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PolarAlignMax does not use the drift method so is quite different to many of the tools previously mentioned. If you're not familiar with astrometric star catalogues or the act of plate solving, you're going to be in for a steep learning curve. It should be noted that plate solving requires the output image to be in FITS format. This is due to the FITS format header having RA and DEC coordinates in which the plate solve software will use to reference the appropriate catalogue as it attempts to match the star pattern of the image FOV. This implies that you are using software that;
a) supports the FITS format
b) supports the camera you're using
c) you've got the appropriate star catalogue installed
d) platesolving works fine (may sound easy, but it usually doesn't work "out of the box" requiring configuration of magnitudes to search etc.)
Despite its overhead's i.e. quatity of dependant software, it is very efficient at getting close polar alignment within a short period of time. In the past, i've got approximately 40 arcsec alt/25 arcsec azimuth from the pole within 10 minutes. The speed/accuracy of the tool makes it appealing for portable set ups in the field, though you'll obviously need a laptop to drive it. In short the PolarAlignMax process is a cut down version of TPoint operations in that it maps a few points across the sky via plate solving, then calculates the pointing error based on the map points, this in turn translates to how far off you are from the polar axis. Not as advanced as TPoint as it does not store modelling parameters, but effective at sole function of streamlined polar alignment.
I've not had much exposure to WCS, eqalign etc, but used PEMPro extensively. Works similar to the other tools in that a camera monitors the drift. PEMPro makes it a breeze. Even if you move the mount considerably in either Alt or Az, it will automatically re-acquire a star to continue the drift process. For permanent set ups, drift alignment is the most accurate, but yes, it takes time. However, it need not be as it depends on your goals. No point ensuring there no drift over a 30min period if you're only going to take 10min subs. Clearly for a permanent set up, you can really get the mount dialled into the pole...and its worth your effort. Again, PEMPro has some software dependancies, so check the requirements. It works fine with web cams and its desirable to have an ASCOM compatible mount...these days there aren't many computerised GOTO mounts that aren't ASCOM ready. The ironic item with PEMPro is that its Polar Align Wizard is really an after thought given the primary purpose of the software is to reduce your mounts periodic error. This makes the investment in such software easier to swallow. Its like a swiss army knife to tune your mount to the best of its ability.
Much of what I've stated is probably off topic for many, so apologies. I only own one eyepeice - a dusty, scratched, but trusty illuminated recticle eyepeice. It does the trick when high tech methods fail.
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