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Before you can do anything with it you HAVE to align the polar scope with the RA axis
of the mount. While the on-line instructions are good; they're typical Chinese instructions which
means that they're not as clear as could be. Here's what I did. The first thing you want to do is set the thing up on the tripod with the altitude around 0. Then find something off in the distance like the a power line insulator, tree branch or something else. Rotate the mount so that the declination axis is horizontal, look through the polar scope and place the centre X on the object. Now, rotate the RA axis so that the declination axis is horizontal but with the counter-weight shaft on the other side. Notice where the X is in relation to your object. Using the three small set screws gingerly adjust the set-screws to move the X 1/2 way back to the object. Now re-center the X on the object.
Rotate the RA axis again 180 degrees putting the counter-weight shaft on the other side and again adjust the X 1/2 way towards the object. Do this as many times as necessary until when you rotate the RA axis the X stays on the object. Your polar scope is now aligned with the RA axis and you are ready to move on to Setting up your polar alignment 'slide rule'. |