead on polaris ( this would only be required for astrophotography)

*CG5 mounts are delivered with this locating pin between two legs, some people recommend relocating it to its alternate site over a single leg as they feel it makes the set-up more stable. I don't believe there is any need to do this unless you are seriously overloading the mount