I've used both of these, the PoleMaster on a HEQ5, and the iPolar integrated into an iOptron CEM26.
I think it basically comes down to preference. The PoleMaster is more widely recognised by other software, as has been mentioned; the iPolar has (I think) a slightly less complex interface to use. I've achieved accurate polar alignment with both.
One Caveat: when I first got the CEM26 with the iPolar, I had difficulties in the plate solve for correct polar alignment. It appears that the GPS unit for the CEM26 (which I purchased separately) kept defaulting to the Northern hemisphere co-ordinates. After much back and forth with the iOptron technical support people (who, I have to say, were very prompt in response and very helpful) the GPS unit was replaced, and all was well.
I should add that using a separate hand-held GPS to enter co-ordinates manually got good results - the issue was with the GPS, not the iPolar. I mention it as something that could happen, not as a certainty. Seems I was the (un)lucky one.
|