Wanted: Polar Alignment Software

[John K]

Just wondering if anyone has come across any software that is dedicated to helping telescope users drift align using their computer and a CCD or web cam?

I downloaded a program called PolarAlignMax which essentially tells you how far from the pole your polar axis is and in what direction you need to move it in, but it is only usable with certain goto type telescopes and software.

p.s. I am aware of K3CCD being able to measure drift. I am interested in the next step which is the program telling you which way to shift your polar axis.

[seeker372011]

I havent tried it myself but Gerry Aarts reckons this software is great

http://www.andysshotglass.com/StarTarg.html

I intend to check it out myself one of these days

[allan gould]

Try the program WCS. Use a webcam and mark a star and then it tells you how much to adlust mount in alt and az for perfect polar alignment.
http://wcs.ruthner.at/index-en.htm

[Richard Kinsey]

There is a comprehensive list of polar alignment software on the following web page

http://www.rkastro.net/polaralignmentsoftware.html

[steve000]

poasting to remember thread :P

[iceman]

You can subscribe to a thread without posting in it :)
Just click 'Thread Tools' and 'Subscribe to Thread'.

[p1taylor]

Hi John,
The best and simplest I have found is CCD DRIFT METHOD just type that in to get it, method is by Robert Vice, only takes 125 seconds to do and is accurate if you do it longer it is beater, I do 305 seconds.

peter

[White Rabbit]

PHD believe it or not. Someone posted a link to this site a while ago http://njstargazer.org/PolarAlignment.asp and it works really well and really quickly to.

I use align master to get me close then use phd to really fine tune it.

[Tandum]

I also use PHD to align the mount. It's pretty easy with a widefield guide scope. It gets a lot more knife edge with a long FL scope. Use very small adjustments with a long FL scope I guess or it will drive you to drink :P

[troypiggo]

+1 :thumbsup:

[allan gould]

+2 :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: