Thread: Polemaster
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  #7  
Old 03-04-2017, 08:15 AM
glend (Glen)
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glend is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Lake Macquarie
Posts: 7,121
Chris is correct, when Polemaster was first released it was a great concept for some mounts that were supported. However, it has been made somewhat redundant by Sharpcap 2.9 which provides SCP plate solving in its PA tool for free. Yes Sharpcap is a free download, and you get the star maps for northern and southern hemisphere built in. Runs on any lowend Netbook or laptop, and you just need any simple webcam to make work. Imagers can use their main camera or guide camera, visual guys can just stick a webcam or cheap ASI in the focuser. Works very quickly in a two step process, takes maybe three minutes to get sub 10 arc sec accuracy. You don't need internet access for the plate solve as its built in, and the mount does not even need to be powered up.
I was about to order Polemaster when i heard about Sharpcap and decided to try it. For me it is a perfect solution. However, if i had purchased Polemaster first then i would be happy with it, provided it could be used on my mount ( and on new mounts like the CGX that was not possible).
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