Setting Up For Unguided Deep Sky Imaging
	Pick up dog poop, sweep.
	Since I do all my shooting from the patio, I set up in the same place every time. I used a sharpie to mark the locations of the tripod legs on the concrete. This makes it easier to point the mount north and polar align later.
	Place the mount in position on the marks. If you don't have marks, alinn the RA axis of the mount with north as closely as possible.
	Level the mount. This type of level is not necessarily accurate but it's better than nothing. Exact level is not required with an equatorial mount.
	Put the counterweight on the shaft.
	Attach the dovetail bar to the telescope. It should be positioned to allow balancing when attached to the mount. Experimentation is required.
	Slide the dovetail into the mount and tighten both the
	The Celestron C102 scope won't reach focus with a Canon XTI if the adapter is fully inserted into the focuser. But if the adapter is not fully inserted, the camera may not be aligned precisely with the scope's lenses. I use parfocal rings on the camera adapter to keep things lined up and to position the camera to acheive focus.
	Attach the adapter to the camera. If there is any wobble to the adapter you should get a better one. Slide the adapter into the focuser, making sure it's straight. Also make sure the locking screws are tight to prevent the camera from falling out.
	This is a Dew-Not heating strip. It keeps dew from forming on the scope's outer lens.
	Position your power cables so you don't trip over them in the dark.
	I have a streetlight to the east of my setup. A piece of cardboard clamped to the fence prevents it from shining into the scope during shooting.
Contact Me Photos and text ©2007 Eric A. Jacob