Good evening Patriot Astro, Yesterday, I finally tested the plug-in in real situation, one word only, excellent! 0°00"04' on both DEC and ALT, after 10 min. Thank you very much.
UPDATE: If you go into NINA now, and update the plug-in… You can now point anywhere in the sky and are no longer tied to being close to the Meridian or Polaris. It also can be run as a tab in imaging instead of within the advanced sequencer - check out my UPDATE video for more info.
Thanks for this. I am also on Nightly Builds and currently use Sharpcap Pro PA, manually rotating 90 degrees or using EQMOD. I like the idea of doing it all within N.I.N.A. I like to use Anydesk, through an ethernet connected router access point on the scope buggy, operating the scope mounted mini PC. When PA is done I could now press play on the N.I.N.A sequence and go back indoors to the ethernet connected desktop. By the time the kettle has boiled and the tea brewed the first exposures could be on the way. Liking the channel.
Thanks for watching! Having PA in NINA is great, and not needing to be able to see Polaris is even better. I don't have an issue with that at home, but if traveling, it is no longer a worry.
Great video thanks for sharing one thing I did notice is when you have it on the high contrast setting it's hard to see the icon but that's my user error so will try another, I've yet to try it out so hoping to give it a go at a star party next week thanks again & clear skies.
Check on my 'updated' video that came a bit after this one. I show the newer plugin interface that runs out of the imaging tab (it is a bit easier now).
Hello, Patriot Astro, yes, I watched it just after this one. but no good weather at this moment, I'm going to do a test for part one: mount must go south, part 2 I need a sky with stars, for now in Belgium, it's rainning too much. Thanks for the quick response. I will give you the result.
Glad I can help. You could do a dry run indoors at least for the first point. Line it up near the location but indoors and set your Alt Az target. And then start it up. It will fail after slewing to the first location, but at least you can see if you appear to be pointing in the right direction. Might save you a little bit of time when you finally get it out into clear skies. Good luck, and let me know if I can help.
I have reproducibility problems using this. I polar align, start 6 minutes off (I was polar aligned from the night before), and got to well under 1 minute. Redid the polar alignment immediately, and was about 6 minutes off again. With sharpcap when I redo polar alignment immediately, or an hour later it's very consistent. If I get within 30 arc seconds, an hour later I get a similar measurement. Granted, 6 minutes isn't bad, and it's great to be able to do this if Polaris isn't visible, but for me this would be a fall back method rather than a primary method.
Quick Update for you, if you update NINA and the latest plugin version, they have modified the code to allow plugins to 'break out' of the Advanced Sequencer and register as a new tab in the imaging panel. So now, within the imaging panel, there is an easier to use 3 Point Polar Alignment (3PPA) via a tab with no dependency on the adv seq at all!
Thanks - watch the Update version of this video on my channel as well - it includes the latest version of the plugin that can more easily now be run directly from the imaging panel.
See my pinned comment - in the short term, make sure you start near the Meridian or toward Polaris. (Meridian should be easy) Apparently, too far E or W to start can cause an issue until they fix it. Near Meridian is great though!
@@thibaultrouillee2513 Funny, I just published an update to this video where I mentioned two things: 1. The plugin code was updated to work in any part of the sky (not just near Polaris or the Meridian), and 2. That I used my primary camera on my 8 inch SCT @ 1320mm to see how that would work. Well, it works, but at that FL, it is a challenge as small knob movements translate to on screen changes pretty dramatically. Using a guide scope or 200-400mm FL in general, as other PA tools mention, while not a requirement, do make it easier.
You need to be running the v1.11 of NINA (Nightly). You can change the update source to 'nightly' on the Options page where profiles are selected/configured. You can see this option at the very beginning of this video actually. I suggest you also watch my advanced sequencer video if moving to v1.11. While the basic sequencer is still available, you will need the advanced sequencer for the plugins.
