QHY PoleMaster Review (Precise Polar Alignment)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ย. 2024
- QHY PoleMaster: bit.ly/337Q4iu
PoleMaster Adapter for EQ6-R/CGEM Mount: bit.ly/3gHbMgp
QHY PoleMaster Electronic Polar Scope Review
The QHY PoleMaster was designed for one thing, to make your polar alignment routine easier.
No matter which camera tracker or telescope mount you’re using, when it comes to astrophotography, accurate and precise polar alignment is critical.
Full Review: astrobackyard....
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#astrophotography
I love my QHY Polemaster, it is absolutely crucial in the southern hemisphere for a quick and accurate polar alignment.
I have the polemaster too, and I'm in the Southern Hemisphere (Brisbane, Australia), but haven't used my unit yet (still need to get my EQ6 mount working before I get that far lol). How easy is it to align in the Southern Hemisphere?
@@davepastern it's too easy. Period haha. I remember the first time I used it, super simple. Especially if you've watched a tutorial video already.
It was so fast and easy that I thought I had to be missing something but my images spoke volumes. You will not regret that piece of equipment!
@@Jubilee-wf7lk yes, that is why I bought it. But, I can't use it until I get my mount fixed (I'm not working at the moment...).
@@danfactor123 Excellent! I don't know the area around Octans very well, and I have 2 very bright street lights in that general direction that pretty much wash out all stars to the direct South (even mag 1 stars). What I plan to do is to set the scope up South (offsetting from magnetic south via the difference between magnetic and polar south of course using a compass). Hopefully that's good enough to get Sigma Octans in the field of view of the QHY Polemaster and voila...it does look very easy - have watched around 5 or 6 TH-cam tutorials on it in the past week.
@@davepastern the field of view is quite large, and when you connect it's essentially a live view. Finding Sig. Oct. is easy peasy for us. Did you see the tutorial by AstroNZ? Andrew does a good job of explaining it.
Hey Trevor, I live in Brazil (Southern Hemisphere), where there is no Polaris. This little thing changed my life!
Useful for finding Sigma Octans I imagine!
Advise: As someone said here, when you install the camera (as you are looking at the camera) have the cable go off to the left, then your screen will show what the camera sees in the same orientation, this way you move your azimuth bolts to move anything left/right etc.
Second, when it says do you want to use the same position as last time? CLICK YES. you never have to do that rotate 30° again. Its already got your mounts rotation stored in it. I have the EQ6 mount. Trust me, let us help you like you have helped us.
Trevor, a couple of tips.
1) Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to fine tune the alignment.
2) When attaching the camera point the cables to the left (possibly right for North Hemisphere) so that the image displayed is the right way up. It makes the fine tuning easier when adjusting RA and Dec 👍🏻
Add to these tips 30 deg is roughly 3hrs on your clock, second the white circle thats magnifying your stars in the top left can be used to fine tune the red and green boxes in the final process
umm, I point my PM USB connector to the left and I'm in the N. Hemisphere. I always thought my image was upright, now you have me guessing. I'll double check it the next time.
KillTheIrishman can you explain this in more detail. I believe my PA is off because I don’t think I’m going 30°
@@JohnS916 There is no mention of Northern or Southern hemisphere when attaching the polemaster to your mount. This is from the pdf user manual:
In use, place the camera (with its camera base disc attached) onto the mount ring and secure the camera in place by tightening the
thumbscrew. The USB port of the camera should be directed to the left side when you are facing the camera.
Just learning how to use this polestar for the first time and i pointed it at myself after connecting it to my pc. With cables pointed to the left, i could just barely make out that my face was upside down
Had one for about two months now, saves my knees, but was never happy with it until I went on TH-cam an found a video showing how to adjust focus !, mine was off but now it’s pin sharp, what a difference 😊😊
I've had one for years. 100% agree with the review. An indispensable piece of kit as far as I'm concerned.
Cheers Tim, thanks for sharing that!
The full moon is a beast. I went out last night and thought I could get some Orion; anything past 40s exposures I was getting washed out. My guide scope was having a hard time detecting stars. I'll never underestimate the full moon again.
even a half moon shooting m106 makes the guidescope see 2 stars at b4 xD. kills imaging
“Look at all those cables, when did this happen” 😂
Wow! This thing is neat. I used it for last night's full moon on 3-7-23. I had to back off on the exposure cause the sky was so bright. Then I had to learn how to rotate the mount properly. If you turn it too many degrees east the mount to stop and it gets hung up. Once I figured the rotations it was easy to get Polaris in the rotating circle. I then used the fine tune function and nailed it! I could then proceed with my 2 star alignment procedure then hooked up my camera to image M 35. I know I will do better the next time I go out when the moon is absent. I got a good deal on Cloudy Nights so it didn't cost me the full retail price. Trevor, it sure helped to watch your video before using it cause I took detailed notes to get me started. I'm relatively new at this astrophotography stuff so I like to view helpful videos on imaging.
