NOTE: The ASI Air software has improved substantially since this video. I no longer manually move the RA-axis, I let the software rotate it 60 degrees for me.
Quick question for you? After you do the polar alignment with the asi air, do you still do a 2 or 3 star alignment with the celestron mount or do you just select targets in the air and let it do it's thing? Thanks.
Hi Cody, what are your setting on ASI air for the Celestron mount? I have a Celestron AVX, when i do the polar alignment, it moves to the 60 degree but doesnt take the 2nd images or shows the next step.
@@christophercraig9295 🤔👍🏼... Same question here. I use a Celestron CGE. Still figuring out what the best way is to set it up. My method now is. Turn on the mount and asiair. Connect asiair to the mount. Use the HC to go through the allignment ( use last allignment). Do the polar allignment with the AsiAir. select a star in the AsiAir and let it plate solve. Haven't tried it a lot so maybe I was lucky it worked.
If I have a clear view of Polaris and the first picture plate-solves with no issues, but there is an obstruction when the mount rotates 60 degrees, can I direct it somewhere else for the second picture?
i really like how your video is short and to the point. also it's so cool that the age of "iPad astronomy" is upon us. no more lugging a laptop out to remote dark sky sites, just an iPad and a power supply.
Exactly why I use the ASI Air! If you have an observatory it isn't so bad, but getting it all out all the time can get annoying. This makes things so simple!
Your ASI Air tutorials are the best on UA-cam, Cody...hands down! Keep up the great work and best wishes from Scotland (a land full of pure dark skies!) 😀👍🏻
Would love to see a video update with the substantially updated software and also include a (one minute - doesn't the UA-cam algorithm like ten minute videos?) example turning on the auto guiding. Keep up the good work
I would like to see your experience with the unguided polar alignment video alongside a guided - to see at what point you can shoot unguided (2 minutes in your video) vs how long you can do the same guided. Would turning guiding in have helped reduce the egg shaped stars in your 2 minute sample photo. And how long could you shoot with a rough polar alignment and guiding turned on comparatively.
Cody. Thank you for doing this. This video made my experience super easy. I really appreciate all the little details like lag to expect, when to connect, etc.
I had so many issues with NINA that I decided to get rid of the windows computer (that I hated anyway, Mac user) and purchased the ASIAIR PRO. Good Video.
Best videos I've found on UA-cam to help a newbie get up and running with a new rig and the ASIAir Pro. The software was daunting initially but with these step by step instructions I've made it through PA and focussing and was doing well until I had a problem setting up the guiding. First off I looked to make sure I had removed the cover :) then found I had heavy dew that had completely covered both lenses and I didnt have my lens heaters with me believing that I wouldnt need them :( Still baby steps but PA was great and pleased to have conquered the first crucial element of astrophotography. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos and help others like me. My only gripe is that you didnt put 'Pro' in the title as there are tons of videos on the older version and I only found you by accident!
@@AstroBlender I started my Journey in visual astronomy and deep sky Astrophotography just couple of months ago. I have watched almost all your videos. Purchased my first ever Telescope Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130AZ after going through your videos only. In short I m really learning a lot from your videos. I really appreciate that. Thank you
Hey just one hint: star alignment is not necessary at all and skipping it safes you a lot of time and hassle! Just use “quick align” and then connect the mount to the AsiAir. When slewing to the first target for example via sky safari just plate solve your position and then click “sync to mount”. After that the mount “knows” where it is really looking (usually not exactly on target yet) and you can again perform another goto maneuver to target. Usually then I’m perfectly centered on target already! With AsiAir after finishing polar alignment my rig is ready and on target In usually
Quick Align or Last align makes my guiding awful. Once I started doing a one-star alignment my guiding substantially improved. It's almost as if the ASI Air wasn't star tracking when star-tracking was enabled. I just do a generic one-star alignment and then immediately plate solve after. That gives me the best results.
