Levelling cg5 - newbie

Hi,
I have a cg5 and I am wondering whether there is an easy way to level the tripod. Spent more than 30 mins to level, both with the c8 and counter weight, and without only to fail in both cases. It was set in the backyard (lawn).
Secondly altitude adjustment screw is so tight. Manual says turning it clockwise will increase angle, and counterclockwise will decrease. Why are there 2 adjustment screws. I almost hurt my thumb to change the latitude from 42 to 32. Again is there an easy way. Thanks
Jay

Jay,

I would suggest that you try leveling the tripod without the mount attached to it. It will be much easier without the weight of it bearing down on the tripod. I wouldn't worry about getting it perfectly level, just reasonably close. When the manual refers to turning the altitude adjustment screw clockwise/ counter clockwise it is refering to the screw at the back underneath the polar alignment scope eyepiece (opposite the side with the counterweight). When you need to adjust the altitude setting back off the screw on the side towards the counterweight (it just locks it down). Then you can adjust the screw the manual refers to. When you need to move the mount to a higher altitude setting it may help to pull up a bit on the counterweight shaft while turning the altitude adjustment screw clockwise. When you are done adjusting it, go ahead and lock the screw opposite from it back down.

Joplin