I've been using polemaster for a few months now. Best thing I've ever brought for my astrophotography set up
Hi Trevor, I noticed in one of the shots of your scope you still have the Asiair mounted on it. I'm using the Asiair and with the new firmware version Zwo has included a Polar Alignment routine. Perhaps you could do an update to your Asiair review to include that.
Love your videos, they've taught me a lot.
Trevor, A couple tips for you.
1) As noted in the comments use the right and left arrow keys to move the circles instead of the slider.
2) The gain does not have to be very high to see stars, It's a very sensitive camera. You are correct setting up with Polemaster is nice just before dark so all is aligned before goint to target, :)
3) as DanFactor noted placing the cables (connection) in the correct orientation makes the alignment go much faster.
I've been using this for over a year now and since I am older and don't do well on the ground looking through the finder scope to polar align was the main reason I purchased this PoleMaster in the first place. This was a very nice investment to my setup. I don't even do a one-star alignment. Since I use SGPro for my imaging or APT the target from the goto after a PoleMaster alignment are always spot on with target in the center. I'm usually imaging in about seven minutes from polar alignment. Great intro for the PoleMaster.
Hi Trevor. Love your videos. Can you imagine what the Polemaster means to us in the Southern Hemisphere?!!! It makes life soooo much easier. That being said, finding the correct stars can be a tad tricky but I’m getting better at doing it. Keep up the great work. You’ve taught me so much. Craig - Geelong, Australia
Tips for new PoleMaster users and Mac users. There are two potential issues (typical) that can occur when PoleMaster is used first time. Especially with Mac. Well, one is independent of Mac, second one is very Mac specific.
Issue 1: Stars are out of focus, or you cannot really see the stars in the monitor. Chances are - PoleMaster lens is out of focus. What you need to do is - connect the PoleMaster to the computer via USB cable, start the process (click connect in the window). Then - you have to remove the camera cover - not the lens cover, but camera cover, unscrew the tube protecting the lens. Then - you will see that lens end is ribbed (meant to be held by fingers to rotate). Also - notice extremely small set screw and - PoleMaster comes with extremely small Allen Wrench. Use the Allen Wrench to carefully loose the set screw. Then - start rotating the lens (hold the ribbed tip, as you would when focusing any other lens) until you see the stars coming in focus - in your monitor. The focus thread is very very fine and it may take a lot of turning until you get stars in focus. Once done - tighten up the set screw with Allen Wrench and put back on the lens cover/protector sleeve.
Issue 2 - Mac users: download the driver for Mac, and the PoleMaster software for Mac - whatever is currently offered on QHY website. Go to Finder (of Mac) and go to the folder where the applications are (or Applications folder). Right click the PoleMaster icon to open info panel and click on Get Info. Then - check the box "Open in Low Resolution". This sorts the Mac use.
For Mac users - stars can be out of focus or barely visible for any of these two reasons, and for both of them at the same time (I had this issue).
For Windows users - check the PoleMaster lens focus (Issue 1) and if you had installed the right driver.
Really handy to know - all cleaned and refocused thank you!
Hey Trevor. Just want to thank you, for all of the high quality videos you have been putting out for us. You have been a definite inspiration to my own progression in this hobby and for that, I am extremely grateful. I'm glad you are happy with your Polemaster. I have been using one for a few years now and couldn't live without it at this point. I am hoping to inspire you, to give plate solving a try! Plate solving = No star alignments...ever again. All is handled through ASCOM and the accuracy is amazing. I believe you can download a free demo of Sequence Generator Pro, the software I use. It will change your life and drastically shorten your setup routines. Thank you so much once again, for all you do for the Astronomy community. You are greatly appreciated for sure.
The only problem in your post is how easy you make SGP sound. The software makes me think you have to be a scientist to learn it, lol. I love SGP's potential, but I think getting a double root canal is less painful.
I used to have a dog that looked just like Rudy, only more muscular. She was a Pitt mix, and if anyone ever gets a pittie for home defense, don't waste your money. Mine never met a human that wasn't her best friend. However, if the local squirrels, or any animal, ever decided to break into my house, it will be the last thing they do. My dog did not tolerate other animals in HER nature. Glad to see Rudy make an appearance, as it reminds me of my spoiled, pain in the ass, amazingly wonderful dog. Yeah, our relationship was complicated, lol.
