Polar Alignment Tool

Somewhere to ask questions about the best way to use SharpCap
Forum rules
‍

If you have a problem or question, please check the FAQ to see if it already has an answer : https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/sharpcap-faqs
Post Reply
rfa
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2018 10:34 am

Polar Alignment Tool

#1

Post by rfa »

Hi all,
I use SharpCap for precise polar alignment.
My last alignment 1 month ago showed a total failure of 6 arcsec. Nevertheless during observation stars drift. During 5 h 18 min the drift is RA 2.0 arcsec DEC 4.2 arcmin! This differences are measured between first and last picture using astrometry.net.
It seems to me, that the polar alignment is worse than shown by SharpCap. What could be the reason for that?

During the polar alignment SharpCap akss you to turn the scope in RA 90 degrees. Does it have to be exactly 90.0 degrees, or is approx. 90 degrees sufficient? Since I did not adjust precisely 90 degrees, this might be the only failure I can imagine.

Has anybody similar experiences?

Thanks for help. rfa
User avatar
admin
Site Admin
Posts: 17492
Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2017 3:52 pm
Location: Vale of the White Horse, UK
Contact:

Re: Polar Alignment Tool

#2

Post by admin »

Hi,

the exact angle does not matter at all - anything from about 30 degrees to 120 degrees will work.

There are a number of reasons that you might get incorrect results - it's worth checking out the troubleshooting list to see if any might apply to you : https://docs.sharpcap.co.uk/4.0/#Troubl ... 0Alignment

Hope this helps,

Robin
Post Reply