EQ Alignment of the Dwarf 3

Why EQ align the Dwarf 3? Simple: It gives you the ability to take longer exposure pictures. I usually pick 15s/30s/60s exposures. At 30s or above you really need to be in EQ mode.

So how do you do it? You need a few things: A stable tripod and knowledge of north and south directions. That is it. Trust me, this entire process really screwed me up the first few times. Now I can simple plop the scope and tripod down and be within 1 degree of perfect.

Step 1: Put your dwarf 3 on the tripod. Very simple.

Step 2: Have the Dwarf 3 perfectly vertical on the tripod.

Step 3: Place the scope with the Dwarf 3 logo/label facing south (that is the FRONT) of the scope. The BACK of the scope should be pointing due north.

Step 4: From the vertical position, push the top of the dwarf 3 to the angle that matches your latitude. Mine is 41 degrees. So when done. The label is still aiming south. But the top of the dwarf3 is now pointing towards north at the angle of your latitude.

Step 5: In astro mode, click on function and select EQ mode. If you didn’t focus already don’t worry. Just say you are ready. It will twist and turn the scope and then on your device (phone or tablet) it will tell you how far you are off and what you need to do (twist the scop a few degrees left or right and up and down). Follow these instructions and try to get to 0 degrees off. Now make sure your tripod locks are set and look at the setup and remember the way it looks.

Slew to a star. Focus on it using the AF. Now go to atlas and find a target you want to take a picture of. You might have to do this once or twice but once you do it correctly the next time is easy.