I have had this for a couple of years I picked this up at NEAF 2017 it is a very valuable tool. IT usually takes me about 5 minutes for the whole procedure. I am old and I am tired on being on my knees.
Use it and plate solve on sequence start in SGP, saves me the 1-star alignment. Polemaster was certainly worth the money. By the way, you need to rotate the scope clockwise in RA, just like the arrow on the screen indicates and you'll get away with less than 30 degrees, just make sure your second star moves on the circle while you're slewing back home.
Good video! I have been using the PoleMaster for more than a year here in the Southern hemisphere and it is amazing. I used phd2 drift tool to see the accuracy of the alignment, 3 weekends ago when I shot M83 I got the accuracy down to 0.52' with a single attempt through my off-axis guider on a 2000mm Celestron EdgeHD. This just shows how accurate the Polemaster is and convenient. Just a tip, I rotate my Polemaster 90deg anticlockwise sothat the usb cable is coming in on the right, this allows the stars to move left/right on the screen when you adjust the Az bolts and up/down on the screen when you adjust the alt screws.
I have been using this for sometime now and it is wonderful there are a few tricky thing but if you can get your laptop you are doing the alignment into a warm place it goes even faster. I recent purchase a primalucelab eagle and being able to do all of this inside in a warm place with the track pad makes it even easier. I have no relationship to primalucelab but I am a fan and their computer makes things fast more accurate and gets you out of the cold. Clear SKies.
Great video and tutorial. One thing I notice though in the comments there are a lot of great questions but you only seem to reply to those who give you compliments but haven’t answered any of the questions. I too have a lot of the same questions these coments have so it would be nice to see you answer atleast a few of them. Anywho, great video non the less!
Niko from Nebula photos has great videos and tutorials and is very quick to answer you back
Hey Trevor! Great PoleMaster review sir! I am learning so much from you/your channel n website my friend. I'm still learning as only into astronomy 10 months. Your channel is the business and your website is too. Thank You my friend and please keep 'em coming! Wes.
I just picked up a new EQ6R pro and a polemaster to mount my 70mm Meade Astrograph. I bought all of these based on your experiences. Thanks for all you do.
Anyone know if the EQ6R Pro could support the ES 127 Carbon Fiber (next size up of scope in this video)? My biggest concern is a ZWO AP camera end hitting the tripod.
Finally! Absolutely the best money I've spent on any piece of gear in this hobby...solves so many headaches! Glad you finally were able to try one! I don't think you fully appreciate how amazing it is though unless you've put in time struggling to do PA manually with a scope/reticle kneeling on wet cold ground...first time I used this I had better PA than I'd ever achieved manually, and in a fraction of the time.
YES! Finally! lol - so THIS is what I was missing. No going back :)
The production quality on your videos has gone up significantly! Great work Trevor!
Thanks man - I'm working on it!
I have been watching and learning from you for sometime. I seem to over think stuff but you simplify everything. Once you taste this adventure no stopping. You are hooked. Thank you.
Hi Trevor, The Polemaster certainly cuts down the time polar aligning significantly...more time imaging or observing...I believe you should rotate the USB connector 90 degrees left or right depending on hemisphere location; that way the camera's FOV will show the correct orientation of the stars which you can verify using Stellarium or other planetarium software.
Daniel, I've seen your experience with it as well as have had your one on one demo/guidance that was a lot better than someone trying it for the first time. Someone else mentioned a comparison with Sharpcap. I'd like to see that. (I'll do it myself one day) --- So much wet weather in Sydney makes it hard to get out to try anything.
The big benefit of using Polemaster camera with Sharpcap software is the wide field from QHY camera. Its just 28mm which gives a very wide plate solving in sharpcap. This helps mounts that are poor aligned in the begining. The sharpcap plate solve and polar alignment routine is easier than polemaster. But as I've said it works perfectly with polemaster very sensitive cam.
My favorite part is that it remembers your settings so when you go back you don't need to calibrate you're RA so when you go to a dark site you don't have to start from the beginning.
i think this would would only work if you have a permanent setup as the chances of getting your mount set up in the exact same position when returning to a dark site would be minimal
Hi Trevor, you can also rotate the mount in the direction of the arrow.
In combination with EQMod you don't even need a 1-star alignment.
Polmaster has been my most important investment in my setup so far.
With kind regards.