I wish the NINA polar alignment just used Polaris, simple for me. In this video, you left Altitude and Az settings at default. So did I, I don't know how to astronomically calculate the settings one puts in there apart from my lat/longs. You don't show in this video your scope slewing when 3PPA is started. I watched Cuiv's, his small scope slewed (I would say "rolled" in RA) about 75 degrees. My rig rolled over 90 degrees and instantly shut down everything due to mount limits in EQMOD. Ok, I now have adjusted my mount limits in EQMOD to allow more than 90 degrees and still not collide with tripod. Should I run 3PPA in Manual?? I dont really understand how to reposition the scope along the meridian line, along the top of the sky. Should I tell it to "start from where I am"? Since my mount is already pointing right at polaris? A NINA newbie has difficulties troubleshooting problems when stuff doesn't work right. Ha, I don't give up easily, and I just want to not damage any equipment until I know what I'm doing. Thanks for your videos, some of them I have watched several times now.
I'm having a big and unexpected problem here that stops my session. Using my very automatic ASIAIR Pro, doing a PA, it would slew the telescope over 60 degrees and after PA, I would slew direct to my target. But in NINA, when I press the button to begin 3PPA, the telescope rolls over to just beyond 90 degrees, and the EQMOD shuts off tracking (Meridian Limit is flashing). Why does it roll so far? What setting did I not know to set? Once it does this, I find the whole setup is locked out and I don't know how to recover from it. Mostly I need to know how to fix it, I obviously in ignorance have not set something correctly or not set it at all. I have a good view of Polaris in my driveway, but there are houses on both sides so the sky to the west is limited, but the mount goes west to more than 90 degrees (2 nights).
I have been using updated plugin for awhile now. Been working great, but all of a sudden it wont even solve the first capture. Just keeps saying plate solve failed. Using a GEM28 mount. Wondering if the time set on mount is different than the time set with NINA, I dont know how to check it.
Great video man. thanks for this very helpful tutorial. My question is this, since i can't see Polaris, do i need to slew first anywhere in the sky? Lets say i want to slew in Antares, can i immediately use the Three Point polar Align plug-in?
The current recommendation is to slew/target near the meridian or towards Polaris if possible. There is a current open issue if trying to use this mechanism to polar align when point farther to the East or West.
So, I've got within ~0.00.50 but every 10 seconds it gets worse and worse 0.01.00, 0.02.00 0.03.00 etc. What else do I need to do to keep it still? It does this on my EQM-35 Pro and UMi 17R so I'm thinking it's user error. I've run TPPA a few times in a row. I'm pointing NE above 50 degrees. Polaris is obstructed from neighbors house. My viable sky is NE- S.
Thanks Chad, great video… just downloaded this plug in… it will be fantastic if it helps me to image from the other side of the house 🏡 where I don’t have visibility of the South Pole… just a quick question? What total error is considered to be a good enough point? I see that I. Your comparison with pole master it’s actually quite good however a rough reference would be great
Depends who you talk to. ;) If you are within 1 arc minute you are fine for long exposures. If actively guiding, even 1-3 arc minutes will work. This method will definitely get you close enough. I hope to finish another video in the next day or two that is in the final editing steps that may give you some additional direction. If you do your Nina and plugin updates you can point anywhere in the sky with success right now. I tested again with a very long focal length scope and found it worked there as well which is uncommon with other methods of polar alignment. It is much more challenging however with a long focal lengths because even the smallest knob adjustment is quite noticeable on screen. Anyway keep your eye out for it.
I don’t have access to Polaris from my backyard. I’ve used Celestron’s All Star Polar Alignment, and Drift Alignment in PHD2. My question, how do these non-Polaris methods compare precision wise to alignment on Polaris? With PHD2 I’m usually happy with alignment error of less than 0.5 arc minutes. I don’t have a frame of reference for how that compares to a pole master or this new method in NINA.
It is difficult to say because you will find some pro's and con's in each mechanism. Whether it be time to complete PA, back and forth versus real-time feedback, Polaris required or not, Northern or Southern Hemisphere viewer, etc. Anyway, I have found them all to be very accurate and quite similar. For me, with Polaris visible, I would choose my PoleMaster... without Polaris, I like the NINA Plugin. Those decisions are based mostly on ease of use and speed of completion. In all fairness, since I am using decent primary mounts with my EQ6 and EQ5 and also guiding with PHD2, I'm not super picky about getting it to perfection. I can get very close and still obtain 5 minutes subs without trouble. Now... When I start using my AZ-GTi here soon, I may have more to tell you because I don't expect the same performance even with guiding enabled. :)
Technically you can use either in most cases. In my video, I used my primary camera but I’m using it on my 61EDPHII telescope which has a shorter focal length. Depending on the mechanism used, you may have more success using your guide camera. Ideally, and this is not a hard fast rule, many of the tools would prefer a shorter focal length in the range of 200 to 400 mm.
