Like Tim I'm now using Sharpcap to Polar Align. Here is a video that helped me get it down pat:?
Unlike Tim, once I have Polar Aligned with Sharpcap, the Polar Alignment is done, and it needs no other corrections.
Consistencies are a matter of routine. I have 3 boards I set my HD tripod on that I made to adjust the tripod as level as possible. Lot's of folks have told me it doesn't matter, I've proven to myself it does. So I begin with as level a base as possible.
Once my tripod is level and plumb, I tend to leave it so it is roughly polar aligned. I just cover it after the rest is hauled back inside, so I have my base for the next night.
Each night, I like to check the level of my HD Tripod. I use my Smart Tool digital level, which has proven accurate over the years I've had it and used it. So I always know my base platform is level and pointing as straight into outer space as I can humanly set it. Then I assemble my "Chunks" of my mount. The RA on the EX 12, The Dec on the RAEXT, Then my Telescope from the clamp up. Everything stays in balance, because there is only the consistent "Chunks" being assembled.
I DO NOT turn on the Gemini until I have my Sharpcap PA routine completed. Polar Alignment is a function of mechanical alignment to get your assembled equipment aimed at the North Celestial Pole. As such, we don't want the Gemini powered up and the mounts natural tracking function messing up our Polar Aligning steps.
So the Gemini stays Off until the PA is completed. At that point, when your PA is as good as you can humanly get it, you power up the Gemini and it's home position is at your Polar Alignment.
(I personally take it as a challenge to get my PA to be all zero's. The Altitude I can get with my GM811G fairly easily, the Azimuth is a little trickier. Az wants to dilly-dally from 0 to 3. I believe the atmosphere has some influence)
Once I'm satisfied I cannot do better with my Polar Alignment, I turn on my Gemini and begin my Modeling. And those results are really satisfying as I find the Aligning Stars come in when the telescope completes a slew.
I've been using a laser lately to aim my telescope during Modeling. It shows as a green line reaching towards the Star in the view. So it confirms what star needs to be centered. Presently I'm using a Z-Bolt astronomy laser mounted at about an 08:00 alignment to my Main Telescope.
Incidentally, I do all my PA and Alignment (Modeling) through my MOT. Because my Main Optical Tube is what matters. So it is what I need to be accurate.
That is my routine and method. Adopt any of it that fits for your needs.
--
SonnyE
(I suggest viewed in full screen)
