Polar Alignment needed for Push-To?

[jermng]

Hi,
I'm just wondering if accurate polar alignment is needed to use Push-To encoder systems like the NGC-Max on an Equatorial mount or is a simple point to roughly north and 2-3 star alignment enough like a normal dob where one only needs to point the thing vertically to align the encoders?
It would be such a great thing if one could save time on polar alignment (especially for pple like me who never seem to get it right) and start viewing with a simple 2-3 star alignment .. =)

Anyone have any experience on this? Thanks!

Cheers!
Jeremy Ng

[Jin Peng]

hm....i know normal scope and the GOTO need polar alighnment too. Yup, what I did is face magnetic north and 3 star alignment the least, and the star must be as far and near 90 degrees as possible, recommended accuracy.

~Jin Peng~

[elton]

I used NGC-Max on a GM8 for 2 yrs. Didn't need accurate polar alignment. Just set your latitude setting to 1 deg north and point it roughly north. Didn't even need to use a compass. If you are using motor drives, better to at least roughly polar align. The more accurate your polar alignment, the longer the object will stay in the fov, useful for high magnification planetary sessions. If you ob at the same place at home most of the time, can just mark the tripod leg positions on the ground.

[jermng]

Thanks!

Elton, I've got a lazy man's question .. =)
If I were to just bring my scope down, and happen to point it grossly far from North, like facing East or even South, assuming I don't use my tracking motors, will the COL still be accurate after alighning with 2 stars? =)

This info would be really helpful cos my girlfriend said "seeing stars is boring" ... cos gotta look for object for a long time (in my case) ... So I presented the idea of a Push-To upgrade to her and she's more enthusiastic bout it than me now ... wanting to control and push the scope herself. =) So I was wondering if I could jsut leave her to the scope without me around to polar align and stuff ..... =)

Cheers!
Jeremy

[elton]

I'm willing to guess that it will still be aligned. Reason is because I was regularly up to 30 deg off polar alignment before and it is still no less accurate. Worse come to worst, just set latitude = 90 deg and use it like a dob and guaranteed no polar alignment is required. You will lose the use of the drives though. Have you seen push-to in action?

[jermng]

HAHA ... actually no ... you still have a Push To now? Maybe can ob some day ... =)
Seems like the Intelliscope I want from Orion is gonna be back ordered for quite some time .. =)

[elton]

I'm on a different push-to now ... wireless starbook-like can check it out if you are willing to travel to the east