Today we're proud to provide quality products direct to your doorstep through an experience you'll enjoy. The best astronomy and stargazing apps for your mobile phone. Or we need the laptop to be on and to be connected to the iPolare, and check for alignment from time to time for the whole astrophotography session? I was impressed, Continue Reading Celestron NexStar 8SE Telescope ReviewContinue, Ive just returned from a vacation to Costa Rica with the goal of capturing some astrophotography images from the resort. iPolar TM Electronics Polar Scope - www.iOptron.com This is a very popular telescope mount for beginner to intermediate astrophotography enthusiasts. With my Astrotech 72 ED and Sony A6500 I can currently get two minutes with my skyguider no star trails. I want to ask if you have any forum or way for people like me to consult with you directly for short advise? The iPolar electronic polarscope uses a small camera to understand the mounts positioning, and tell me exactly where it needs to be so that it is perfectly aligned with the north celestial pole. Nightshift helps you find perfect nights for stargazing, assists you in observing your favourite planets, meteor showers and deep-sky a simple portable mount for travel purposes like iOptron SkyTracker, AstroTrac or StarAdventurer. Best star tracker camera mounts for astrophotography in 2023 You put a ballhead on the top and add a clip from a small phone tripod. Does it really make it easy enough to make a difference for a beginner like me? We use cookies on our website, in accordance with our. Youll want to use an illuminated reticle eyepiece with a crosshair to center the star in your field of view. 2) Tonight at a OnStep is a DIY computerized GoTo controller for Telescope mounts. Privacy Policy | Or another? The app supports almost every polar scope used in the field including ones from iOptron, Astro-Physics, Takahashi, Orion, Celestron, Meade, Vixen, AstroTrac, Losmandy, Kenko, Avalon, even early 80's designs like the Tuthill . I take it that you think its a worthwhile upgrade? Wide angle view of the polar region: A wide field of view of 118 degree makes it very easy to locate the pole star. **Telescopes**https://www.firstlightoptics.com/telescopes/ref/astrolavista/ **Mounts**https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astronomy-mounts-by-type/ref/astrolavista/**Cameras/Astrophotography**https://www.firstlightoptics.com/astro-photography/ref/astrolavista/ **Eyepieces**https://www.firstlightoptics.com/eyepieces-barlows/ref/astrolavista/ **Filters**https://www.firstlightoptics.com/filters/ref/astrolavista/ **Accessories**https://www.firstlightoptics.com/accessories/ref/astrolavista/**Binoculars**https://www.firstlightoptics.com/binoculars/ref/astrolasvista/ I can't get it to use GPS, though. This means that youll be able to capture longer exposures without the worry of tracking errors. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality. By (did you catch that in the video?). I set Longitude source to GPS, it tells me GPS is disabled on the device, I click Enable GPS, it takes me to the Location settings on my phone and Location is turned on, I go back to the app and it still shows the message that GPS is disabled. The final image includes 62 x 4-minute exposures for a grand total of 4 hours and 8 minutes. Polar Scope Align Pro on the App Store Use the mount's (optional) dovetail L-bracket and counterweight shaft with the counterweight attached. Cube-II/CubePro with 8408 Hand Controller, 8401 Hand Controller Star Catalogs Reloading, 8408 Hand Controller CEM25 Catalog Data Upgrade, iPolar Electronic Polarscope Software (Windows). This article assumes you would do the it the same way although you can connect to it via Ascom as well if you needed to so I suggest you check out the IOptron installation guide if you want to do it this way but I have not found this necessary. Now you gave me something new to consider. With a focal length of 250mm (400mm equivalent with a 1.6X crop-sensor DSLR), the RedCat will fit this entire area in a single field of view. Everybody tell ioptron to sort it out! My one regret is that I havent given it a proper test drive yet. 4. For Polar alignment you don't really need an app, however, there's an app for Android called 'Calibration' which will clibrte your phone's accelerometer then give you a compass so you can see where 'north' is. Can the ioptron ipolar also be used for guiding? For a closer look at the rest of the gear I use for astrophotography in my backyard, please visit the astrophotography equipment page. Shown in Figure 14 is a screen shot of an iPhone Figure 14. Edited by Ishtim, 02 May 2019 - 10:39 AM. Trevor, are you able to CHECK the polar alignment after you disconnect the cable? I have found that these do not seem to affect anything if left at the default settings I have not changed them since. The cross in the middle of the circle is the North Celestial Pole (NCP), and the ring that circles it is the path of Polaris throughout the year. A polar scope makes aligning the polar axis of this mount with the North celestial pole much easier. If I travel up into Oklahoma, like the Oki-Tex Star Party (36 degrees), I need the High Latitude version. All of these incredible moments took place using only the built-in, illuminated reticle polarscope that comes with the SkyGuider Pro. No problem. