Latitude tube angle.

sadza

I have been doing a spot of maintenance on my Polar Mount by wire brushing to remove grime and rust spots. The wire brushing completely got out of hand by unscrewing the latitude adjusting nut. Can anyone tell me at what angle the latitude tube should be set at? My Latitude is 54.69 North, West 5.65.

Jack.

Robbo

With the pole at the apex, it should be at an angle of (90-latitude) with respect to vertical, or your latitude with respect to horizontal.

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sadza

I'm sorry, but I don't understand.

Jack.

pedro2000uk

Your elevation angle should be about 35 degrees there- that is, the angle of axis of the bit that actually rotates (polar mount main axis) has to be about 35 degrees from the vertical pole it's on.

If you have only altered that angle then ideally you should get on your favourite satellite and adjust that to the exact middle with a meter or the on screen bars- tighten up and you should be back on the arc. You also should still see evidence of where it was unless you really did a good job cleaning it.

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Robbo

Yes, you need to re-align your axis of rotation with the the Earth's polar axis, which happens to be 35º off vertical for your latitude.

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sadza

Thanks to the fella in charge for translating my reply.

Jack.

sadza

Thanks very much, and appreciate your easily understood reply. Immediately after the Hammerite has dried I’ll be the busiest spanner boy in Groomsport.


Jack.