Is it possible to...

[Rod-AR127 (Rod)]

I currently do not have a goto mount. I use an Exos-2 EQ mount for my new SW ED72 and it is rock solid.

Is it possible to attach a guidescope and plate solve to get PA by doing everything manually or will any software operating the guidescope on my laptop be looking for motors and EQ mount model names etc?

Could l then use plate solving to locate objects in the sky that l can't find due to LP?

I will be getting a goto mount in the near future but if l could get a guide scope first and lesson the need for a goto mount, l could save and get a better one.
Clear skies, l wish mine were.

[oska (John)]

I could be completely wrong but NINA has a 3 point polar alignment plugin that has a manual mode that might do what you want.

[Icearcher (Chris)]

I dont believe that something like sharpcap needs to see any motors to do its PA routine.

Iv used it for a while and I always PA before turning on the mount.

Also, depending on the camera and software, you might not even need a separate guide scope to do the job, apparently, Sharpcap can now connect to canon and nikon cameras. I haven't tried it yet though.

[ChrisV (Chris)]

Yep. Sharpcap polar alignment is done manually. You point near SCP, it plate solves, then you manually rotate RA by about 90deg, plate solve, then twiddle alt/az to get PAed

[OzEclipse (Joe Cali)]

Peter Osmond gave an interesting talk at NACAA about a DIY pointing system he designed and built.
https://nacaa.org.au/2022/event/1926
I think you need to join an create an account for access to the videos of the talk.

I think the videos are by session so you’re going to have to fast forward through the first 45 min talk to get to Peter’s talk that was second in the session.
Joe

[Rod-AR127 (Rod)]

Thankyou for all the input, gives me hope of knowing what I'm looking at.
After bouncing back and forth between a AZ GTi with wedge, EQ3, 35M, HEQ5, the iOptron Skyhunter which is too new and not sorted yet, as is the new SW one plus not available yet.
Then the price of a camera, looks the a little AZ GTi might be the go plus l can afford it and fly to country Victoria to my brothers farm.
My head is spinning.

[Icearcher (Chris)]

Dont rule out the Star Adventurer GTi.

Its light, its portable, it runs off AA batteries, can be controlled from your phone.

I have mine running next to me right now and Iv got 10 and 15 mins subs with perfect stars, guiding of course.

I have the same scope as you and with a canon 600d and guide package, I'm only at 3.6kg so well within spec.

I know a few people here have had bad ones but mine has been flawless so far.

Im currently imaging the Tarantula Nebular and my guiding is sitting at 0.18 RMS.

Keep it in mind, im really liking mine.

[Rod-AR127 (Rod)]

Last l looked it was out of stock but it appears that is not the case. I'd dismissed it and the SkyHunter. I've just gone full circle like a dog chasing it's tail.
I've asked my preferred retailer, not the cheapest one though, if they would be happy to test one for me before sending it, if they have or can source one.

Back to guide cameras and plate solving where l was heading, looks like it's not a whole lot cheaper than a goto mount and still availability issues with the cheaper models. I've only scratched the surface though.
Thanks again.