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Old 11-07-2025, 11:36 AM
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OzEclipse (Joe Cali)
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: '34 South' Young Hilltops LGA, Australia
Posts: 1,484
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Originally Posted by rae View Post
Hi, inquiring about anyone using the skyguider pro and any tips for use. Finding SCP is the most difficult part but have tried using a compass with some success. Have been using a nikon d5600 with a 35mm 1.8 lens and have taken some good pictures. Appreciate any tips or chat with someone else using one. Regards Rae
Compass is fine but you must correct for magnetic declination AND be sure there are no metallic objects nearby to deflect the compass.

If setting up during the day as i have frequently needed to do for tracking total solar eclipses, I came up with the Google Earth Method many years ago and have had great success.

https://joe-cali.com/astronomy/artic...ent/index.html

I have built a device I call APPS (Artificial Projected Pole Star) and can use this at night on any telescope to get precise polar alignment in 3-5 minutes with no drift with a 1300mm focal length over 3 mins exposure.

https://joe-cali.com/astronomy/astro...ool/index.html

I built mine from scraps of aluminium, a $13 laser module, and about $25 of parts from Jaycar for the power supply. I showed a friend of mine who is not so good making things.

He bought a $17 laser pointer, a microphone tripod clip that fitted the laser and a ball and socket to produce an equivalent product. The mount must have an optical polar scope with an accurate centre mark.

Joe
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