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. Hi Trevor Im about to enter the world of astrophotography. I am hoping to set up mine for the Eta Aquarids this weekend if the weather permits. The app is helpful to match orientation of the DSO Planner Free is an astronomy observation planning tool with excellent star charting capabilities made by active and experienced amateur observers with a passion for visual observations. No matter how good you are at manually aligning the mount through the polar scope with your eyes, I think its safe to say a camera has got you beat. Restore the portability of the SGP. Even without the use of autoguiding, you may be able to capture long exposures with sharp stars depending on the mount you use. The mobile version of Stellarium is a fantastic tool to use when you are outside under the stars. It provides a simple way for you to track the motion of the stars, so you can take long exposure images of the night sky. Brand new predictions e.g. It sure looks nice until I looked a little deeper. The app needs to be purchased separately at an extra cost, but alignment is a breeze once installed. Ive fitted a 2 Optolong L-eNhance filter into the adapter of my RedCat 51. Mobile Observatory Free is the perfect tool for anybody interested in the sky's wonders, from the occasional sky gazer to the passionate amateur astronomer. Polar Scope Align Pro by Dimitrios Kechagias - AppAdvice iOptron Skytracker Pro Review -Best Photography Star Tracker? When loaded up, use the polar clock utility to show where Polaris needs to be in your polar scope (you need to put your location into the app). Microsoft Apps Create a smart scope equipped with a smart phone in the air soft gun. Its not absolutely necessary, but at least youll know that the star is completely centered, rather than close enough. The information you have provided is invaluable. Troubleshooting/FAQThe Map doesn't move/points Hey, get outdoors with your friends and enjoy star gazing! Happy you like the app. Should be officially released soon as foc upgrade to ASIAir app. I noticed the weight changes my polar alignment so I started doing it with my counterweight attached but before the scope and camera. Plate solve failure this can be because you are too far from rough polar alignment move your tripod a bit, look down your scope to get it approximately correct and you will see it recalibrate or change the gain if you cannot see 4 stars minimum. In this video we go through the simple steps involved in setting up and using iOptron's iPolar digital polar scope. Its available free on Google play with paid versions with more capabilities. Thanks. 1. - Where is the polar viewfinder of my EQ6? I even traded in my SkyTracker for the SkyGuider Pro, and I added the William-Optics Z61 as well. Check out those round stars! All of the telescope mounts on the list above include a polar alignment scope (depending on the version you order), with the exception of the Celestron CGEM. Use the Zoom Buttons to zoom in and simply use your Smartphone as Telescope. I found this review helpful instructive and inspirational. There are a number of tools you can use to help polar align your equatorial mount, such as: PolarFinder Mobile App SharpCap Software Polar Alignment Feature iOptron PoleMaster Electronic Polar Finder The Importance of Balance Speaking of balance, the actual balancing of the weight on top of the mount (the payload) is extremely important. They just need to hire one developer. I am not sure when should I stop rotating. Polar Scope Align Pro App Download [Updated Oct 21] - Free Apps for iOS At no extra cost to yourself I receive a small commission. Being as minimal as possible on gear/weight for trekking is important. However, would it not be possible to somehow side mount a polar scope for manual polar alignment? This narrowband filter blocks nearly all light from hitting my camera sensor except for very specific wavelengths emitted from emission nebulae like the North America Nebula. The tracking speed is set at 1X for sky imaging. The SkyGuider Pro has proved to be an incredibly reliable star tracker that only takes a few minutes to set up. But if its your travel/quick setup rig remember that you have given up your ability to polar align the mount without software assistance. You currently have javascript disabled. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. By aligning the axis of your telescope mount with the motion of the sky, you can accurately track objects in space. Thank you for an outstanding website. Polar alignment doesnt just help you take better images, its absolutely imperative for success. Enjoy your videos. iPad Polar Scope Align will calculate the position of Polaris or Octantis in your Polar Scope reticle for your location (using your phone's GPS or manually), allowing a quick and accurate polar alignment. I like to place a level on the tripod before the mount is attached and make sure it is level on each axis. Although, as mentioned you will need to hook up a computer to the Polemaster this little camera is worth its weight in gold. This utility helps you solve this problem by graphically showing you the current position of the