Hi Adi
The Meade manual specifically states that leveling does not affect pointing
accuracy for a 2 star AltAz alignment, thus rough leveling is sufficient.
The rough leveling allows the scope to correct for atmospheric refraction
and it makes me feel better since I dont have to worry about it falling
over. The most important factor from my reading of the manual is
centerning the alignment stars and picking stars that are at least 90
degrees apart and not too near the zenith or horizon. Also the manual says
not to use Polaris because RA changes very fast at the pole and minor
centering errors can cause major pointing errors. After following these
suggestions my new LX200 hits every target every time including all the
planets within the FOV of a 12mm EP and I only level the tripod base roughly
using a 6" level mainly to be sure the scope is not in any danger of tiping
over or sliding off the base as I install it. This leveling takes 2 min max
even in the dark. I ignore the bubble level on the scope. I think it is
wacko since I cannot make it agree with a good level no matter how careful I
am.

Regards

Bill Wood


-----Original Message-----
Aditya Damodaran
Sent: Friday, June 01, 2001 8:41 PM
Subject: [M]: The Newbie asks another question!! Levelling


Hi,
I was just wondering how important is perfect bubble levelling to the GOTO
function. If I am doing a 2 star alignment with accurate lat/long info and
time info then is the levelling of the tripod critical to ALTAZ
functioning? Just trying to find a simpler solution than realigning the
OTA!!!!
Thanks,
Adi

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