Hi,

I thought I would create a topic specifically for sky aligning the AM5 when used in Alt-Az mode, which is very convenient for visual observation. The AM5 manual makes NO mention of Polar alignment (for equatorial configuration) nor general star alignment (for Alt-Az configuration.)

I did my first night out with Firmware 1.1.2 which I have discovered only supports single star alignment for Alt-Az. I have since downloaded the 1.3 Firmware which supposedly supports multi-star alignment.

The procedure to align (as I understand) is to:

  1. Setup the tripod and mount so that the altitude axis moves north-south. (Axis is pointing west)
  2. Make sure the mount is very level (use the built-in bubble level)
  3. Turn on mount and long press the CANCEL button on hand control to "Go To Home"
  4. On mine, the mount rotates the telescope to a straight up vertical position, then rotates the telescope to point to the north horizon.
  5. Use the ASI Mount app: search for a target, e.g. Vega, Spica or a bright star); Press GoTo
  6. The mount slews close to the location of the target.
  7. Use the hand control paddles to tweak the pointing until the target is centered in eyepiece (better to use a higher power eyepiece preferably with a reticle for accurate centering.
  8. On ASI Mount app, tap the target on the screen; this brings up the name of the target in the little control icon on the bottom right
  9. In the button icon, tap SYNC; Confirm that you want to SYNC to the desired "TARGET"

That's it, you've done a single star alignment. I THINK, you then repeat the procedure from Step 5-9 to search for a target, go to it, tweak to center, then SYNC. That adds an additional star alignment in multi-star (only available in firmware 1.3 and after).

I tried the one-star with firmware 1.1.3. Wasn't close to my 2nd target. Tweaked the 2nd target and synced. Then went back to first target. Not close. So GoTo's just aren't worthwhile.

I will try again with v1.3 on next clear night. But, I would ask anyone that can provide more info or corrections, please post here.

Thanks,

Jim in Boulder

    a month later

    Hi Jim,

    Have you tried the multi star alignment? I am wondering the same, especially to observe the moon or sun.

    Thanks

    9 months later

    I just bought an AM3 mainly as an alt-az visual mount. Is there any way to entirely bypass the connection process and just use the hand control as a manual mount. The joystick is so brilliant, that manual tracking would be a pleasure compared to the old slow-mo cables and I don't need to ruin my night vision connecting my phone..

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