Re: ATM Adjusting RA Tracking Rate Question

["Chuck Shaw" <cshaw@ghg.net>]

Date: Sat, 17 Jul 1999 07:53:48 -0600
From: "Al Klayton" <aklayton@pcisys.net>
My question
is, am I correct in believing that since the drift method of polar alignment
is a declination drift technique,  it does not require RA tracking accuracy
to start with?

Al,

The drift align technique is "easier" with the RA speed close to correct,
but it is NOT required to be on......  Be sure and use an eyepiece with a
reticle in it though for the best accuracy.  Make your own crosshairs if you
need to, its not hard.

The problem is,  if you try to set the RA speed and you are not polar
aligned, the rate will seem to need to change as you track, depending on
where in the sky you are aimed.

Do the drift align as accurately as possible.   Install a level on the
ground board to be able to duplicate the elevation setting.  And try using a
compass to capture what the azimuth setting is (keep the compass away from
metal!).  Alternatively, install "pins" or even just scribe lines in the az
and alt rotation surfaces to be able to use your main scope to aim at the
NCP after the plaform is aligned to be able to duplicate the setup.....

Also, then mark the adjustment "knobs" on your speed control after setting
it.  You may need to tweak all of the above each time you re-setup, but
having things marked will have you very close, and in most cases plenty
close enough for casual observing....

Have fun!

Chuck