Newbe with an Atlas EQ-G

Boy, do I need to learn more stars ... I took the new Atlas EQ-G mount out last night and set it up with the 80mm. Did a polar alinement and then started a 2 star alinement, and right out of the box I knew I was in deep dodo :S . The computer asked for some star I never heard of . So I hit the enter key and off the scope went, I as hoping it would stop next to some bright star and I would center on it and then go off to the next one, but no luck, with the Moon > and not knowing what the hell stat I was looking for I just centered up on what ever was close. hit the enter key and thats right the next one was just as bad, so I did the something as before, i "asked" the mount to goto the Moon off it went to the west at about 25deg.el.. The Moon was almost over head. At this point I moved the scope manually to Jupiter were it tracked well for about an hour.

So after I learn about a billion new star names it should be a breeze

Bob

Ok let’s start with what I have … Starry Nights & Orion Night Sky, Sky Atlas 2000, 3 Planispheres, Orion XT10i intelliScope computer, and every magazine in print from all over the world including what I think are the two best; Night Sky & Sky at Night ( from the UK)

I think my point was missed. I (we) have been into the hobby for about a year and a half and have loved every bit of it, My 11year old Caroline and I have had lots of fun learning and helping other learn along with us.

What I was trying to impart is that, it’s not about now much equipment you have, or how much money you spend on it. Without putting the time into learning the sky all you really have is some very ward looking statues in the live room.

Thank for all your input.

Bob