Cheapest Quick-Aim Telescope Upgrade: Installing and Using a Paper Setting Circle for Quick Aiming

This video shows the creation, installation, and usage of a paper setting circle on an Orion XT8 Dobsonian Telescope. These help you find any object very fast.
#telescope #setting #circles
Here is the website with the helpful protractor creation tool:
www.blocklayer.com/protractor...
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My previous video that demonstrates quickly how to use a paper setting circle:
• New Telescope Fix Beat...
If you'd like to see how to get the azimuth and elevation angle from a smartphone app, check out my other video:
• New Telescope Fix Beat...
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#SmartphoneAstrophotography
#Astrophotography
#dobsonian
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#settingcircles
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[@Benni-rp9or]

Picked up my circle from Staples yesterday and asked if they would laminate it after I cut it out. Took about 15 minutes and it looks great! I was able to see M3 last night after getting things dialed in. I'm still learning how to do all this, but it got me close enough to find it. Thank you so much for the video!

[@reflactor]

I'm glad it worked out for you. It's pretty amazing how well the setting circles work. Clear skies!

[@TheMikemedia]

Best Dobsonian tutorial on KZbin. I learned more about my new telescope's mechanics in 20 minutes than I have in the past 2 weeks. Thank you sir.

[@reflactor]

Thank you for the kind words - I'm glad it helped. Clear skies to you, sir.

[@norm2655]

For those wanting to get into visual observing using a dob, without the need for say an Argonavis, this is a game changer and arguably the most important mod/addition to your scope with minimal expense.

[@reflactor]

Thanks for the feedback. Clear skies!

[@yellowlynx]

I bought a lazy susan and painted a huge setting circle on it. It fitted nicely on my Dob

[@reflactor]

Awesome! That's a very clever way to achieve this goal. Clear skies!

[@willgrover5270]

Please add me to the list of very happy folks who have made this simple scope upgrade. I added it to my Apertura AD10 and just, wow. I found Messier 41 in an instant early this morning here in Austin. A big thanks to you!

[@reflactor]

Thank you so much. From one Texan to another, clear skies!

[@genefoster8936]

I just followed your advice to install setting circle on my Apertura 8" Dob. Thanks. Once installed I used two sided woodworker's tape to keep the edges from curling up, but left me able to remove it if it gets damaged. I used a gray sharpie to mark the 0 degree spot on the lower base. When I go out I'll align that with true North using my iPhone. When I locate a star I can use the degree marks to adjust the lower base. I appreciate all the videos you create to modify and upgrade your scopes.

[@reflactor]

The Apertura 8" Dob is one of the best value Dobsonians to buy - I think it even comes with a lazy susan azimuth for smooth spinning? The easiest way to get close to true north is to point it at the north star. That'll get you within at least a half degree. Have fun!

[@hakksaw]

Thanks for the clear and easy tutorial! I just saved my circle on pdf for my AD10. Will be getting this project underway quicker than expected. Appreciate the time you took to “walk” thru the details! Clear skies!!

[@reflactor]

Enjoy the setting circle. It will save you lots of time finding things.

[@MagVair]

Thank you ! 😁👍 This is a spectacular idea! I couldn't help myself...just had to do this to my new XT8! I made mine all black with the white ticks and numbers, it really just disappears on the base. It looks so good, really looks like Original equipment! I'm thinking Orion should have done this from the get go? I'm thinking I can do another on the trunnion for ALT.. Thanks again for all the tips! My new machine is now better than new! 😁👍

[@reflactor]

Thank you for watching and I'm glad it helped you! I know it's helped me a ton over the past couple years. I have it on both of my manual Dobsonians. I didn't think about putting one on the trunions just because I use a magnetic angle scale (I'm using one of the digital ones that tells your up/down angle within 0.1 degrees). This whole setting circle concept is definitely one of those things that Orion could've put on very easily at the factory. Just a laminated disk with some carefully punched holes. Clear skies and have fun!

[@jonathanshields2016]

I set all this up now and it works very well. I don't have a bubble level yet but even so it gets within a degree of the object. I tested it in a quick break in the clouds on M42 and M31. Fantastic. I can recommend this to anyone ...my craft skills are poor and I did this with no problem.

[@reflactor]

Congrats. I hope this saves you as much time as it's saved me. Clear skies!

[@Jim_Astro]

Thank you for your great contribution to the Astronomy society. Your ingenuity is allowing others new comers in the hobby to improve their observations experience leading them to enjoy it even further. Your videos gives them the ideas of improvements where they can follow or improve further. Thank you for being a giver.

[@reflactor]

I'm happy to hear that you find the videos helpful - thank you for the kind words. I've got quite a few videos in the planning pipeline. Just need to find the time! :) Clear skies!

[@Baldharlow]

This is great! Easy and a MUST for any Dob. THANK YOU!

[@reflactor]

Thank you for watching! I use these settings circles all the time. It's saved me a ton of time and frustration. Clear skies!

[@edf2953]

Another brilliant video! Thanks for sharing. Just catching up on some of your earlier videos. Ed.

[@reflactor]

Enjoy. :)

[@Astronurd]

I just bought the cheapest Celestron Starsense scope (LT70) and swapped the Starsense unit onto my 12” dobsonian. It’s an amazing piece of equipment that uses plate solving and guides you to each target in seconds. I am also considering fitting setting circles/inclinometer to it as a back up. Great video by the way 👍.

[@reflactor]

Thanks for watching! Wouldn't it be cool if you could just buy the Starsense system separately? My next video will address this very issue.

[@moone27]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank so much for this video!

[@reflactor]

I'm glad it was helpful. Clear skies!

[@jeffcurrey8765]

Wow, I just discovered your channel with this video. I'm getting my template printed today, and am now looking at different phone mounts through your channel, which I've subbed. Thanks for your non-stuttering, good english, concise tutorials!

[@reflactor]

Thanks for watching! I still have a problem with saying "um" and "ah", but I'm trying to eliminate those too. :) And have fun with the setting circle - I still use them quite a bit. Sometimes when I'm lazy (or it's really cold out), I use the elevation gage by itself and just "swing the telescope left and right" until I find the target. Clear skies!

[@MADHIKER777]

Thanks so much for this clear tutorial. I just got home from Staples with my laminated circle to put on my 8" Dob. 👍 "Pay no attention to the books" LOL 🤣

[@reflactor]

Have fun! I use the setting circles and the digital inclinometer 2 or 3 times per week. Lol, yes, pay no attention to the books... unless you want to try the ebook. I have BOXES of these paperbacks here taking up space, lol.

[@slobodanslavnic9749]

Very nice! Just what I needed. I’m doing it this weekend. Thank you.

[@reflactor]

Thank you! Happy to help. Good luck and clear skies!

[@vtfollett]

Just finished installing a setting circle on my 8" Dobsonian. I went with black background, white numerals and tic marks. My pointer is a bit different, as it clips onto the edge of the base plate and can be moved as needed. Total investment: $3.04, not counting the pointer, which I cut out of scrap aluminum. Can't wait to try it. Thanks for a great idea.

[@reflactor]

Congratulations! I think you're really going to have fun. It makes finding things a snap. Don't forget to level the base before using - that makes a huge difference.

[@vtfollett]

@@reflactor Roger that. I glued a circular bubble level to the base. For alt setting I bought a cheap electronic level that magnetically attaches to the steel tube of my dob. Once I find true north, I can find most objects very quickly.

[@Mrleobones]

Thank you so much for this instructional video & clear explanation. I have the same XT8, so I was able to duplicate most of what you did. I didn't do the record part though, instead I just got some 1" rubber chair feet and that held the base of the telescope firmly so it doesn't slip or shift around while I rotate the telescope. Thanks again for such a great video, and it saved me so much time locating comet PanStarrs 2017... I can't wait to use it for looking at much more.

[@reflactor]

Thanks for watching! It's good to hear from a fellow XT8 owner - they are fantastic telescopes. I take the XT8 on all my campouts. Congrats on finding the comet. I'm jealous! The light pollution is too intense here to see it yet, but I'll keep trying.

