ATM Alt-Az vs. RA and Dec

[Byron Ader <bader@hydroblendinc.com>]

A couple hundred years from now, I will have my mirror done.  At that point
I will be trying to decide what type of mount I will use for the scope.  I
want this scope to be the scope I use for star parties, keeping my Meade
permanently mounted in my observatory. Do you find it easier to use Alt-Az
coordinates for quick star/object hopping or RA and Dec?  I have no
experience in finding things with Alt-Az coordinates, but it does not seem
that hard.  In fact, it seems like it could be easier.  I also want to
possibly hook up my own computer controls for this scope, what would you
recommend I look into for a resource that will teach me how to build this
equipment? Also, a home-build CCD would be nice, are their any good books
for that?

Another question;  My Meade has a rough go with trying to align precisely on
RA and Dec. It is a fork mounted Schmidt-Newtonian.  The Dec setting circles
have a lot of play in them, How could I redesign new ones to replace these?
Bigger is more precise I realize.  The Setting circle for RA leaves a lot of
guess work as well. I know that I need to get used to the personality of my
scope, but I also know that this process could be easier.  I hopped through
maybe 10 messier objects last night and 2-3 NGC objects.  With a little
struggling on some.  My finder scope is good for revealing objects up to the
9th magnitude approximately.  At the 10th magnitude I am relying wholly on
my main scope and star hopping with my finder.  It would be nice to just
land on my targeted objects by coordinates.

My Meade is a 6" by the way.

Thanks,
Byron