Welcome to the wonderful world of polemaster. I've been using it for three years and would not use anything else. It's the most important tool in my bag after my camera. Takes five minutes and your done. Tip - when trying to adjust the altitude put your mouse on Polaris so you can see it better in the big circle up at the top. Remember that the live monitor also shows you a blown up view of your model when making your final adjustment.
Trevor hows it going ,,,, I just got the same mount as you the EQ6 pro and was wondering it you use the hand paddle or EQ mod ?
I use EQ mod but sometime run into a problem where the hand paddle would be better to use. Anyway just wondering what you think ...
You should compare it to sharpcap PA as well to see which is easier and usable.
Good review on the QHY! I also use one of these also and it makes polar alignment very simple. I do have a question?? In May 2017, you did a review on polar alignment using Sharp Cap. Which did you like better and do you find one to be more accurate or easier to use than the other. I think it would be a good topic for a head to head comparison between the 2 products. Maybe doing a drift alignment using PHD2 as a gauge? Was there any particular reason you didn't continue using Sharp Cap?
Also curious about Trevor's opinion on Sharpcap vs PoleMaster.
Me too! If the PM is more accurate I feel my wallet coming out again 😯
@@tommyboypackham9668 While I've never owned a PM... a LOT of PM owners have ditched them for SharpCap. If haven't really seen much regarding accuracy (they're both great), but the PM is just another piece of equipment, another cable, etc that isn't needed... if you have a guidescope/cam/sharpcap.
@@MrPhilGainer With all this positive talk about SharpCap, I'm a pleased PM user, but now I'm curious enough to check out SharpCap. I think Trevor should consider doing a comparison review, I trust his opinions highly.
I'm confused. Trevor you thank guys who compliment you but don't respond to questions. Did they give you as in free the new toy? If so are you avoiding answering questions about comparisons to the other technique? I like your videos but aren't an astrophotography. But being honest & transparent is VERY VERY important....just an FYI. Herb
Great, another gadget to add to my list of "necessities" once I start building my setup this fall. Up to $4000 so far :-) Thanks for the review, Trevor!
Outback Wack sounds about right.
Yeah man !! I Decided that's it, I'm not buying more shit, I'll stick to being a visual observer 🤣🤣😁😁
Definitely worth the purchase. Takes less than a couple of minutes on the Sigma Octantis. I find it faster than sharp cap, but that's just my preference.
I feel like a heel here in the midst of all this veneration of the Polemaster. Scenario: Celestron CGX-L with PM mounted in the position where polar scope would be. Windows 10, dry cold front coming in with I'm sure some turbulence going on. My experience didn't match those presented in video 100%. 1. As I rotated the mount with HC, I saw no rotation going on the computer screen "real time." What happened was that after I stopped moving the telescope, after maybe 5 seconds, the change in position suddenly appeared on the screen. 2. The navigation circle in upper left was inconsistent about showing what the mouse was hovering over. 3. When green circle appeared with subject star on it, and I began to rotate back home, the star moved along the circle maybe 20 degrees, then stopped as I continued to rotate back. 4. Circle for Polaris didn't rotate except sometimes when I'd drag the mouse over it. 5. Most irritating of all was that the green box and red circle jumped around in the center of the main screen, never actually appearing on the monitor. Did turbulence cause all this? I can understand the antsy box and circle, but the slow response to my alt/az adjustments? I'd have to wait a few seconds to see the results of my movements.
I wish the PoleMaster did plate solving initially, just to get you in the right area. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, sometimes it's difficult finding the region to get Sigma Octantis into the frame. I've honestly spent 30minutes searching for it a few times.
30 second rough plate solve, then using this function would be amazing.
Once I find the region, I can polar align super accurately with it, so I've no complaints on the device in that sense. It's just the initial config is a pain.
Didn't know if you knew but they have an app for Android. I had heard you saying that the downside was that you had to use the laptop and that it was less portable that way. I have been successfully using the app on my tablet to polar align. You just need to buy a mini USB to micro or USB type c or whatever cable your device takes. Check it out if you haven't yet. Thanks to you I'm addicted to AP now thousands of dollars later and a unhappy wife lol. Seriously though thanks you taught me a lot.
Been looking into pole master and I’m going to get one, no matter how good I try to manual Poler alignment I only can get 120 seconds max anything more star trail are there. I have the older sister mount The Orion EQ-G. Thank you for the review.
My equatorial mount is cheap manual model and lacks a polar alignment scope. I dont wish to invest a whole lot on money into this hobby yet, so I'm really interested in the polemaster option for precise alignment.