@@AstroBlender Strange, my old Adv GT guides in RA lower than 0.8" RMS with quick aling. I usually do not guide DEC. Your issue with one star aligment is in RA?
Good job. For what it’s worth, I always consider it done when I get the smiley face. Going for that smallest circle requires more patience than I have.
Nice video! I had ASI Air for a few months. I'm new to astro-photography and it's a great entry tool. Makes Polar aligning easy and easy to start shooting.
Great presentation. You deliver the concepts very clearly. One point not covered. When setting up your scope to point at the celestial pole, it is critical that your Declination is set PRECISELY at 90 degrees. I have seen instructions that describe how to do this. Once set at 90 degrees, view the celestial pole and rotate on your Right Ascension axis. The star field should pivot on the center of your field of view. If this pivot is not perfect and is even slightly off center, you are not truly set to 90 degrees and your polar alignment will never be accurate. I have a flip mirror and a low power eyepiece in my optical train to make this operation simple.
I have bought the device but there is some kind of dense aqueous material that is hampering my observational abilities. Enjoyed this video. The one thing I have to do differently is when making azimuthal adjustments on the CGX, I have to loosen the 4 base screws just a bit so that the mount will move when turning the azimuth handles.
Hey Cody, I recently find your channel, great info, great energy, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I just got my redcat, asi air pro paired with a asi 120mm-s with a zwo mini scope 30 f4... ill be happy if I’m able to get 1/4 of the images you get😁 thanks again for the videos and your time.
Awesome Concrete Inc. Thanks that’s a great setup! I’m running basically the same thing but am probably aiming for a WO Uniguide 32. Very similar products though! Enjoy!
Don't get esxcited, just because you get 0.0 and a rating of starship captain. Don't just press "finish". Leave it for a few minute, then hit "refresh", odds are, it will differ, as it does not take into effect your drift. I would suggest repeating adjustment, and refresh a few times - just my 2c worth.
Really good tutorial. I have an Orion mount with a polar alignment camera, but using the ASIAIR and a ZWO primary camera, I can do it the way you have demonstrated and have everything synchronized within the ASIAR work flow. Great Job. I also noticed that you have a RASA, so you don't have to waste time photographing all night ???
During Polar Align procedure.. Plate solves successfully however does not let me get past the next step ... does not seem to recognized the RA axis has rotated 60 degrees. ASI software did the rotate automatically.. then it says RA has rotated 0 degrees. and stays that way forever.. not letting me proceed.. I am using a Celestron Advanced AVX mount.. I have the latest firmware installed.. New unit out of the box first time used.. It does not give the prompt as per your proceed to cancel.. I also tried the Polar Align procedure with mount shut off and same thing.. does not give option to confirm mount has been rotated approx 60 degrees..
Cody, pardon my basic question, but I have only ever done manual (visual) polar scope alignments before and I am a new-comer to astrophotography. I want to double-check. You are simply using the main telescope optics and no polar scope, right? So the plate solving basically can do polar alignment on any star, not necessarily Polaris, right? How far away from Polaris can you venture and still get good polar alignment using ASIAIR PRO and this "approach"? I ask because I cannot see Polaris in my backyard.
Cody yours is the first tutorial that spoke to how critcal focus as first step is to plate solve for PA. In your intial focus first steps are you manually focusing the eyepiece knobs to bring camerea into focus?
Totally brand new to all of this so please forgive me for this potentially being a dumb question, but which camera are you using to do the Polar Alignment? The Guide Camera or your Main Camera? Thanks and a very helpful video.
