Super green newbie need help(pardon the long message)

[cknjj]

Hi all,

newbie reporting in. Have got into this hobby few month
back. Checking if there's anyone staying around Hougang or
Pungol/Sengkang area to help me.

Need help on the followings:
1) Alignment for CG5 Goto mount
2) Autoguiding setup
3) Astrophotography with my current equipment.

My equipment list as follows:

1) Celestron C8 OTA on CG5 mount
2) Celestron Nexguide Autoguider on Celestron
80mm guide scope
3) Celestron F/6.3 reducer
4) Canon 40D DSLR

I think I've the basic equipment for the issues I need
help for. But unfortunately I dun hav the knowledge to
use these equipment.
If possible hope to find someone nearby to impart some pratical
lesson on site. Hope u guys understand if I asking for help
round my area as my equipment are bulky to transport around.

Thks for viewing and I can b contacted at 97676641.

[Gary]

Hi cknjj. While waiting for someone to help you onsite, perhaps you can let us know specifically which part you got stucked or confused.

Perhaps let's start with your first question. After reading the instruction in the manual or some materials online, exactly which part or which concept you got stuck and need further explanations?

[cknjj]

Hi Gary,

thks for your reply. Bascially, hav follow the manual. Key in
lat n long.time zone date etc.follow by solar system alignment key in enter.
Handset shows aligned. When I select a planet (eg Saturn)
The Goto would start slewing. But when it stop. It's like no
where even close to it. try 2 star alignment etc, but still
It does not slew to where it should. By the way my setup include
the vixen half pier for equatorial use.thks

[cloud_cover]

I can help you but I'm busy for the next week. Like you, I'm using a goto GEM with 8" SCT and I'm located close by.

[cknjj]

No prob. Any help would be welcome. Do contact anyone who
Can help me. My contact is 97676641. Can SMS to discuss
Too. Thks in advance!

[weixing]

Hi,

Hi Gary,

thks for your reply. Bascially, hav follow the manual. Key in
lat n long.time zone date etc.follow by solar system alignment key in enter.
Handset shows aligned. When I select a planet (eg Saturn)
The Goto would start slewing. But when it stop. It's like no
where even close to it. try 2 star alignment etc, but still
It does not slew to where it should. By the way my setup include
the vixen half pier for equatorial use.thks

Hmm... If I remember correctly, CG5 GOTO don't have 2 star alignment and solar system alignment. I remember it's use AutoAlign, 3-Star Alignment and Quick Align.

Anyway, please check the following:
1) make sure the tripod is still level and balance after the everything is loaded
2) the latitude adjustment is set to 1 degree.
3) finderscope is aligned and
4) before alignment, move the telescope mount so that the index marked in both R.A. and Dec are aligned.

Have a nice day.

[cknjj]

Thanks all for the advice. I may have indicate wrongly
with regards to 2 star alignment. Do pardon my ignorant.
I am consolidating all advice (some thru PMs) n hope to
try out soon.

Great support from u guys! Really appreciate it.

[Airconvent]

Hi
I stay near there but unfortunately, equatorial mounts are beyond me...
But if transport not an issue, you can bring the scope to the Galaxy CC on Friday evenings or Toa Payoh during Gary's regular sessions. Apart from learning to set it up, you can also partake in te outreach programme by sharing your scope's views with everyone.

[cknjj]

Hi Airconvent,

transportation not an issue for me...actually it's more like
how I bring my stuffs into my vehicle. Stupid me got a
Pelican 1660 case n stuff nearly 80% of my equipment into
it...loading it into my vehicle is the issue. Hahahaa...
Anyway thanks for ur advice too.