I believe my machining skills and milling machine should be up to the task of creating a flat plane and a bore hole with which to install the polemaster mounting plate, so next step would be to disassemble the mount and determine if the machining quality of the manufacturer is good enough to warrant and attempt to make a mount.
Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't SharpCap Polar Alignment doing exactly the same thing for fracture of money PoleMaster cost?
That's what I always use.
But you will need to buy a camera and quidescope in order to use SharpCap. If you look at the combination recommended on the SharpCap webpage, you will very easily spend over $500 (Zwo ASI120 guidecamera + 200 mm guidescope + mounting rings + dovetail adapter + camera adapter + USB cable + camera power supply). Now if you already have all of that because you are doing astrophotography, then SharpCap maybe makes some sense, but if you are mostly doing visual stargazing, you likely won't have any camera attached to your scope, so the PoleMaster maybe looks better to you and costs less up front. It is a complete system for about $300. Also, the PoleMaster is small and largely protected when installed on the mount. Flexure is less of an issue. With a more massive guidescope and camera, you are going to be subject to tube flexure issues. That needs to be corrected before you can get consistent guiding results with SharpCap.
You don't need PoleMaster for visual...
Did you buy this or were you sponsored?
Thanks for this. Taking nothing away from the Polemaster, but I am constantly baffled by the moaning about 'having to get on your knees and squint up' to use a polar finder. Just get a right angle viewer! I'm very new to all this but have had one since my early Star Adventurer days and just lean over: no grovelling required.
It’s funny to hear you mention Planes and satellites. I live in a dark sky area BUT, I’m directly between LAX and SFO so it’s rare that there’s a minute without an airplane in an image. I’m minutes from the ocean so a lot of small aircraft sight seeing as well. Then, starlink.
Just got my polemaster can't wait to use it just need clear skies been watching your video on this. Your videos are excellent my friend. Maybe we will meet at a star party.
Trevor,
Think you missed having to rotate in the direction of the large and obvious big white arrow. But it works the other way too. And you don't even have to go 30 degrees, or just a fraction of a quarter turn.
But I like the very wide field of the PoleMaster. It's pretty good when starting from scratch with a new setup or location. But it also not a substitute for drift align, which will get you even closer. More precise PA is really needed for bigger scopes and their smaller FOV.
Cheers,
John
Hi Trevor...it looks like you may be rotating your scope too much during the routine. It says rotate 30 degrees. It looked like you were up around 90 degrees? Great job on the tutorial!
If I remember correctly, the rotating requires two 30 degree slews which equals 60 degrees total. To be honest, I just wing it as far as how many degrees in RA the mount has traveled.
I was about to buy this I love Trevors review. It has completely put me off. You should have 30 seconds to align polaris not 15 minutes. Thanks so much. Love your reviews.
If you listen to what Trevor says towards the end of the video - it took him about 15 minutes because of him chatting and therefore being a bit distracted. He then states that it will be a lot more quicker after you get used to the software. Like anything, practice makes perfect - and quicker. Though I doubt your figure of 30 seconds very much! I am more than likely going to buy this Polemaster in the next week or so, so yeah, I have looked at a lot of reviews, all of them are very positive. Also, I'm in the Southern Hemisphere where the SCP is a real bugger to find and align with (In built Polarscopes are just about useless in the southern skies!). Anything that makes it easier and quicker is a big plus.
Thanks Trevor, also know they also have a Android app so you don't need to use your computer, I like the app because I can hold my tablet while adjusting the mount and FYI the Polemaster uses a regular micro to usb cable just with no attachment screws! Now on the read your written review! Keep up the great reviews, Christopher
Hi Trevor,
another great video again, thanks ! I was wondering if Polemaster could be mounted on a light weight SkyWatcher Adventurer or iOptron SkyGuider type mounts ? Have you tried it on your iOptron ?
Clear Skies !
I'm wondering the same thing! Did you find an answer?
There is now an adapter for the Sky Watcher Star Adventurer. I just ordered the PoleMaster with this adapter. The plan is to use my Samsung Tablet with the Android App. I will post here when i get some results. I have previously had nightmares with polar alignment.
Hey Trevor, love your new backyard
Looks like Rudy is enjoying it too!
"Look at all those wires. When did this happen". I'm a total noob but I feel you brother.
Nice Trevor. They're good bits of kit, I bought mine late December and love it! I knew it wouldn't take long before the position of your wire was pointed out! Personally I don't think it makes a difference though. Have a good one!
after buying one of these, every time after a proper alignment, those two boxes skip around like crazy for the night.