I’m a big fan of the ASIAir Pro and its been flawless in managing my sessions, except for PA feature! I’ve tried repeatedly to PA, without any success (with an AUX and EQ6R mount). Will follow your video - step by step - and see if I can achieve what you’ve done so easily in this great video. My question, after PA, do you turn mount on? I’ve seen folks keep the mount turned off, manually rotate the 60 degrees, do the PA adjustments, then turn the mount on and complete a single star alignment. Thereafter, in the single star alignment step, plate solve and synchronize to the mount. Then, do a test go to on an object, synchronize and then set! Given that I’ve never got PA to work for me, I use PolarMaster in lieu of ASIAir PA. Again, thanks for the great step-by-step video - best I’ve seen, and will try again to get PA working. With your RASA tube, would like to see how you use the Live feature - I’ve got the C6/C8 setup with HyperStar, and haven’t attempted a Live view. Looking forward to the release of “auto focus” for my refractor mono/filter sessions with the ASIAir Pro. AstroIowa
Sounds like we have different problems! I polar align the mount completely, and then I move the mount back to the switch position (index marks). Once that is done, I do a full star alignment (2 primary + 4 calibration stars). It is incredibly easy to do. If you’re polar aligned first my alignment stars are usually right in the FOV, no finderscope needed. Why don’t I do the plate solve then? Well the ASI Air behaves a bit weird with my Celestron mounts. I plate solve, and then sync it with my mount, but it usually fails, not sure why. I’d love to be able to just do a one star alignment, plate solve and be done, but it hasn’t been working so far. I haven’t toyed around with the live view mode yet.
Hi. When you are doing the polar alignment, does Polaris have to be visible, or does the ASIair use the plate information to deduce whether you are aligned? In my preferred observation place, Polaris itself is blocked by a few very tall pine trees, though most of the rest of the sky is ok. It was not clear whether the "target" of Polaris in the adjustment phase was actually Polaris or the calculated position of Polaris.
HI ! I would like to know if you must do a home position after you done a polar alignment just before you begin a session on your target ? Thanks for your video !
This is great video. I have a clarification. Should pole star be visible for PA? If there is a building or tree obstructing would it still work? Secondly, when you begin PA, before you click on Start arrow button, should your telescope be pointing towards Polaris?
Nice video very helpful as I’m new to astrophotography. So with the asiair I won’t have to see Polaris to polar align? Tress are blocking it for me so this could be super helpful
Great video, really helpful. Im a bit confused on how the ASIAir knows when the telscope is adjusted during the PA. I have an iOptron Skyguider pro which doesn't have go-to controls, will the PA still work on the ASIAir even without Go-to or will i still have to use the optics on the mount to PA?
I purchased an 8SE a little while back and have since purchased the ZWO ASI Air Pro along with Alstar 70mm Compact Deluxe Finder & Guidescope Kit with 1.25" Double Helical Focuser - Guiding) and ZWO ASI (ASI178MC) camera. Since my camera will be on the guide scope, I am thinking it won't be as good as what you are doing. I am a complete newbie at this (was in astronomy club in 1982-1984). I have also had some manual telescopes for viewing the solar system. I hope I have the right stuff, I know I need more mounting brackets so I can mount this stuff on the scope and hoping I can get it all setup. I do get a little "overwhelmed" when thinking about it though. I am not sure the 8SE would allow you to use a camera on it instead of an eyepiece, but I am assuming it would, just needing the camera and any attachments.
I also have the ASI Air Pro and ASI178MC which I use as my main camera on my 6SE. I purchased an ASI 120mm mini for the guide scope camera. I was into astronomy but left after Hayley's Comet and now wanting to get back into it as a retirement hobby. Seems a bit more complicated now...
Hi Cody. You're videos have been extremely helpful thank you. Did you do a manual polar alignment before? I am not seeing a polar scope on your rig and you did say get close but not exact. Did you just eyeball it without a polar scope?
Great ASIAIR Pro Content, Cody. I'm just getting started and I'm stuck at Focus in the polar alignment routine. I have the ZWO EAF focuser attached. It does not have a clutch. During the polar alignment sequence, I'm not sure how to control the EAF in the ASIAIR App to achieve focus. Please let me know what I do next and thanks in advance.
I would focus on a star before you start the polar alignment process. Once your focus is nice and tight, you should then have no problems plate solving during the polar alignment of your mount.
