10
Set Up Your Mount in the Field
This manual assumes that your mount is already set up and ready to go. Please refer to the manual for your mount and
the manual for either the GTOCP4 or GTOCP5 for more details.
Polar Alignment
The mount manual discusses the importance of polar alignment and various methods to achieve it with a polar alignment
scope or various software solutions. One of our favorite methods utilizes the keypad and can be accomplished during
daylight hours. It is quick and easy and only requires only a carpenters level.
Mach2GTO Daytime Alignment Routine
Being able to polar align your mount during the daytime is a
great way to prepare for solar observing or events. It is also a
way to get a jump on your evening observing, especially if you
are hosting a public event where people are clamoring to view
while you are trying to polar align!
1. Roughly aim the mount using a compass (or phone app)
toward the pole in azimuth.
2. Approximately level the mount with the bubble level (or
phone app).
3. Set up your scope and equipment on the mount, balance,
and tighten clutches.
4. Power up the mount and unpark. This will initialize the Mach-
2GTO.
5. Command the mount to go to Park 5 (see Park position at
right).
6. Use a carpenter’s level and turn the altitude knob until the
scope is level.
7. Tell the mount to GoTo a visible object: the sun (with solar
filter protection), the moon, bright planets or stars.
8. Use the azimuth adjuster until the object is centered in the
field.
9. You are polar aligned and ready to start observing!
You can repeat this process (#5 to #8) to gain accuracy. This may be sufficient for visual observing. For more precise
alignment, follow it with your favorite routine after dark.