I also picked up a 294mc pro and all my images are either pink or green.
not happy one bit
Hi Trevor, I have one of these ZWO PoleMasters now. Like you it was a breeze to get the final alignment. However, I am having trouble with the scope looking straight at the South Celestial Pole after the Polar Alignment (Scope is in parked position - set as accurate as one can using an inclinometer). The pole center shows way down in the bottom right corner of the camera frame at prime focus after a 30 min exposure in parked position. The camera is mounted via a Celestron OAG to the rear cell. The field of view for the Canon EOS760D camera is Hor: 37' Vert: 25' so pole is quite a way off by some 22' on the diagonal, yet perfect in the PoleMaster. The result surprises me as quoted PoleMaster accuracy is better than 0.5'. Wondering if you can trow any light on the situation. I note too, on the 1st slew to do a 1 star align it can be 10 degrees away from target, is this normal? (nI am new to Goto Telescope and had a manual Meade C8 since the late 80's. The scope, mount and camera are fairly new. The scope is mounted using a dovetail and very secure, with no movement in screws to fudge a correction in azimuth. The plate the dovetail bolts into has equal tilt when turned 180 deg so square on the mounts axis. Hoping you can advise from your experience or your associates in astrophotography with 8" f/10 SCT's or larger.
Thanx Trevor. I just got into AP in the last 2 1/2 years. Just traded up from a CPC 800 to a Hypertuned CEG mount. For imaging I bought an Orion 8" Astrograph f/3.9 Noot, made for imaging. Will be using a Canon T5i unmod for capture. I am curious as to how to mount the PM on the mount as there is no Polar scope passage through the mount. The PoleMaster is almost the last accessory I am buying now, last will be the guide scope and guider camera. Been looking at an Altair scope and camera. My main concern is going to be getting as close to perfect polar alignment possible. Thank you fort the review and info. You always teach me something I didn't know but with real estate as big as the Universe, you never stop learning. Clear Skies, Radarsski- Pacific Northwest
Phd2 has a similar polar alignment routine. I'm not sure if it's as accurate as the polemaster. It'd be interesting to test.
I've used the phd2 tool to get pretty accurate alignment (better than my polar scope), but it'd be cool to do a comparison.
I've tried PHD2's Polar Drift Align. It's similar to Sharpcap and PoleMaster. I've had significantly better results with Sharpcap. I've not used a PoleMaster.
Man you look so happy in this video :D Keep it up man!
When attaching the camera point the cable to the left
I love your videos. Always great instruction and reviews too, but may I please suggest you lower the volume of the music cuts within the videos. It's far too loud and I find myself constantly having to adjust the TV volume of its late...
No more broken necks and busted knees trying to look through a polar scope. Ill be picking one of these up in a few days.
Perhaps Ashleigh enjoys watching Trevor grovel around on his knees ;)
My only complaint is trying to watch the laptop monitor as I'm adjusting the AZ or altitude bolts getting the cursor to land on Polaris. I always have to move the laptop around so I can watch it while adjusting, not a big deal.
Thanks for a precise tutorial as this makes it so much easier to follow.
I noticed you have the usb cord coming off at 6 o’clock. I thought the instructions tell you to have it at 9 o’clock. Maybe this doesn’t matter?
I suspect it does matter, otherwise the manual wouldn't say to do it that way.
Had the Polemaster for a few years now with my NEQ-6. Haven't used a guidescope or autoguider since. I'm able to take upwards of 10-15 minute exposures with no movement in the stars using the Meade 70mm f/5 that you also recommended.
Is the Meade your guide scope?
I don't believe there is any reason to buy the polemaster when you can use sharpcap. Especially since sharpcap seems much more simple
This... No need to buy a uni-tasker when your guidescope accomplishes the same thing.
@@MrPhilGainer exactly, and just $10 per year for sharpcap? Once you're used to the software it takes 2 minutes to polar align and it isn't as finicky as what the polemaster looks like
I really wanted to do Sharpcap....can't beat the price, and the videos I watched made it look easy. My problem? I rotate my RA 90 degrees and I'm in solid trees...my neighbor's, unfortunately. Hated to drop 300, but the kit works fantastically.
@@jturie did you rotate 90 degrees both ways? No doubt it works perfectly. Phd2 offers a drift alignment function which I hear works perfectly and you don't need to see the pole
@@joshswan5353 Tree city either way....I was actually nervous with the polemaster, but no tree blockage. Hope the tree doesn't continue to grow! I thought about going ASPA with my Celestron mount followed by drift alignment, but...hey, it's only money right?
