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INDI Library v2.0.6 is Released (02 Feb 2024)

Bi-monthly release with minor bug fixes and improvements

Polemaster in KStars

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I vote for this also.
Polermaster and similar polar alginment method been discussed 3 mounth ago in this topic : indilib.org/forum/general/1456-a-complet...for-polar-align.html

Sebastien
7 years 3 months ago #13296

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Replied by Pepe on topic Polemaster in KStars

Hi,

having a pole alignment routine similiar to Polemaster would be great! Works like a charme in Sharpcap 2.9.

Clear skies!
Stephan
7 years 2 months ago #13828

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Replied by Jasem Mutlaq on topic Polemaster in KStars

Can someone write a detailed description of how it works? It captures around polaris then asks you to adjust Alt/Az knobs until you center crosshair into some spot? If this is how it works, then it's mostly done in Ekos by "Correct Alt" and "Correct Az" buttons after you calculate the errors. But I guess it could be more user-friendly. Anyway, write a complete description please.
7 years 2 months ago #13830

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Replied by Pepe on topic Polemaster in KStars

Hi!

I think this paper gives a decent summary:

www.syracuse-astro.org/pdf/2012_August_R..._Alignment_Scope.pdf

CS
Stephan
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7 years 2 months ago #13833

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Replied by Pepe on topic Polemaster in KStars

there is also a git hub project (github.com/ThemosTsikas/PhotoPolarAlign) which refers to yet another paper:

www.considine.net/aplanatic/align.htm
7 years 2 months ago #13834

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Hi Jasem,

you may find several videos on youtube descripe the QHY Polemaster procedure. This one is particulary intersting:


An advantage I see in such method is that it allows you to align the mount without the need to load it with the whole equipments. Indeed, mount like the EQ6 are _very_ difficult to adjust in ALT once loaded with the OTA and the counter wheights.

Sebastien
7 years 2 months ago #13845

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Replied by Jasem Mutlaq on topic Polemaster in KStars

Thanks. I'll add this to my TODO list. Will announce when it is ready for testing.
The following user(s) said Thank You: Vincent Groenewold
7 years 2 months ago #13859

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Replied by Jasem Mutlaq on topic Polemaster in KStars

So some update on this. All the methods assume a fairly wide FOV. In my setup, I have less than 1x1 degrees with main camera and even less on guide cam. Here are some issues:

1. Small FOV? Sometimes even the NCP is not in the image (in my case at edge on parking)
2. Southern hemisphere?
3. Astrometry fails close to celestial poles. Maybe large FOV resolves this?
4. Possible to do astrometry father away from poles, but even then, WCS info would be unreliable this close to the poles.

So how to proceed with this? It's possible to continue using the existing method which is slower than Polemaster but it works on each axis independently. FITS View is now embedded in Align module so it is possible to show visual cues on how to move and adjust without leaving the screen. If there is a method that can work with all the limitations above, please let me know.
7 years 2 months ago #14155

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Replied by Jasem Mutlaq on topic Polemaster in KStars

So it appears most problem are related to FOV issues. I'll try to see if I can solve today with ASI120M on Orion 50m guide scope.
7 years 2 months ago #14162

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Replied by Pepe on topic Polemaster in KStars

Hi,
the windows software sharpcap 2.9 implements the polar alignment routine. The author mentions that it works best with a finder scope of about 200mm. It seems that his software is not perfectly working at other focal length. I think he mentioned that somewhere in a forum posts ... which I can't find right now.

Maybe this helps:
www.sharpcap.co.uk/sharpcap/polar-alignment

I have seen many posts that report arc minute polar alignment using a simple viewfinder within a couple of minutes.

Best wishes
Stephan
7 years 2 months ago #14163

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Replied by Kevin gurney on topic Polemaster in KStars

I am trying to transition to Indi from Windows and Polemaster is on my critical path...
I have to say the QHY software is great - it takes you step-by-step through capture/solve/adjust sequence so a Linux version would be very welcome. (Its all done in 5 minutes max )

On the comments about FOV - yes, the FOV is big on the dedicated QHY polemaster cams, but having this routine available for people with these cams would be a huge first step..
In any case, I often do a quick-and-dirty adjustment first using the polarscope and one of those NCP location apps. I think this should get polaris in the FOV for most finder scopes. I take the point that solving may require a large FOV. However, if sharpcap are advertising it I presume it can be made to work for sufficiently small finderscopes - indeed on their site it says "A field of view in the camera of between 1 degree and about 2.5 degrees". I reckon a lodestar on a William optics 200mm finderscope has an FOV just short of 2deg.

many thanks

Kevin
7 years 1 month ago #14447

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Replied by Robert Porter on topic Polemaster in KStars


Having just got my Polemaster a couple days ago and barely had any time with it. I did want to point out that there is a Linux version.
Download: www.qhyccd.com/index.php?m=content&c=ind...atid=136&id=32&cut=2
Directions: www.qhyccd.com/index.php?m=content&c=ind...atid=136&id=32&cut=2

I have not tried it (YET) so as they say YMMV.
4 years 6 months ago #43270

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