[@Mrleobones]

@@reflactor Well, I was somewhat disappointed in Panstarrs 2017, It's pretty far out and it's nothing like Neowise. I could see Neowise with binoculars, I don't think that will be possible with Panstarrs. I am very much looking forward to another comet that comes around the sun much closer. Thanks again & clear skies

[@Martinko_Pcik]

Nice. The most interesting for me was to see it in action. I liked your altitude meter as well. I was surprised you found the object on first try

[@reflactor]

Thank you for watching. The altitude meter is very helpful. I've used the one from Harbor Freight and the red one from Amazon. I think I prefer the Amazon one now. If you use a 30mm eyepiece, it makes it very easy to find objects because it has such a wide view. Clear skies!

[@michaelspotts5011]

So helpful! Thank you for sharing all these tips, can’t wait to upgrade my XT8.

[@reflactor]

Hi Michael, glad it was helpful! I still use the XT8 for about 90% of my observing despite adding a 12" Dobsonian to the workshop (both have Setting Circles). The XT8 fits in my car and it isn't a back-breaker like the 12" telescope. I honestly believe the XT8 is the best overall telescope you can own. And there are lots of ways to hotrod it. Have fun!

[@michaelspotts5011]

One year later, I am finally replying. After upgrading the XT8, I sold it and bought a 12 inch sky watcher and 4” AstroTech refractor. Like you said, the 12 inch is awesome but unwieldy so it does not get tons of use. But I am loving the refractor. I was able to make a setting circle for that, too. In part, because of your video, I have made a little side hustle out of purchasing Dobsonians, upgrading, and flipping them. Sold five or six so far. It’s been fun. Thanks, again.

[@soureel]

Fascinating! Thank you.

[@reflactor]

Thank you for watching. Clear skies!

[@RajahChandrasekhar]

Great idea, I used the site and printed it out at office max for $5. I went with a analog level meter from amazon. Leveling is crucial, once leveled and calibrated, I was just 1 or 2 degrees off in alt and az on my first trial. I was picking up targets in less than a minute. I was planning to go with a rotary encoder, but if this works so well, I may not go that route. Thank you very much for the video!!!!

[@reflactor]

Thanks for watching!. I'm glad it worked out so well for you. I have these paper setting circles installed on my big and little Dobs. It is really surprising just how well they work. I usually start out with a low magnification eyepiece (32mm) and it finds the target every time.

[@RajahChandrasekhar]

@@reflactor I have a 10 inch dob, the base diameter is 22 inches, so the circle is quite big, but it fits fine, I think I could have done a better job with the alignment, but it’s with in 1-3 degrees from where it should be. I spotted about 20 targets from sky safari ‘tonight’s best’ in about 30 mins from my bortle 9 yard. That’s a new record for me. I start with bright stars to get the calibration right before going to DSOs. I am sure I am going to get all my Astro friends converted. It was a fun project.

[@jefftorella1096]

Thank for this ..it is extremely helpful. Now I have a weekend project. Just now have to wait till this winter is over

[@reflactor]

Have fun!

[@D148521]

Thank you, I'm going to do this with my Apertura AD10.

[@reflactor]

I hope it brings much enjoyment to you. Clear skies!

[@samimohammed1727]

Thank you for the excellent video. I watched 10 times and created my setting circle using the website tool and saved it in PDF. Next I will get it printed and laminated. IT will be very appreciative of you if you can post how you constructed the pointer and the list of materials and dimensions. I have a 10" Orion Skyline Dob with 22" ground plate.

[@reflactor]

I made the pointer out of gutter flashing (thin metal sold in rolls at Home Depot). You can bend it by hand, but I cut it out with metal snips. The magnetic strip was a self-adhesive flexible magnetic strip sold on Amazon.

[@jamesmcneil6332]

This works really well thank you

[@reflactor]

Glad it helped. Clear skies!

[@nordmende73]

Thank you!

[@tjv323]

This is amazing, thank you

[@reflactor]

Thanks! I hope it was helpful.

