PA and PHD2

Using SharpCap's Polar Alignment feature
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Chuck
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon May 14, 2018 12:07 pm

PA and PHD2

#1

Post by Chuck »

My question is about obtaining an "Excellant" PA via SharpCap. I have gotten pretty good at bringing the two parallel lines together and obtaining an excellent PA..............howerver....then when I start to guide via PHD2 and utilize the Guiding Assistant, the GA always informs me that the PA error is 5 arcmin or more sometimes. I don't understand it and it leaves me fairly confused as to what is correct.....PHD2 or SharpCap. Thanks for any help on this issue.
Chuck
Posts: 14
Joined: Mon May 14, 2018 12:07 pm

Re: PA and PHD2

#2

Post by Chuck »

I just saw the losing Polar Alignment thread that talks about the same issue that I am having......I have not bumped the mount and everything is nice and tight, including the knob that holds the mount to the tripod. This issue happens every imaging session.
cuivenion
Posts: 227
Joined: Wed Feb 15, 2017 7:37 pm

Re: PA and PHD2

#3

Post by cuivenion »

If you're on grass your tripod might be sinking. You have to make sure it's well bedded into the ground before putting your scope and weights on.
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oopfan
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Re: PA and PHD2

#4

Post by oopfan »

This past weekend I watched a YouTube video produced by PHD2 that talked about their polar alignment feature in great detail. The thing that struck me was their use of the term "cone error". I know what cone error is, and I know that Robin knows what it is. I would be shocked if SharpCap's Polar Alignment function did not account for cone error. So what I am suggesting is that PHD2's Guide Assistant is giving you a number that includes cone error.

Brian
Chuck
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Joined: Mon May 14, 2018 12:07 pm

Re: PA and PHD2

#5

Post by Chuck »

That's a very good point about the grass....I am on grass but on a doubled over tarp but the mount was standing firm. Thanks for the info on cone error...I will check into that and how to improve upon it.
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turfpit
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Re: PA and PHD2

#6

Post by turfpit »

Have a look at ConeSharp https://www.sharpcap.co.uk/conesharp. This might assist with any investigations.

Dave
Oshimitsu
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Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2018 6:56 am

Re: PA and PHD2

#7

Post by Oshimitsu »

I can't see how cone error would affect sharpcap because its using the plates to make a circle.
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