SharpCap Forums

Have Losmandy GII Gemini 2. Astro Tech 111 main, Astro Tech 80 Guide scope, ASI 120MC guider. Downloaded SharpCap Pro.

Want to use Polar Align and Plate Solve features. Using Canon T2i currently. Will purchase ASI 294 or comparable model soon. Bortle 5 skies, plan on 30 sec. subs and stacking.

Use Hand box currently with 14' ext., and can use from inside house. My question is:

Understand Polar Align integrated in SharpCap, but need to download Plate Solving Software. Which Plate Solver works best with SharpCap?

No Planetarium software yet. Do I need that for Plate Solving??? Like to use just Handbox for now.

I need simplicity, not too smart...ha...

Thanks....Gary in Oklahoma City

Hi Gary,

You don't need to install plate solving software to use the polar alignment in SharpCap. SharpCap has its own built-in plate solving algorithm and database for that purpose (the database only covers the area within about six or 7° of the pole mind you).

You can, if you want, use a full plate solving program from within SharpCap to work out where your telescope is currently pointing. If you want to do that then you need to install one of AstroTortilla, ASPS or AnSvr on your PC along with the appropriate index files. Once this is installed SharpCap should detect it automatically and enabled the plates solving menu item.

Cheers, Robin