[@InChristJesus87]

This literally just blew my mind. I ordered my AD8 today and I'm so glad I stumbled on this awesome video! Only thing that I'm wondering if there is some type of light roll on or spray adhesive that'll bond the laminate to the MDF particle board. Preferably an adhesive that's on the gentle side where it wouldn't destroy the black finish if the laminated setting circle is removed in the future. I would just like to see that laminate bonded thoroughly to the MDF so that the install looks clean down the road after a good amount of use. Thanks again for taking the time to make such a great video! Would be so cool if those numbers and lines could be printed in glow in the dark color; not that it would last all that long but still would be cool.

[@reflactor]

Congrats. The AD8 is a very good telescope (lots of extras). It comes with a RACI viewfinder, so you'll be ahead of the game (by avoiding the "neck pain" stage!). As far as hold-down power, sandwiching the circle between the upper frame and the disc is more than enough to keep it put. The edges might get a bit "roll-uppy", but I use a few strategically placed pieces of clear packaging tape to make it flat.

[@InChristJesus87]

@@reflactor ok thanks for the input I'll go ahead and use the tape. I honestly was stuck between this and going up to a celestron 8inch Evo. I just couldn't justify the price tag in my mind so the fact that you've provided this has completely taken the want of the Evo out of my mind.

[@1313Roz]

3M spay tack is gentle and will hold the edges down easily. If you need to it can be removed easily too.

[@reflactor]

@@1313Roz That sounds like very useful stuff.

[@jonathanshields2016]

This is great 👍. I have the same scope and will be doing this.

[@reflactor]

Hope it helps. The XT8 is a great telescope. Clear skies!

[@jonathanshields2016]

@@reflactor I almost finished already!. That blocklayer website is great. Got the setting circle printed on laminated canvas at a photo store (no Staples here in the UK) . It curls a little bit some spray adhesive will address that. Just got to make my pointer and order my inclinometer and no more searching. Thanks again for a great post.

[@ussspirit4812]

Genius!

[@reflactor]

Thanks, but I'm sure I got the idea long ago from somebody else.

[@darrellholloway520]

Could you shine a very bright light up through the base in order to locate where to mark and cut out the holes in the template for the mount screws to pass through? I guess the thickness of the paper chosen for the template will determine if enough light passes through.

[@reflactor]

One way to implement that method would be print an oversize paper circle that extends slightly beyond the outer edge of the disk. Then you could mount a light/pointer on the lower disk that will shine up through the paper. I've seen lots of creative ways to mount the pointer, so just use whatever way is easiest for you.

[@amandaz9762]

This is fantastic, exactly what I need for my AD8 upgrade! Perfect cloudy Michigan project too. Thank you so much 🔭🖤

[@reflactor]

Glad it's helpful! I wasted sooooo many hours trying to find stuff in the night sky before I installed one of these paper setting circles.

[@InChristJesus87]

I just ordered my AD8 if you get all the settings on the software program please upload to this comment feed so I can copy thx.

[@amandaz9762]

@@InChristJesus87 I copied everything as he did. The OD for the AD8 base is 19.25", I went 483mm to account for that slight edge taper. Going to a print shop and hardware store to pick up the electronics this afternoon. Mostly a copycat build for us. I'll update as I wrap this up, hopefully this afternoon unless the skies finally clear 😉 Congrats on the new scope! Love my AD8!

[@InChristJesus87]

@@amandaz9762 oh awesome!!!! Thanks for the info. Mine is supposed to ship out by the end of the week so with your info I'll just go ahead and get this done before it comes in so that I can have it ready and laminated and just install it as I'm putting it together! So are we supposed to use a scissor to cut the extra paper before they laminate or does the shop take care of that? I noticed he used 5mm so that it could be printed but then i assume it's cut around in its circumference and so is the center hole right? Good luck keep me posted pls!!

[@InChristJesus87]

@@amandaz9762 forgot to ask you is the AD8 your first scope if not how does it compare to what you had. Thx

[@suvoview999]

Thanks.

[@cgruita]

Thanks!

[@reflactor]

Thanks for watching. Clear skies!

[@swftwlly]

I noticed that he Blocklayer protractor tool also has a check box to print an optional vernier scale. I think this might be pushing to limits of precision of the whole system, but it might be worth playing around with.

[@reflactor]

I agree that would be pushing the limits of accuracy for my particular setup. The guy who made that webpage did update it a bit after my video came out (he said it was due to a limitation found in my video). That was very kind of him.

