N.I.N.A. Three Point Polar Alignment

[SkyHiker]

Aligning the guide scope with the OTA for plate solving is a one time task, once it's done and you don't touch it you should be good for future sessions. I've done it when using a DSLR and it worked OK. Just find a bright star, Polaris for instance when you start out, to align on. One advantage is the wide FOV that can make plate solving easier. I had a period when the 2600MC had a much harder time plate solving than my SSAG, those problems are now gone for who knows why. Ekos makes it easy to switch cameras for plate solving. Congrats with your progress.

Thanks, I thought about polar alignment with the guide scope because I have to remove it from the OTA for storage and transport, I've only used it as a finder so far and it's worked great for that

The alignment of my SSAG depends on the setting screws only because the rest falls in the same position as last time once you tighten it in its bracket. So even when you take it apart it still realigns. The only exception is when you use the guide scope for a counterweight, which I usually do with my AVX. Then it has to be realigned in the DEC axis.

[chris_g]

Aligning the guide scope with the OTA for plate solving is a one time task, once it's done and you don't touch it you should be good for future sessions. I've done it when using a DSLR and it worked OK. Just find a bright star, Polaris for instance when you start out, to align on. One advantage is the wide FOV that can make plate solving easier. I had a period when the 2600MC had a much harder time plate solving than my SSAG, those problems are now gone for who knows why. Ekos makes it easy to switch cameras for plate solving. Congrats with your progress.

Thanks, I thought about polar alignment with the guide scope because I have to remove it from the OTA for storage and transport, I've only used it as a finder so far and it's worked great for that

The alignment of my SSAG depends on the setting screws only because the rest falls in the same position as last time once you tighten it in its bracket. So even when you take it apart it still realigns. The only exception is when you use the guide scope for a counterweight, which I usually do with my AVX. Then it has to be realigned in the DEC axis.

I might end up having to use mine as a counterweight as well, not sure yet. I ordered a new plate that should show up next Tuesday, the stock plate that came with the scope is limited on it's length and the tube ring nuts extend below the saddle so it can't be adjusted back and forth to assist in balancing, it barely balances now. Appreciate your input as always.