I have a CGEM II and have not been able to get out since May due to weather. I found that the ASIAir did not like to rotate at all, has that been corrected in the latest updates? Thaks again for a great video!
Excellent video. I'm wondering if using the f/2.2 RASA makes the plate solving much easier. When I tried to follow your procedure with my f/10 C9.25 SC I had no luck with the plate solve.
@@DirkDirk1983 Thanks. I got it to work by getting a camera with a bigger sensor (ASI 290MC Pro vs. ASI 462MC) and also using the Celestron 0.63 reducer flattener which they recommend for photography anyway. Now I'm enjoying shooting the smaller Messier objects like M51. What is it about Astronomy that the industry makes fantastic products but won't give us manuals, so nobody can use the stuff until people like Cody come long and teach us ?
@@petermonson3719 🤣.... For me it's the problem that I use an old mount. A Celestron CGE. There isn't much information about it. At least not for the problems I'm having with it. But step by step I'm wandering in the good direction. I will get this to work. And when I do I sell this mount and my Meade LX200 and buy a modern mount with a ***** usb connection 🤣👍🏼
I'm wondering if this apparatus would work with pmc-8 system from Explore Scientific? Or would it be necessary?(seeing as they already have wifi & app for smart devices)
May I ask, using the QHY Polemaster is quicker and does not lag. is this just an alternative for those who does not own a QHY Polemaster? Or will it be more precise doing PA with this method through ASI Air Pro?
The ASIAir Pro acts as an all in one astrophotography computer. You can use to to polar align, autoguide, slew to find new targets, control imaging sessions (like switching out filters), etc
Hi Cody, Do you have the ASI air Pro connected USB to the actual mount HC or to the hand control at the bottom. I been trying to find a cable that is USB to the 6 pin to HC on the mount connection to get rid of the hand control.
Really enjoying your videos on the ASI Air Pro. Is there a way to update the software in the ASI Air Pro if new versions are released or is that even an option? Again, thanks for the great work.
Mine arrived yesterday and on first boot it prompted me to update. It's wise to backup the micro SD card before you power it up for the first time though, (guides on how to do this on UA-cam of course).
In my version of this method , you do not need Polaris in the view, it works in the south hemisphere just as well. But ASIAir's version may be different. Try it!
EDIT: This works. So... I have the asiair and I have used the PA feature. But haven't used the PA feature when I'm shooting from my usual spot (balcony). Because I don't have a clear view of Polaris from there (there is an overhanging roof, and I'm only just missing out on Polaris). But, when I rotate the RA axis to about 30 degrees, I do get Polaris in view of my scope.. so.. (haven't tried this yet, but will do next time, but perhaps someone can answer me already) would I be able to do this; Can I start the PA with the first shot taken with my RA at 30 degrees. Then rotating all the way to 90 degrees for the second shot. And then complete the Polar alignment from there... so instead of 0 and 60, you do the PA at 30 and 90... I'm trying to think if this makes any difference to the accuracy of a polar alignment? because you're still rotating around the same RA axis.. so.. it should be the same?? and shouldn't matter where you start the first shot of the polar alignment, as long as the second shot is 60 degrees rotated from the first one.. right?? obviously after the PA I would zero out the mount again and do a staralignment/plate-solve from there. I'm only talking about the polar alignment here.
Having written software to do this method back in 2014, the 60 degrees should not be specially important. Anything more than 30 should be enough at a pinch. I don't know how ASIAir calculates the horizon line in your image (it may be using the date/time and GPS location from the app). Once you figure out if there is rotation between the suggested movements of the app and the actual movements you do with your mount, you can compensate for that and zero in.
@Thinking Biblically Well, to determine the position of the mount's axis of rotation in the starfield. The NCP/SCP can be determined from a single image with plate solving.
Great video, but why did you move the RA manually? Is it because the communication with celestron mount doesn’t Work Well? I have a Celestron advanced gt, and when the second step of alignment comes, my mount goes automatically to 60° physically, but my asiair pro doesn’t calculate the position of mount, and the display stays to 0. Do you have an idea to help me to unblock thé star Align? Sorry fort my bad english, I am a french guy.