[@willgrover5270]

Thanks

[@reflactor]

Thank you so much. This really made my day. I use the setting circles all the time - they have made finding targets a snap. Clear skies!

[@rajamanohar8004]

Nice sir

[@reflactor]

Thank you! Clear skies and happy stargazing.

[@sharplow99]

Watched this when you first uploaded and say I have been looking for this exact thing would be an understatement. My only question is why did you go white on the inside of the ring? Does it help with the numbers? After using this particular setup would you change the colors of the paper? Love the content. Thank you

[@reflactor]

Good question. The free creation tool does allow me to expand the black band most of the way to the middle. Not sure why I left it as white - perhaps it was a subconscious desire to save printing ink? Different color ink might show off more contrast given the red headlamp. I didn't think about different ink colors though. Definitely work experimenting!

[@jons2447]

Howdy, Mr. Dreese; "THANK YOU!", EVER so much! I just made & downloaded the file for my Orion. Now if I could figure out why the IntelliScope gives strange goofy numbers. I /think/ one of the sensors is out of calibration but I can't hardly find any info on the system. I *really* appreciate your channel so I subscribed. You keep up the good work, pal. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor! PS Your "About" page mentioned airfoils, I need a good free design for building a "prop" for a DIY wind turbine. Say 3-4 ft dia. so I can get some good speed. I'm just starting out w/ this so if you know where to find good info I'd really appreciate it.

[@reflactor]

Thanks for watching! If it's an Intelliscope, then the culprit is probably a flipped encoder ring (see my restoration video here for a demonstration of the problem and the fix: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4CagXt3iqlsbKs). As or the wind turbine airfoil, I always recommend trying to borrow from similar tools because their engineers have already run long-term analysis on it. Try to seek out a similar-sized wind turbine and see what they used. If all else fails, check out a Clark-Y or NACA 2412 airfoil. Best of luck and clear skies!

[@ttr1360]

Hello. Very helpful video. I was wondering how U made the determination to reverse the numbers going to the left - counter clockwise.

[@reflactor]

Good question. I learned by messing it up the first time, lol. The second one was printed correctly. When I do this now, I imagine turning the top of the telescope (and the circle) to the right while the pointer stays stationary. So you want the numbers to increase counterclockwise. Thank you for watching!

[@kennethhartling8661]

Great Video, thank you. What is the purpose of the covering/net on the base of the scope?

[@reflactor]

Hi Kenneth, that covering (shower curtain with elastic band) serves two purposes: 1) It keeps dust out and 2) It keeps bugs out (hopefully!). Here in Texas, we have a problem with Black Widow spiders in our garages.

[@InChristJesus87]

@@reflactor I'm in fort worth.

[@reflactor]

@@InChristJesus87 Welcome to unusually high light pollution. If you go west of town about 45 minutes, you get into Bortle 3 light pollution (very good). Or so I'm told - I've not used a telescope in such good viewing conditions yet. Big Bend is the nearest Bortle 1 that I know of, but that's a full days drive.

[@ADF_Cable]

Great video thanks! I find that to really get sticky rape/double-sided/magnetic tape to stick, I heat the sticky side with a lighter to bubble the glue and it never comes off!

[@reflactor]

Thank you for sharing the sticky tape idea - there are many clever ways like yours to make these paper setting circles ever more useful. Clear skies!

[@spaceman4286]

Great video and excellent explanation! Would going for 1/4 precision and making the pointer a combination of a mark and magnifying glass work? I think it could improve the precision considerably.

[@reflactor]

That's a good question. My setup was pretty basic, but as you point out, there are many clever ways to improve precision. I'm always happy to see folks take these ideas and make them better. Clear skies!

[@spaceman4286]

@@reflactor Clear skies to you as well!

[@josemanuelramirezgomez]

Wonderful! I'm looking for a good project for an eq platform (I live in Jerez, Spain, at 36,7 degrees of latitude). I see that you latitude is more or less the same...do you have one project, like this, easy, accurate and cheap? Thank you and congratulations for the video!

[@reflactor]

Since selling my only GoTo telescope (ran out of room), I have been looking at building an EQ platform as well. As of yet, I don't have a video, but they do exist here on the KZbin. Good luck and clear skies!

