1. 0 Hr is done by lining up the mark on the base with the mark on the rotating
hour ring with the mark on the rotating base.

2. Since there is nothing else bright around Polaris, I would be surprised if
you missed it. However, Polaris is a close double star. Its companion is
fairly faint (Mag 9) and has a separation of 18". If you can see it you have
Polaris.

3. If you have a ROM before x.34, the location of Polaris is slightly off.
However, this should not cause a problem as big as '[gotos] are only just inside
the finder'.

4. If you have a ROM before x.34 and if you do a manual alignment, then you can
use SAO numbers for the stars and get better locations. Polaris is SAO 308.

5. Understand that simply pointing to 90 Dec and 0 Hr and manually pointing the
scope at Polaris does not constitute alignment. This is the first step in the
alignment process. Since you do not mention the iterative alignment (either
computer aided or manual) I wonder if you are doing this.

Good Luck,
Ralph Pass

Lawrence Harris wrote:

> Could someone suggest a check for this problem?
>
> I have been able to mount my LX200 (1993 vintage) on a proper wedge.
> Trying to align using the manual instructions are proving a problem.
> I have checked the various descriptions of aligning and I am happy
> that I can make them work - but I am not sure whether I am on Polaris.
> The first instructions say drive to 90 dec and 0Hr but you cannot see
> 0Hr displayed. I used star 19 (Polaris) and tweaked the wedge, but I
> wonder if I have actually got Polaris? The reason I am uncertain is
> that although tracking seems quite good, the GOTO is all but useless.
> We are always only just inside the finder. This prevents me using
> control from indoors because I know we will not be near the object.
>
> My conclusion is that I am not on Polaris.
>
> regards
>
> Lawrence
>
> http://www.itchycoo-park.freeserve.co.uk/

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