Hi , Is it me or did you NOT rotate in the direction of the arrow in the first 30deg , interesting thought it didn't matter ;-) great channel by the way
Trevor, great video and review. I'm new at this astronomy hobby and am considering purchasing the PoleMaster , but I see in the comments that some folks think that SharpCap is a better deal. Since I'm a newbie at this I would like to hear your thoughts on this issue. I'm subscribed to your channel and watch most if not all your videos and have been betting a lot of good information and it's helping me move forward. Thanks. Gerry D.
Hi Trevor. Good review but even after using it a few times it still feels like all the steps it asks you to do are a bit too much. I have one but I use the Polemaster with Sharpcap Pro to polar align. Its quicker AND more accurate. I have a similar setup as you. I pick the whole lot up and move it in and out of the house when needed, so no time for any drift aligning nonsense. Using the PM with Sharpcap to polar align, I usually get an RMS error on PHD from 0.6" to 0.9" each session. That's with an AZEQ6. Using the Polemaster software I only ever seen around 1.0"+. Give it a go.
Ps. Sort out plate solving in APT. You will never look back!!!
Now those RMS differences are worth looking in to. Is there an easy explanation how PM dovetails with Sharp Cap?
What are the benefits over sharpcap? It doesn’t look like it’s worth the $ when you compare the process to what I do in Sharpcap for a tenth of the price.
Agreed, I feel he should update this video with a big Caveat Emptor notice. After further looking there are less expensive alignment solutions
You do some really cool things but you need to understand what 30 degree looks like.
If you look at a clock face... 12:00 is at the top, 30 degrees would be at the 1:00 position.... No more and No less.
Polaralignment with Polaris in view is easy - sharpcap or phd2 can do that as precise as the polemaster. Why not use that expensive guidescope/camera with free software? Why buy another one for the same purpose?... but the real struggle is aligning without polaris like in my case. Drift alignment is fine but it takes a lot of time.
Awesome video as always Trevor. Will you be testing the ASIAIR with platesolving in the near future?
I didnt know what the black cover on the front of the mount was for until I read your written review about this PoleMaster two nights ago. What I really like is the apparently dependable and functional software which is included.
What I don't like is that I gotta choose between this and a guide cam, but I've been stagnating on the latter because of in-depth pre-purchase research.
I couldn't see precisely where the Polemaster was attached to the telescope. Or was it the mount. I needed a picture from a bit further away. But I thank you a lot for you videos Trevor. Great stuff
Attaches to the mount's polar scope exit hole.
amazing thank u.....i have my 1st eq,mount ....and is EQR 6 pro....learning how to do right polar align and use for 1st longer expo
Use your right and left arrow keys for easy, precise screen rotation rather than the jumpy slider bar.
Love my Polemaster. Now you need to go to APT plate solving--fantastic.
Aha I just started APT platesolving myself. It's absolutely amazing
I agree! Trevor is using APT since... but he never tried plate solving?
@@realmcerono Looks like another learning curve to tackle. I currently use Backyard EOS, I could be wrong, but I don't think it has the plate solving feature. I was going to research APT anyway, I've heard good things about it and where I see myself using it is if and when I might try narrowband imaging. Backyard EOS is an excellent program, but for DSLR use only. I hear there are some elements in EOS that are similar to APT and that helps understanding APT.
I wish the mount adjusting screws had twice as many threads for easier adjustment.
Thanks for another great video. I haven't been out much in the past year as it seems the clouds always appear on moonless nights. Looks like the polemaster will save me 45 min. of headaches when I do get back out again.
What advice for Polar Alignment when we can't see Polaris?
- My view of the North is totally obstructed by houses and trees.
-- Those trees are nice except for polar alignment.
Good Video Trevor. Seems very authentic and nice!
Every tutorial has the cable facing different direction. Does it matter?
sharp cap for the win...
Since you already have a guide camera you could also use it for alignment with SharpCap, similar routine... :)
Ive seen Sharpcap...but Sharpcap is not on the mount itself..I am sure Sharpcap works good...but with this method, it should be more accurate since it is directly on the mount and with the AVX version that I have, it would attach directly onto the hole the polar scope would use. Sharpcap is probably a solid less expensive way, but if you can get away with a 1 star alignment with this tool, then maybe that makes this a bit better. Not too mention, with Sharpcap, your image train has to be ready to go...if you swap things out, etc, then it can effect the software....Anyway, all good....for me, I am about easy since this hobby has so many moving parts as it is.
