Here is the place to talk about all those equipment(Telescope, Mounts, Eyepieces, etc...) you have. Not sure which scope/eyepiece is best for you? Trash it out here!
I thought it's not possible to do polar alignment in SG since the polar star is too low?
I usually do a magnetic north rough alignment and then drift alignment for astrophotography. But mostly for planet photography a rough magnetic north alignment is usually sufficient.
[80% Steve, 20% Alfred] ------- Probability of Clear Skies = (Age of newest equipment in days) / [(Number of observers) * (Total Aperture of all telescopes present in mm)]
actually the term "polar alignment" can be easily misinterpreted or misunderstood when it comes to equatorial observers and imagers. For us (those at the equator), it would refer to usage of the compass to align to magnetic north, and depending on the conditions required, the method of drift alignment can be further used to "fine tune" the alignment to true north. "Polar alignment" with accordance to mid-latitude observers and imagers refers to the use of the polar scope on the telescope mount to point physically at Polaris, so that the telescope system will be (again) roughly aligned. However the actual north point is not exactly right smack on Polaris, but deviated slightly away, of which depending on how good your polar scope is, it may tell u the location of the offset. Thereafter, you can still further fine tune the alignment to true north, using the method of drift alignment on the stars.
I think it mean that the platform can be used +/-5 degrees of it set latitude... so if you order the platform to be used in Singapore which is around 1 degree North, you can still use it in latitude from 6 degree North to 4 degree South.
Quite correct. The +/-5 degrees lattitude is adjusted by turning the screw of the north or south foot-pad respectively, though it would be possible to achieve a bit more than +/-5 degrees by shimming under the foot-pads.
Also, equatorial platforms just adds a third 'polar' axis to the two alta-azimuth axes, so the standard dob can still move left-right and up-down (and the standard DSCs are still useable) while the RA motor (Round Table Platforms currently only have a single-axis drive) slowly rotate the whole dob along the polar axis for 50-60 minutes. After that, it stops automatically and we will have to reset the dob back to its original start-position to track again. Hence the dob moves along an arc of 14 degrees only (equivalent to 50-60 minutes of tracking) and it will not turn over on its side.
If the RA motor rotates along the polar axis, shouldn't it be close to 90 deg upright?
As for polar alignment, you are basically trying to align the mount axis so that it matches the way the earth rotates. So if the polaris is not visible (that means can't use a polar alignment scope) then a rough magnetic alignment plus drift alignment will get you very close.
It means the same regardless of which method u use.
it would be interesting to study in close up of the Poncet platform (originator of the design). After doing some reading (and understanding!), it certainly does work in all latitudes. Infact, for our latitude, the construction of the conic sections is easier (and easiest at 0 degrees Latitude). About the tilting part 'myth' it seems that the platform is designed so that the CG of the moving system is below the rotation axis of the platorm/scope. The scope should watnt to right itself on loss of power rather than rotate over and fall on the ground.
And for equatorial latitudes, the design would be easy asboth bearings will be the same size. There is no need for an axial-type rear/south bearing though.It should be of the cylindrical type - likened to Warren Peter's original design.
For better understanding of Poncet platoforms in general, one could google Warren Peter, Ozspowski, Johnsonian V, or Poncet.
It is really a break through though that if the Brian Reed's product works well, it takes the price of the platform lower (as compared to Ozspowski and Johnsonian) which are rather prohibitive.
Ya my platform is still with rlow. Been too busy to collect; was in the US and headed straight for ICT immediately after coming back Anyway, hope to hear more about your experience with the platform.
We do it in the dark...
Portaball 12.5"
Takahashi Mewlon 210
William Optics 110ED
...and all night long!
At least I know that the accuracy of the rough alignment is ok. 
Anyway, hope to hear more about your experience with the platform.
