- #1
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I have this really beefy NEQ6 mount which, as a second hand purchase, was really good value. Nevertheless I am having trouble using the polariscope 'optimally'. I actually eyeballed the setting (with the tripod on three slate platforms that are very level and firm and pointing to the North and the tracking is absolutely fine for visual after two star alignment.
I found my way to the polariscope, which is, of course, pointing in a totally lunatic angle for viewing from a kneeling position. I found a method which involves lolling across a garden chair so that my eye is more or less right for looking through the scope. But from that position, the Az and El adjustments are awkward to reach and the elevation adjusting bolts are stiff. (I hear they tend to get 'bendy' due to a sub optimal design and that doesn't help). Is it just my aged creaky body or does this happen to everyone?
Now another question:
I went through the procedure and managed to get Polaris in the 'right' place on the circle around the NCP.
The NEQ6 has images of The dipper and Cassiopea on its reticle and, afaics, you have to rotate the reticle so that those images mimic the orientation of the constellations and then frig the Alt and Az to bring Polaris onto the 'spot' on the circle. It seems such a straightforward thing but I guess the method has its limits?
I found my way to the polariscope, which is, of course, pointing in a totally lunatic angle for viewing from a kneeling position. I found a method which involves lolling across a garden chair so that my eye is more or less right for looking through the scope. But from that position, the Az and El adjustments are awkward to reach and the elevation adjusting bolts are stiff. (I hear they tend to get 'bendy' due to a sub optimal design and that doesn't help). Is it just my aged creaky body or does this happen to everyone?
Now another question:
I went through the procedure and managed to get Polaris in the 'right' place on the circle around the NCP.
The NEQ6 has images of The dipper and Cassiopea on its reticle and, afaics, you have to rotate the reticle so that those images mimic the orientation of the constellations and then frig the Alt and Az to bring Polaris onto the 'spot' on the circle. It seems such a straightforward thing but I guess the method has its limits?