Yes but of course some things will require a controllable mount. But once aligned, etc. You can use it to run imaging sequences, etc. Plus use #PPA for polar alignment, etc.
Excellent video Chad, i can't wait to try it, although i am having trouble getting the plugin. i was using an older version of NINA (1.10) so i downloaded and installed the 1.11 nightly versions (32 and 64 bit, i have tried both with the same results) but the plugin tab comes up saying 'no plugins found' and the 'avaliable' world icon and 'check for updates' tab don't do anything either. What have i done wrong please. i am a newbie so technical stuff will probably go over my head. Thanks in advance if you can help me mate.
On the available plugins tab, do you see the list of plugins? If so, click one, then click install in the top right of the plugin page, then shutdown NINA and restart it.
I'm trying to give Nina's tppa a go but it keeps telling me "Telescope cannot move primary axis, this is required for the automated slews around the right ascension axis!" I'm using an heq5 pro with an eq cable, is this a problem with my ascom? I usually use sharpcap for my PA but it would be nice to utilize this when Polaris is not visible.
either ascom or the mount is not connected or is parked. Can you slew the mount manually from the eqascom interface? if not, then you need to get that working first.
Hello, I had recently an issue with this polar alignment plug in. I found that, if I stop procedure while it's running (for example to change position from which I'm going to start it - because plate solving is falling too much time at latest step), my mount it's stopping to track at all. Did you find something similar? Is it a wrong settings I got. In case, please, tell me what I have to change, thanks
Are you using ASTAP as the Plate Solver? Also, watch my Updated version of this video and make sure you are running the latest plugin and NINA. I know lots of people running it without issue, so I think we need to start with making sure it is all up to date, AND that you are using a reliable and very fast plate solver. Let me know.
@@PatriotAstro Yes, ASTAP is my plate solver and YES I've updated NINA as per step in my last astro session- Tomorrow, I'll try again I'll take nopte of all settings and each step I'll do so I can give you more details.
It’s difficult to know without seeing your sequence, assuming you’re using the advanced sequencer. It would be a lot easier though if you used the new version of the plug-in, version 1.2. That version runs from the imaging panel in its own tab. Go look for my updated three point polar alignment in Nina video that I did about a week ago. That one’s easier to run and includes a couple bug fixes… Plus it doesn’t require the advanced sequencer. Let me know if you have any more questions. I’m glad to help.
This might be a really stupid question, but i am a total newb. Do you start with the tripod roughly aligned to North and then slew to a visible part of the sky and go from there or do you keep the mount at the ”home” position and align the tripod towards the visible part of the sky and go from there?
You typically Park at the end of each session (which moves your mount to the home/parked position). Assuming that is the case, and the mount believes it was left in the home/park position. Then at the beginning of each session, you start by roughly aligning the mount/tripod to North (physically). Then in NINA, you connect the telescope(mount) and unpark it. Now you go into the 3PPA plugin and can start by specifying ALT/AZ coordinates as the starting point. If you have a view to the North, you can just start right away. If not, you can find something that should work (remember ALT goes from 0 at the horizon to 90 directly overhead at the zenith, AND AZ goes from 0 at North, to 90 at East, to 180 at South, and 270 at West). Once you start it, it will slew to the starting position and platesolve, then move a bit and solve again, then 1 more time. At this point it knows where the mount is pointing and you can use the Up/Down, Left/Right guidance to move your mounts alignment using the RA and DEC knobs on your mount. Did this help? :)
@@PatriotAstro awesome! Exactly what i needed, and an explenation of ALT/AZ as a bonus. 😁Thank you very much sir! Now, all i need is for the peasoup above to clear up. 😳
Is ASTAP working in general from within NINA? I’m using ASTAP with the H18 database on multiple rigs and it is working fine. I’m assuming you’re running the latest nightly build and update plugin?
Hello, I tried the plug-in a few days ago, on my south side balcony. I start my mount set to north with the azimuth of +/-52°40, the telescope points to the topt roof not the sky. So I turn the mount to the south not too high (again the ceiling that protrudes) and when I start the plug-in, the mount returns to the north without having made a first photo and astrometry, what did I do wrong?
