HEQ5 Alignment

SkyWatcher HEQ5 PolarAlignment

Unlock the RA axis and rotate it until the reticule pattern shows the Polaris Location Indicator at the very bottom. Re-lock the RA axis

Loosen the RA setting circle by loosening the setscrews, then turn the setting circle so that its indicator is pointing to zero. Do not rotate the mount in RA, just loosen and move the RA setting circle. When done, tighten the setscrews.

Switch on PolarFinder. Wait until PolarFinder read the location and set the Polaris position. In this example the previous peak is past from 1.48 hours.

Unlock the RA axis and rotate the mount so the setting circle indicator points 1.48 hours in the botton scale. We use the botton scale if we consider the previous peak. If we consider the next peak we use the upper scale that points 22.07.

Now the reticule is in the proper orientation. Use the altitude and azimuth adjusters to placec Polaris into the small circle in the polar scope reticule.

In the southern hemisphere the procedure is the same but you have to use the Asterism in Octans.

TAKAHASHI Alignment

Takahashi alignment

Switch on PolarFinder. Wait until PolarFinder read the location and set the Polaris position. In this example the previous peak is past from 17.55 hours. Align your mount by moving the mount until the position of Polaris from this program, is in the same position on the reticle of your polar finder. Make sure that the mount is initially adjusted with the bubble level horizontal in order to calibrate your local meridian line. PreviousPeak is your Hour Angle.