Setting up a telescope is like setting up a Mortar. Whether you're capturing photons or shipping HE, the more precise the alignment, the more accurate the results... I use a Brunton hand transit to set my Meade scopes. I use my scopes in the Alt/Azimuth configuration. In this config, I use a 6" torpedo level to get the head of the tripod as close to 'dead level' as possible in both N/S and E/W planes. With the scope mounted, I use the torpedo level to level the OTA and use the compass portion of the hand transit to set the OTA exactly 14 degrees off Magnetic North which compensates for the magnetic declination of SLC. Once the tripod and scope are level and properly oriented, I can usually fire up the computer, do a mock 2 star alignment and slew directly to Venus in broad daylight if it's up. I have never done any imaging so-to-speak, but I do know that initial set up and proper orientation is paramount if you want either your goto scope or HE round to hit the target dead on every time. I have used the Hand Transit to set the declination on a Wedge for some folks by using the precision angle guage feature and bubble, so I know it would be great for any type of mount. If you know the exact latitude of your position, simply dial it in the transit and use the precision bubble to set the correct angle. You can use it to find your exact latitude as well... Quoting Joe Bauman <bau@desnews.com>:
Yokwe, Rob -- That's a really great question. I always just get it as level as I can, which can be a backbreaking exercise .... Joe
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