Did you happen to watch my Updated video on this from earlier this week? I adjust my Alt / Az in that video and it may help clear it up. If it doesn't, definitely reach out again. I'm glad to help. Keep your tripod/mount to the North and find an initial Alt/Az that works, from there it should be fine.
Are you meant to be platesolved/synced before you start this process in the sequencer? I have updated NINA and downloaded the plugin, but yet to try it.
Unless you are very far off initially, I wouldn’t think it would be a problem at all since the three-point plate solving will sort itself out during the process. I guess if you were very far off to start, it’s possible that it’s initial pointing might go towards the ground or something crazy. But otherwise you should be fine.
Good evening Patriot Astro,
Yesterday, I finally tested the plug-in in real situation, one word only, excellent!
0°00"04' on both DEC and ALT, after 10 min. Thank you very much.
That is a really good alignment!
Now that I've seen the vid I will try this as it looks quite easy. Thx!
It is quite easy to run through. Just pay attention to Left/Right and Up/Down and you will be done in no time!
Very good, I'm building an observatory without a view of Polaris so this will help a lot.
thanks,
Monty
Great! it will definitely help.
UPDATE: If you go into NINA now, and update the plug-in… You can now point anywhere in the sky and are no longer tied to being close to the Meridian or Polaris. It also can be run as a tab in imaging instead of within the advanced sequencer - check out my UPDATE video for more info.
Ahh, yes, the UPDATED video .. IF only you'd left a link to it in here somewhere? I could have clicked on it. ... lol
Thanks for this. I am also on Nightly Builds and currently use Sharpcap Pro PA, manually rotating 90 degrees or using EQMOD. I like the idea of doing it all within N.I.N.A. I like to use Anydesk, through an ethernet connected router access point on the scope buggy, operating the scope mounted mini PC. When PA is done I could now press play on the N.I.N.A sequence and go back indoors to the ethernet connected desktop. By the time the kettle has boiled and the tea brewed the first exposures could be on the way. Liking the channel.
Thanks for watching! Having PA in NINA is great, and not needing to be able to see Polaris is even better. I don't have an issue with that at home, but if traveling, it is no longer a worry.
Wow, thanx Chad, this is even easier to do, very helpful video and very good explained, thanx a lot !
Great! Glad you liked it. :)
Great video thanks for sharing one thing I did notice is when you have it on the high contrast setting it's hard to see the icon but that's my user error so will try another, I've yet to try it out so hoping to give it a go at a star party next week thanks again & clear skies.
Check on my 'updated' video that came a bit after this one. I show the newer plugin interface that runs out of the imaging tab (it is a bit easier now).
Thanks Chad just watched it
Hello, Patriot Astro, yes, I watched it just after this one. but no good weather at this moment, I'm going to do a test for part one: mount must go south, part 2 I need a sky with stars, for now in Belgium, it's rainning too much. Thanks for the quick response. I will give you the result.
Glad I can help. You could do a dry run indoors at least for the first point. Line it up near the location but indoors and set your Alt Az target. And then start it up. It will fail after slewing to the first location, but at least you can see if you appear to be pointing in the right direction. Might save you a little bit of time when you finally get it out into clear skies. Good luck, and let me know if I can help.
I have reproducibility problems using this. I polar align, start 6 minutes off (I was polar aligned from the night before), and got to well under 1 minute. Redid the polar alignment immediately, and was about 6 minutes off again.
With sharpcap when I redo polar alignment immediately, or an hour later it's very consistent. If I get within 30 arc seconds, an hour later I get a similar measurement.
Granted, 6 minutes isn't bad, and it's great to be able to do this if Polaris isn't visible, but for me this would be a fall back method rather than a primary method.
Awesome! I cant wait to try this.
Quick Update for you, if you update NINA and the latest plugin version, they have modified the code to allow plugins to 'break out' of the Advanced Sequencer and register as a new tab in the imaging panel. So now, within the imaging panel, there is an easier to use 3 Point Polar Alignment (3PPA) via a tab with no dependency on the adv seq at all!
Fantastic video mate! Subbed too
Thanks - watch the Update version of this video on my channel as well - it includes the latest version of the plugin that can more easily now be run directly from the imaging panel.
Awesome ! Thanks a lot ! Can't wait to try it !