[@jeremyzenkar8996]

Fantastic. I have a Dobsonian that I am rebuilding and I've always wanted to do this. Two questions. You mentioned using an app for RA and Dec. What is that app? Also, I suppose that the app takes into account the time of day you are viewing to set the coordinates correct? Again, fantastic.

[@reflactor]

Most smartapps will generate the two popular sets of coordinates. For people using Dobsonians, we use the Azimuth (compass angle) and Altitude (elevation angle) combination. You can also get the smartapps to produce the Right Ascension and Declination angles for people who have equatorial mount setups (way too complicated for me). For the most part I use StarSeek 5.

[@swftwlly]

You can get ALT/AZ coordinates from Stellarium freeware.

[@reflactor]

@@swftwlly You are correct. Several of the smarphone apps offer both. It just depends on which interface you like best.

[@budharpey]

Thanks a lot i will do this to my gso 10" dobson soon. A question, is it possible to use this together with a eq platform? I would think if one dooes set the eq platform to zero in the beginning it must work?

[@reflactor]

For the setting circles to be accurate, the bottom of the Dob has to be level and unchanging. I don't know if that's possible with an EQ platform though. I don't have one, so I'm not 100% certain.

[@thejohnbreen]

Thanks very much for this video. I have a similar model on order and this will be my first mod. Question for you: Any reason you didn't print the entire setting circle in black (leaving just the numbers and ticks in white)?

[@reflactor]

Good question. I can't think of any reason not to go all black. You can make it almost all black except for a small circle near the center. I think you're going to have a lot of fun with your new telescope!

[@thejohnbreen]

@@reflactor Thanks for the response. Clear skies to you.

[@lfcdan1]

Hi, brilliant idea. I've been considering doing this myself but the problem I have is that I can't see polaris from where I do my observing. Do you think this would work by alligning to North with a compass?

[@reflactor]

Yes, but you must be very careful to use true north instead of magnetic north. That's the complicated part. Depending on where you are located on the planet, the variation between magnetic and true north varies. As long as you're careful with that, then you should be okay. Alternatively, you could get away with using a different reference star, but it might not be as rock solid as the North star. One of the cool things about the North star is that I can re-check it quickly every 30 minutes or so to make sure I haven't bumped the telescope out of alignment. It's just one of those super convenient coincidences. Good luck and have fun. Clear skies!

[@henrygorman]

I think the best solution is to use a different reference star. Is more accurate that use a compass and the correction of the magnetic declination. A good refference star is vega for example. You only have to calculate the azimuth difference between vega at the moment of the aligment and the object you want to find. And example of the method could be to find m55. If vega has 12 degrees of azimuth at the moment of the aligment and m55 has 159 degrees of azimuth, the corresponding mark on your setting circle should be 159-12=147. By the way, when you do that you have to move fast because the object is changing his position and the azimuth is changing too.

[@timmylongpants]

I had problems with using the north star too due to a building blocking it. Any star will do for initial setup. Suppose your app tells you Sirus is at 110 degrees, point the scope to sirus so its in the center of your view and move your pointer so its at 110 degrees. Calibration done! Works with any star and no calculations needed.

[@stevemyers7698]

Just discovered this. I’m going to do it. Thank you. How did you get your base to move so smoothly? Mine is very stiff, I’ve loosened the bolt as much as I can to keep it from wobbling, but still very stiff.

[@reflactor]

I've tried a few things. Replacing the Teflon with larger pieces might help. I also put a tiny chamfer on the sharp edges of the Teflon. I recently added an old (very large) vinyl record into the mix, shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKqnmHSGr6pplZo

[@stevemyers7698]

Thank you, I’ll try that.

[@MooseHenderson1]

Well done, just sub to help you get to 1000 for monetization. I think I would use spray adhesive to anchor the setting circle then drill out the holes.

[@reflactor]

Thank you! I think spray adhesive would be great for this process - I may try that next time.

[@fredaw61]

What app are you using for your angle and setting circle locations.

[@reflactor]

Most of the astronomy apps offer altitude/azimuth displays, but I usually use StarSeek5.

