Polarie Polar Meter

[iceman]

After having used Fred's up at IISAC2013, I loved it and wanted one!

So I bought one from Steve at MyAstroShop (http://www.astroshop.com.au/products/details.asp?id=MAS-022A2). Only $64.95 and well worth it to get quick, accurate alignment.

1. Just set the unit to the latitude of where you are, eg: 32deg.
2. Attach it to the hotshoe mount of the polarie.
3. Adjust your tripod ball head until the compass on the Polar Meter points to 180 (adjust for magnetic declination, so here I set it for 168deg).
4. Adjust your tripod ball head until the bubble level on the Polar Meter sits in the middle of the circle.

That's it!

Note: ensure camera is not attached to the polarie, because it will affect the compass measurement.

Using this method alone I was able to get 2-5 minutes (depending on focal length) with no trailing. Didn't even use the polar scope. And it can be aligned in like 60 seconds! Magic!

I'd recommend it to anyone with a Polarie! :)

[Octane]

Yep, love it. :)

Only problem is, now that I now know what Beta Hydrus, Gamma Octans and Sigma Octans look like -- the polar scope works incredibly well. I'm getting 8 minute exposures at 40mm. :O

H

[iceman]

Yeh agree, if you can see Octans etc from your location, then the Polar Scope is always going to be more accurate.

But from my location (looking south towards Sydney, as well as trees in the way) I can never see it so this works great.

[lacad01]

:eyepop:that's brilliant. I've beein using my iPhone with various apps to align and level it but the beauty of this is that it's pretty neat sitting in the hot shoe slot...could be tempted :)

[Irish stargazer]

Mine just arrived a few hours ago. Looking forward to trying it tonight and see how long my 50mm lens will track for.

[ving]

looks nifty!

[leon]

Hi Guys it seems that these little Polarie tracking gadgets are worth trying out, where would be the best place to get one of these please.

Thanks Leon

[Irish stargazer]

myastroshop.com
Mine arrived within 2 days via registered post.

[steve000]

Can this be modified to work on an EQ6 for example? such as attaching it accurately to a dovetail?

[h0ughy]

they are great. I had the honour of testing one for Steve and compared it to other compasses (read the same as the others so OK) and provided you get the latitude right you can get rough polar aligning very quickly, then i use the polar scope for an accurate alignment.

[bartman]

My thoughts too Steve000!!!!!
Especially like what Mike has.....poor view of Octans ( due to light and obstructions)
Would'nt use my scope , but stick the DSLR on it.....and bingo!
Cheers
Bartman

[Irish stargazer]

Just took this shot before the moon rose. This is a 3 minute exposure with a Canon 7D and a Sigma 50mm lens on my first attempt at using the polar meter. I stopped it right down and reduced the ISO to minimum to avoid over exposing the frame in the twilight. Bear in mind that this is an APS sensor so the focal length is nearer 75-80mm. I have included a crop of M42 heavily zoomed in. Being near the celestial equator-this is as hard as it gets tracking wise

I am pretty impressed with the polar meter. Only took 30 seconds to set up the alignment.

However, when I pointed it towards Crux I started getting significant tracking errors. I wonder if it is slipping or the setup imbalanced. Anyone else experience this problem?

[steve000]

Im thinking it will be a quick rough alignment when you are mobile like camping or another site other than home, even at home I guess it will have a use. Once aligned then do some drift and you are good to go in 20mins or so?
I suspect this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Deluxe-Photo-Vixen-Dovetail-with-2-x-1-4-Camera-Screw-/261189727667?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cd01ef5b3
with
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Flash-Hot-Shoe-Mount-Adapter-to-1-4-Thread-For-Studio-Light-Stand-Tripod-/251217344141?pt=AU_Cameras_Photogra phic_Accessories&hash=item3a7db8768d
attached and aligned as accurately as possible would do it. You could get a 1/4 bolt from bunnings and an already owned dovetail to have a go at it.

So.... Who wants to try it?

[gregbradley]

Same. I am ecstatic to finally be able to polar align anything using a polar scope since I started in this pursuit. It is relatively easy as long as you don't bump the ballhead tightening it up once its aligned.

Greg.

[leon]

Thanks for your assistance.

Leon