See my pinned comment - in the short term, make sure you start near the Meridian or toward Polaris. (Meridian should be easy) Apparently, too far E or W to start can cause an issue until they fix it. Near Meridian is great though!
@@PatriotAstro It worked well. I'll tryto do it with my guide scope next time, it will be quicker than this my main setup.
@@thibaultrouillee2513 Funny, I just published an update to this video where I mentioned two things: 1. The plugin code was updated to work in any part of the sky (not just near Polaris or the Meridian), and 2. That I used my primary camera on my 8 inch SCT @ 1320mm to see how that would work. Well, it works, but at that FL, it is a challenge as small knob movements translate to on screen changes pretty dramatically. Using a guide scope or 200-400mm FL in general, as other PA tools mention, while not a requirement, do make it easier.
Great video. Thank you very much
You are welcome!
Wow. Great video. Thanks Chad. I’ll try. How I install the plugin’s icon in NINA ?
You need to be running the v1.11 of NINA (Nightly). You can change the update source to 'nightly' on the Options page where profiles are selected/configured. You can see this option at the very beginning of this video actually. I suggest you also watch my advanced sequencer video if moving to v1.11. While the basic sequencer is still available, you will need the advanced sequencer for the plugins.
I wish the NINA polar alignment just used Polaris, simple for me.
In this video, you left Altitude and Az settings at default. So did I, I don't know how to astronomically calculate the settings one puts in there apart from my lat/longs.
You don't show in this video your scope slewing when 3PPA is started. I watched Cuiv's, his small scope slewed (I would say "rolled" in RA) about 75 degrees. My rig rolled over 90 degrees and instantly shut down everything due to mount limits in EQMOD. Ok, I now have adjusted my mount limits in EQMOD to allow more than 90 degrees and still not collide with tripod.
Should I run 3PPA in Manual?? I dont really understand how to reposition the scope along the meridian line, along the top of the sky. Should I tell it to "start from where I am"? Since my mount is already pointing right at polaris?
A NINA newbie has difficulties troubleshooting problems when stuff doesn't work right. Ha, I don't give up easily, and I just want to not damage any equipment until I know what I'm doing.
Thanks for your videos, some of them I have watched several times now.
I'm having a big and unexpected problem here that stops my session. Using my very automatic ASIAIR Pro, doing a PA, it would slew the telescope over 60 degrees and after PA, I would slew direct to my target.
But in NINA, when I press the button to begin 3PPA, the telescope rolls over to just beyond 90 degrees, and the EQMOD shuts off tracking (Meridian Limit is flashing). Why does it roll so far? What setting did I not know to set? Once it does this, I find the whole setup is locked out and I don't know how to recover from it.
Mostly I need to know how to fix it, I obviously in ignorance have not set something correctly or not set it at all. I have a good view of Polaris in my driveway, but there are houses on both sides so the sky to the west is limited, but the mount goes west to more than 90 degrees (2 nights).
I have been using updated plugin for awhile now. Been working great, but all of a sudden it wont even solve the first capture. Just keeps saying plate solve failed. Using a GEM28 mount. Wondering if the time set on mount is different than the time set with NINA, I dont know how to check it.
would be nice if the mount corrected those errors automatic, like aligning in astroberry, which closes in to your written down end result.
Great video man. thanks for this very helpful tutorial. My question is this, since i can't see Polaris, do i need to slew first anywhere in the sky? Lets say i want to slew in Antares, can i immediately use the Three Point polar Align plug-in?
The current recommendation is to slew/target near the meridian or towards Polaris if possible. There is a current open issue if trying to use this mechanism to polar align when point farther to the East or West.
@@PatriotAstro thanks man
So, I've got within ~0.00.50 but every 10 seconds it gets worse and worse 0.01.00, 0.02.00 0.03.00 etc. What else do I need to do to keep it still? It does this on my EQM-35 Pro and UMi 17R so I'm thinking it's user error. I've run TPPA a few times in a row. I'm pointing NE above 50 degrees. Polaris is obstructed from neighbors house. My viable sky is NE- S.