[@cosaelperro1972]

Hi Reflactor. Do you have the same for the azimuth? a video or suggestion? I made the circle by using the blocklayer website and going to my local office supply store. The office supply store wanted more money because I had the design printed from the center to the outer edge in black, a whole lot of black. The office worker understood what I was trying to do and suggested I only print the outer 2" which is what I actually needed, and called the print a blueprint; the price came down to under 10dlls. The laminate machine was broken at the time so I'll have to redo it but for under $10 I can use the first printout as a learning tool before going back to the store to print a laminate... Super good idea and execution. Thanks

[@reflactor]

Did you mean altitude (elevation)? This video was all about putting a setting circle on the azimuth. The altitude measurement is even easier than the azimuth because it uses a digital level, held to the telescope with a magnet. It generates the angle reading automatically and is very accurate.

[@cosaelperro1972]

@@reflactor thank you

[@ashwinchavan8070]

How do I do this in southern region I can see the sigma octane that bright like polaris

[@reflactor]

I looked into this and I don't have a definitive answer. What you can do is find a star near the southern center of rotation and aim your telescope at that. Using your app to see what the altitude angle and azimuth angle should be and then set your setting circle zero accordingly. It will be approximate, but should still get you close to your later intended targets.

[@ashwinchavan8070]

@@reflactor thanks a lot for taking time to explain it. I will give it a try for sure. 😀

[@SuperWillie0]

Hello. What do you use to level your base?

[@reflactor]

For large imbalances like a steep driveway, I use blocks of 2x4 under the feet. For finer movements, I use thinner (1/4 inch) squares of plywood.

[@MrMlyarber]

does the app calculate time of year also to point the scope?

[@reflactor]

Almost all of the star guide apps show how the sky looks at that very moment, but many can also look at a specific time in the future.

[@yancourtemanche5183]

What sheet metal gauge did you use?

[@reflactor]

It's pretty thin, but it is galvanized steel. I would say it's the same thickness as return-air ducting metal. I was able to cut it with tin sheers pretty easily. When I measure it, it is 0.012 inches thick.

[@waynegarrett1614]

where can i buy one of these circles as no where in my city print them

[@reflactor]

Hi Wayne, if you have an Staples or Office Depot, they should be able to print them. You could also approach a sign/poster maker. They have large format printers. In fact, I had to have a specialty sign maker do my biggest one because the Staples laminator maxed out at 24 inches.

[@waynegarrett1614]

@@reflactor how was it laminated as a curcle?

[@reflactor]

@@waynegarrett1614 Staples has a lamination machine that you feed the paper circle in (between two heated rollers). There's a big sheet of clear laminating material above and below. The heaters make it stick to the paper. When it comes out the other side, it's a big square lamination sheet with a round paper circle in between. I have to cut it out with scissors.

[@zzbob]

We don't have a Staples or similar but I found a local design & print shop who made a vinyl decal for $12. I cut it into 8 segments to apply.

[@BSSR1REF]

It would be nice to have a link in the comments

[@reflactor]

Which link are you looking for? I'll post it here.

[@BSSR1REF]

Never mind, I found it.

[@cheetahpup1787]

i was wondering just how acurate this is

[@reflactor]

These big paper circles will get you to within about 0.5 to 1.0 degrees. So be sure to start out with a low magnification eyepiece first, like a 32mm first.

[@terrybaileysr.3714]

Why not do a stick on tape on outside edge instead. No need for disassembly then.

[@reflactor]

That's definitely possible, but it would require a very precision marking ability to get the necessary precision for the degree tick marks. My hand just isn't that steady. Definitely worth a try if you have the time.

[@terrybaileysr.3714]

@@reflactor no use a measuring tape and fasten it to outside edge, not a drawn tape.

[@cheetahpup1787]

@@reflactor i have the best idea tell the scope manufacturers to sell the template with scope or option to have it built into the board lololo im lazy

[@realisticastronomy]

this is like free hacks lol

[@reflactor]

Thanks! That's a great way to say it. I'm always looking for ways to enhance our stargazing experience without spending much money. All of my telescopes (except the one I built from plywood) were bought used.