Aloha Trevor - thanks for another great video. Do you know if the pole master can be setup to use with a Skywatcher Star Adventurer or can you recommend a device to make alignment easier and more precise? Thanks and take care. Mahalo and Aloha.
I've heard you complain about the wire's several times. Perhaps a wire gantry would help. Looks much like a self service car wash hose hanger.
Hi Trevor. Nice. Do you set up tripod in same exact spot and how often if so does that need to redo the alignment? I'm moving from a pier back to grass at new location and will probably have paver stones with some sharpie Mark's for tripod. Not sure how well that will work.
Am I reading comments correctly that if I use a PoleMaster I don't need a guide scope?
Hi Trevor congratz for another great video.
I use polermaster too, but you can do a review of polermaster vs sharpcap . I have friends that use sharpcap and with very good results too. It will be a nice test/review. Keep the good work and clear skies from Portugal 😉
I've used both side by side and both gave exactly the same results. The only time I can ever recommend a pole master over the £10 sharp cap is for people using an OAG where the fov is too narrow for sharp cap.
Hi Trevor. Another excellent video. I’ve been using a pole master myself for the past six months, it’s so easy to use. No more getting on your knees to look through the poler scope. My knees can’t handle that anymore. You did over do it a bit with the 30deg slew, but as I say, every day is a school day. Keep up the great work that you do bringing your love of the hobby to us all. You bring an enthusiasm to the hobby that helps us through the testing times that we all go through from time to time. It’s all worth it when we achieve the desired picture. 👍Cheers Paul (U.K.)
@@anthonyexmouth i bought polarmaster because in my backyard when i rotate de mount to polar alighment with sharpcap my fov was block by trees and since the polarmaster rotate over the axis i dont have that problem 😉
Thanks for the tutorial! Is there a general concensus regarding what type of Star alignment you should go with after Polar Aligning with the Polemaster (or polar aligning in general)? Or is it simply a matter of how much effort you want to put in for the precision of your alignment?
Hi Trevor and warm hugs from Puerto RIco ,(yep you have followers over here too!) anyways ,my question to you is : there are so much "stuff" out there and its overwhelming ,for example i have the polemaster and i also have a celestron starsense , and my question is , do these two pieces of hardware do the same thing , or they each have an specific job? thank you
Saw the (good) video, bought one, looking at the video a 2nd time... 30 degrees is 1/12 of 360 e.g. only one hour on a clock. Is there a reason to ignore the directions and move it the opposite way? Instructions suggest mounting it to the left in Northern Hemisphere - it makes adjustments more obvious? Using temperature and pressure or just the defaults - are they OK at 40-50 Latitudes?
Hi Trevor. Just wanted to ask, would you recommend the canon 800d (t7i) or canon 80d as a beginner dslr camera for astrophotography?
Both are great options - I've used the 70D for AP (80D is the newer verison) and it was fantastic - the flip out screen is HANDY when focusing/framing.
Mikyle Singh I have used my CanonT7i for about 6-8 months for astrophotography and I’ve really enjoyed it. It was very easy to learn to use. It was my first DSLR also
@@@AstroBackyard Thanks! :)
@@@murf411_4 Thank you! Just want to find out, how does it cope with long exposures, in terms of the quality of the images?
Mikyle Singh it handles long exposures great. I do hours worth of exposures with it every time I go out for a deep sky session. I have a few images on my page I’ve done with it if u wanna see the cameras quality and my Instagram is where I post all my shots it’s @Murf411. I would recommend it forsure but I’ve never used the 80D so I can’t compare the two.
Great video. I was wondering how does the Pole Master compare to the polar alignment feature in SharpCap Pro?
Personally I prefer Polemaster. I did a comparison but I need to redo it sometime. I find the Polemaster just straight up easier to use
I ran both for about a month before selling the pole master. Sharp cap have exactly the same results and almost zero difference in time it takes to use either, sharp cap maybe slightly faster in fact.
Thanks for the informational video. I have been using the Polemaster for some months and it really makes things quicker. I also own the EQ6R Pro and CEM60. The EQ6R guides better with PHD2 when PA is spot on. However, the CEM60 guides WORSE as PA gets better. Did you notice this as well when you used the CEM60 in the past? I hope it's some settings but I've tried everything in PHD2 without success. Congrats on the new home and open sky!
You bring up an interesting and a "WTF" situation. Have you spoken to iOptron tech support about this?
So you are rotating it the opposite direction to the circle on the screen is that right?
Is it important to use the hand controller? I've been releasing the clutch the past 6 months.
first time I see your new backyard, nice!!
this really shouldn't cost more than my entire setup