Thanks Chad, great video… just downloaded this plug in… it will be fantastic if it helps me to image from the other side of the house 🏡 where I don’t have visibility of the South Pole… just a quick question? What total error is considered to be a good enough point? I see that I. Your comparison with pole master it’s actually quite good however a rough reference would be great
Depends who you talk to. ;) If you are within 1 arc minute you are fine for long exposures. If actively guiding, even 1-3 arc minutes will work. This method will definitely get you close enough. I hope to finish another video in the next day or two that is in the final editing steps that may give you some additional direction. If you do your Nina and plugin updates you can point anywhere in the sky with success right now. I tested again with a very long focal length scope and found it worked there as well which is uncommon with other methods of polar alignment. It is much more challenging however with a long focal lengths because even the smallest knob adjustment is quite noticeable on screen. Anyway keep your eye out for it.
I don’t have access to Polaris from my backyard. I’ve used Celestron’s All Star Polar Alignment, and Drift Alignment in PHD2. My question, how do these non-Polaris methods compare precision wise to alignment on Polaris? With PHD2 I’m usually happy with alignment error of less than 0.5 arc minutes. I don’t have a frame of reference for how that compares to a pole master or this new method in NINA.
It is difficult to say because you will find some pro's and con's in each mechanism. Whether it be time to complete PA, back and forth versus real-time feedback, Polaris required or not, Northern or Southern Hemisphere viewer, etc. Anyway, I have found them all to be very accurate and quite similar. For me, with Polaris visible, I would choose my PoleMaster... without Polaris, I like the NINA Plugin. Those decisions are based mostly on ease of use and speed of completion. In all fairness, since I am using decent primary mounts with my EQ6 and EQ5 and also guiding with PHD2, I'm not super picky about getting it to perfection. I can get very close and still obtain 5 minutes subs without trouble. Now... When I start using my AZ-GTi here soon, I may have more to tell you because I don't expect the same performance even with guiding enabled. :)
Hey dude, love your video thanks. Do I use my guidecam or imaging camera to do the polar alignment? Thanks
Technically you can use either in most cases. In my video, I used my primary camera but I’m using it on my 61EDPHII telescope which has a shorter focal length. Depending on the mechanism used, you may have more success using your guide camera. Ideally, and this is not a hard fast rule, many of the tools would prefer a shorter focal length in the range of 200 to 400 mm.
I have a DSLR, tracker, and manual mount. Can I still use NINA? Can I choose where the 3 points are used?
Yes but of course some things will require a controllable mount. But once aligned, etc. You can use it to run imaging sequences, etc. Plus use #PPA for polar alignment, etc.
Excellent video Chad, i can't wait to try it, although i am having trouble getting the plugin. i was using an older version of NINA (1.10) so i downloaded and installed the 1.11 nightly versions (32 and 64 bit, i have tried both with the same results) but the plugin tab comes up saying 'no plugins found' and the 'avaliable' world icon and 'check for updates' tab don't do anything either. What have i done wrong please. i am a newbie so technical stuff will probably go over my head. Thanks in advance if you can help me mate.
On the available plugins tab, do you see the list of plugins? If so, click one, then click install in the top right of the plugin page, then shutdown NINA and restart it.
no, nothing is on the available tab Chad. i have uninstalled then reinstalled the software and its still the same
Are you running a version of windows prior to windows 10?
If so, you are likely running into a TLS issue and may be somewhat out of luck. :(
I'm trying to give Nina's tppa a go but it keeps telling me "Telescope cannot move primary axis, this is required for the automated slews around the right ascension axis!" I'm using an heq5 pro with an eq cable, is this a problem with my ascom? I usually use sharpcap for my PA but it would be nice to utilize this when Polaris is not visible.
either ascom or the mount is not connected or is parked. Can you slew the mount manually from the eqascom interface? if not, then you need to get that working first.
@@PatriotAstro thanks for responding! I can slew the mount in the eqmod interface but not in nina 🤔
I have been using nina for the past 6 months, plate solving and phd2 guiding works great.
@@midnightowl3945 in nina on the equipment page, is the telescope (mount) connected and unparked, and can you slew from there?
@@midnightowl3945 very odd. have you updated to Beta 2.0 from the 1.11 nightlies and also updated the plugins?
Hello, I had recently an issue with this polar alignment plug in. I found that, if I stop procedure while it's running (for example to change position from which I'm going to start it - because plate solving is falling too much time at latest step), my mount it's stopping to track at all. Did you find something similar? Is it a wrong settings I got. In case, please, tell me what I have to change, thanks
Are you using ASTAP as the Plate Solver? Also, watch my Updated version of this video and make sure you are running the latest plugin and NINA. I know lots of people running it without issue, so I think we need to start with making sure it is all up to date, AND that you are using a reliable and very fast plate solver. Let me know.