Polaris. Ever wondered what objects are up in the sky? Also, when entering longitude manually, regardless of whether you set it to display degrees, minutes, and seconds, or decimals, you have to enter the longitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds. The goal is to collect as much signal on a specific wavelength of light as possible. Would whole heartedly agree with this. Hi, The overall weight of the telescope attached will determine how hard it will be to turn the bolts. You write: remember that you have given up your ability to polar align the mount without software assistance.. You can see any stars, constellations and deep sky objects you are watching in Stellarium Mobile Sky Map is a fully-featured planetarium for your phone. Why is it so important? If you do not have a mobile device or internet connection where you are setting up your telescope, you can try Polar FinderScope software online. Hi Tom. Faulty USB cable yep I have had that, replaced it with a better quality one. For those lucky enough to have a permanent home observatory, you can be sure that every measure was taken to ensure that the telescope mount and pier were precisely polar aligned. With the polar alignment dialed-in thanks to the iPolar, I was able to shoot 4-minute exposures at ISO 1600 on the North American Nebula and surrounding area. For those that set up and tear down their equipment each night like me, youll quickly become a master in polar alignment through experience. I like the Polar Scope Align app as it has other reticles if I ever get something else (unlikely). sink into the grass, gets knocked by your foot) after completing the polar alignment! How to use the iOptron's iPolar software for super accurate polar alignment Any regrets With iOptron Sky Guider + iPolar? - Digital Photography Review Use this app to control the AZ GTi mount or other Sky-Watcher or Orion telescope mounts fitted with a SynScan Wi-Fi adapter. iPolar is a smart electronic polar scope for everyone. If you have found this review helpful, please let me know in the comments. So goodbye laptop when that day comes (hopefully soon). Sky Map is a hand-held planetarium for your Android device. PolarFinder shows you the actual of the Polaris or the Sigma Octantis using the system time and GPS Polaris is a cool mobile compass which can be used with or without Wifi/GPS. Trevor, Nice review . ExploreStars connects you and your Explore Scientific PMC-Eight equipped telescope to the universe with any Android Tablet. As you get closer to being perfectly polar aligned, the red dot and cross-hair will enlarge. The field of view of the iPolar is 13-degrees, with a resolution of approximately 30 arc-seconds. Since then Im looking into sturdier trackers (skyguider pro ipolar in particular). The issue is that it sits to low to the ground to see through the polar scope. The SGP comes with a built-in polar scope, which will allow to you precisely align to the north star, provided you have the smartphone app. It is important to note that the tripod needs to be pointing North before leveling. I see you have what appears to be the William Optics wedge, rather than the OEM wedge from iOptron. Now, I am not overly technically sound, so it was a bit unnerving to open the SkyGuider up with a screwdriver. This app is targeted for amateur astronomers and astrophotographers that use a telescope with a German Equatorial. Using the iPolar also requires you to replace . You have previously reviewed ZWOs ASIAir but you may not know that this device will soon have Polar Alignment built in using the main imaging scope/lens and camera. I dont mind the extra time for set up. From here, its a matter of adjusting the camera settings so that the iPolar can pick up enough stars to plate solve the image. As seasoned veterans will tell you. You should be able to take some sharp images of at least 2-3 minutes with the 350mm FL Z61 with a sound polar alignment. After a quick installation of the software on my Windows 10 laptop, I connected the device via the included mini-USB cable. A beginners guide to using IOptrons IPolar mount add-on for Polar alignment. I looked back at some images captured in February (from the Im seeing Red video) they were 4-minutes each at an equivalent focal length of 400mm unguided. It all started with a great idea and a little hard work. The app uses the best algorithm to calculate the position of Pole Star: The algorithm calculates 3D space motion of the Pole Star itself, precession, temperature and barometric pressure corrected atmospheric refraction, nutation, parallax, aberration, and etc.). PoleMaster Free Polar Alignment | QHYCCD Astronomical & Scientific Camera 8402A Hand Controller. live view and trial and error? Thanks for the additional information. Polar scope chart on an iPhone Figure 13. It does the opposite pretty well - if you strap your phone on the telescope, you select an object from the database and it takes you there (Push To button) - which can be accurate if you first calibrate it with a bright star that you can recognise and then "hop" to the object of interest. Originally developed as Google Sky Map, it has now been donated and open sourced. Its a rather simple process for German equatorial mount (GEM)owners. So yes using an app is a good idea to show where abouts Polaris needs to be on the clock face. You simply download the iPolar software and calibrate the camera on the RA axis of the mount. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Copyright 2021 Stargazers Lounge Map Android | 4. The phone holder is a 3D printed device that is on ThingAVerse. These are unguided sub exposures at 250mm (thats actually 400mm when you factor in the 1.6x crop factor). polar alignment is an essential step of the deep sky imaging process, and it should not be rushed, or skipped. Ive traveled to Costa Rica with this setup in my carry-on bag and set the rig up in 3-feet of snow in the backyard. It is very similar to the following models: The Sky-Watcher HEQ5 in this example features a built-in polar scope with an illuminated reticle. - Does my mount level? Thanks again! Because if the pole star and the other stars around it are obscured by trees, it would seem like it would not work. But.. My pictures really seem to get blown out at that time with pollution. Thats some incredibly impressive data acquisition from a star tracker that fits in your hand. Polar alignment is critical to the tracking accuracy. Youll need to un-check this for the software to calibrate properly. 6. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Equatorial platform polar alignment help! Apart from the most reliable app for polar alignment (with or without a polar scope), PS Align pro has become the astronomer's swiss-army knife with all the tools added over the years. Anyway, I digress. Drift alignment in PHD2 is going to be better, but is still just a sample of the many possible measurements. Alignment. I have a small min-PC USB stick that I have used with Sharpcap to take my images. Hi! The iOptron iPolar Polar Alignment Software. I have sometimes shone a green laser through the polar alignment scope to see if it hits Polaris. This will be magnetic north though so only an approximation. The bracket has a slot that will allow you to polar align with extra photography equipment attached. would you please edit my name in the comments to Mel This only applies to those of us in the Northern Polar alignment is the alignment of the axis of your telescope mount with the motion of the sky. Stellarium is an astronomical map and is great for locating objects in the night sky. - What are the GPS coordinates? The process of removing the stock illuminated polar finder scope inside the iOptron SkyGuider Pro. Next, youll want to find the latitude and longitude coordinates for your location. As you may already know, the SkyGuiders job is to accurately track the apparent motion of the night sky for long-exposure astrophotography. This is the official companion app for Star Adventurer mini camera mount manufactured by Sky-Watcher. Use this app to program the Star Adventurer mini for astrophotography and time-lapse photography. The NexStar series of SCTs have been around for over a decade, and I was finally able to experience this beginner-friendly telescope for myself. Your job is to align these two indicators with each other by making adjustments to the alt-az adjustments knobs on the mount wedge. I want to buy one and be done rather than wish Id upgraded later. The free version simply called "Polar Scope Align" includes: Wizard to calculate your reticle centering offset and correct or compensate for it. If you've used an older version of SkySafari, here's what's new: Turn the knobs a few times while looking through the polar scope. I rather not have to pay for an app but if the iOptron app is more precise, $2 isn't going to kill me. Ill attach my newly acquired Canon EOS 60Da to the RedCat, with a dual-bandpass narrowband filter inside (2 Optolong L-eNhance). Related Post: The best astronomy and stargazing apps for your mobile phone. OpenLiveStacker - live stacking open-source software/app for Linux and Android. PolarisView is a useful utility to assist you while you align your GEM or equatorial mount for your telescope for your An app for Astronomy and Astrophotography enthusiasts. It includes basic tools for leveling your equatorial mount (spirit. Sorry for the novel and thank you so much for your opinion! I think this is the easiest visual way to Polar Align, when you get used to it, it can be done in under 10 mins. PolarAligner Pro (Astro Tool) The version of the iPolar I have came with an adapter to externally mount the device to the SkyGuider Pro. ASICAP can help you control the camera to do Video recording and picture saving. Please Note: The database has recently been updated. or to your computer?, to take the black photo and to take the 4 star photo. MySiderealTime is a useful Sidereal Clock utility to assist you while you use your telescope and mount during your astronomy viewing session or for your night of astrophotography. For some reason, it is very easy to point the polar scope at the wrong star, especially if you are in a hurry, usually one on at a similar altitude. There is no menu button. Upgrade your iOptron SkyGuider Pro with iPolar (Review) - AstroBackyard iOptron polar alignment app vs PS Align - Cloudy Nights Alternatively in theory you could do this: Late June may have the shortest nights of the year, but it sure beats spending extended periods of time outside in the cold winter months.