@@PatriotAstro Yes, ASTAP is my plate solver and YES I've updated NINA as per step in my last astro session- Tomorrow, I'll try again I'll take nopte of all settings and each step I'll do so I can give you more details.
Do I still use PHD2 while running this or will this interfere with PHD2 commands?
Don't enable guiding until after you are polar aligned, otherwise it wont be much help anyway.
in which version of NINA? version 1.10 HF3 has no plugins
Plugins are added to the nightly version (v1.11). We are north of 1.11.1xx now and it is quite stable and full of great new features.
When I try the 3 polar alingment, does not star the sequence imaging. What could be the problem? Go-to is ok
It’s difficult to know without seeing your sequence, assuming you’re using the advanced sequencer. It would be a lot easier though if you used the new version of the plug-in, version 1.2. That version runs from the imaging panel in its own tab. Go look for my updated three point polar alignment in Nina video that I did about a week ago. That one’s easier to run and includes a couple bug fixes… Plus it doesn’t require the advanced sequencer. Let me know if you have any more questions. I’m glad to help.
@@PatriotAstro Thank you. Problem solved. It was my first experience with N. I. N. A. and I hadn't set up the plate solver yet.
This might be a really stupid question, but i am a total newb. Do you start with the tripod roughly aligned to North and then slew to a visible part of the sky and go from there or do you keep the mount at the ”home” position and align the tripod towards the visible part of the sky and go from there?
You typically Park at the end of each session (which moves your mount to the home/parked position). Assuming that is the case, and the mount believes it was left in the home/park position. Then at the beginning of each session, you start by roughly aligning the mount/tripod to North (physically). Then in NINA, you connect the telescope(mount) and unpark it. Now you go into the 3PPA plugin and can start by specifying ALT/AZ coordinates as the starting point. If you have a view to the North, you can just start right away. If not, you can find something that should work (remember ALT goes from 0 at the horizon to 90 directly overhead at the zenith, AND AZ goes from 0 at North, to 90 at East, to 180 at South, and 270 at West). Once you start it, it will slew to the starting position and platesolve, then move a bit and solve again, then 1 more time. At this point it knows where the mount is pointing and you can use the Up/Down, Left/Right guidance to move your mounts alignment using the RA and DEC knobs on your mount. Did this help? :)
@@PatriotAstro awesome! Exactly what i needed, and an explenation of ALT/AZ as a bonus. 😁Thank you very much sir! Now, all i need is for the peasoup above to clear up. 😳
@@fredrikhansson9626 I wish I could help with that part... I could sell that plugin. LOL
Chad having nightmares making ASTAP work on my nightly build. What platesolver did you use for this video?
Is ASTAP working in general from within NINA? I’m using ASTAP with the H18 database on multiple rigs and it is working fine. I’m assuming you’re running the latest nightly build and update plugin?
Hello, I tried the plug-in a few days ago, on my south side balcony.
I start my mount set to north with the azimuth of +/-52°40, the telescope points to the topt roof not the sky. So I turn the mount to the south not too high (again the ceiling that protrudes) and when I start the plug-in, the mount returns to the north without having made a first photo and astrometry, what did I do wrong?
Did you happen to watch my Updated video on this from earlier this week? I adjust my Alt / Az in that video and it may help clear it up. If it doesn't, definitely reach out again. I'm glad to help. Keep your tripod/mount to the North and find an initial Alt/Az that works, from there it should be fine.
Are you meant to be platesolved/synced before you start this process in the sequencer? I have updated NINA and downloaded the plugin, but yet to try it.
Unless you are very far off initially, I wouldn’t think it would be a problem at all since the three-point plate solving will sort itself out during the process. I guess if you were very far off to start, it’s possible that it’s initial pointing might go towards the ground or something crazy. But otherwise you should be fine.
The only two mentioned reasons you can't see Polaris: Obstructions at home or traveling. Astrophotographers from South Hemisphere: "- Dude..." .
ROFL - I am soooo sorry! I just figured that with the flat earth model, you could make it work. :) LOL