I'm new to this and my HEQ5 also roatates automatically although I didn't notice if the display showed zero. The ASIAIR will platesolve when its at the index position and platesolve again after it has rotated 60 degrees, you should see a message that it has platesolved after rotating and then you are good to go.
Really enjoy your videos, I also have a ASI Air and you have help me out a lot. Do you have a video about gain, I see that you had your gain at 200 and I've others have theirs at 0. I like to know how you come up with what gain to use?
That was an accident that I didn’t notice til I started imaging! I usually image at or near “unity gain” where one ADU corresponds with one electron. For my 183MC Pro I use 111 gain and my 294MC Pro I use 120 gain. ZWO publishes graphs for their cameras. The gain e-/ADU graph will show you what gain level corresponds to e-/ADU.
I may be wrong, but an Alt-Azimuth mount can't be polar aligned, no? It doesn't have an equatorial wedge... I know that it's possible to use a Sky-watcher AZ-GTi in EQ-mode, but then you have to load some unofficial software onto it...
Thanks a lot! It was a great video. I'm not an english speaker and i understand it with out problem. Do you know if it could work in the southern emisphere? Regards,
great video thanks a million for that. i have a few questions hope you can help me. i work with a skywatcher eq / az 6. asiair pro. I don't have a hand controller. can I rotate the mount manually? Unfortunately I did not understand exactly how you solved it with the numbers on 60 ... I would be happy if you explain that to me. many thanks.
Levelling your mount is not necessary for polar alignment. When you get your first unguided shot, plate solve it (do you get an indication on the image which way is North?) and see if the elongation of the stars is in the DEC (S-N) or RA (W-E) axis. If it is in DEC, your polar alignment is still off and needs to be improved, if it's in RA then polar alignment error is not your limiting factor and it will be nicely guided out.
hello.i have a Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope .I've up date it with: ZWO ASIAIR PROWiFi controller;ZWO ASI183MC Pro 20.18 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera. I've tried to use it and learn how work it for a few week....and I'm not understood it...i can not get a focus.I have seen all the videos on youtube. but I cannot understand anything about the correct use of this camera in my telescope. until today I have not been able to achieve the focus of any planet...what do you think :ill do some thing wrong?or that I need additional in my telescope. I'll appreciate your help
Is the initial plate solving for the polar alignment done with the guide or main camera? I ask because my primary is a dslr. So I suppose what I really need to know is this going to be useful to me if I have a zwo guider and a dslr main?
I’m genuinely interested in the ASI Air, but seeing you use the polar alignment and achieve an error of zero, then take an image and see elongated stars and suggest that you could perfect the PA more, how can you improve on a reported error of zero?
I have a Polemaster. Reading reviews of the Polemaster allignment vs the ASIAIR PA it seems like the ASI does good enough if you are using tracking when you shoot but the Polemaster is superior. My guide camera decided to crap out during the only good day that we have had so I cannot say what the proper answer is right now.
Hi, how do you connect your AsiAir Pro to the mount? Thanks .. i’m waiting for my CGX-L mount and wanted to know how to connect the mount. Clear skies 🙂
g`day astroblender i live in the southern hemisphere and cant see any polar stars can you polaraline on any star like using the celestron any star polar aline or must the scope be pointing at a celestial pole star .... what do you think is more accurate polemaster or the astro air or the alinement routine in sharpcap or the mounts own alinement routine ..... that could make a interesting video .. the polaralinment routine shootout lol which one is the best ?? ease of use, accuracy etc etc ... great video man cheers james D
James Dougan If you’re pointing to your pole and are able to plate solve then you should be good. Plate solving determines where the pole is at. As far as simplicity, the PoleMaster wins without a doubt. I love my PoleMaster but haven’t justified using it lately due to the ASI Air PA feature. I find the ASI Air more accurate for PA since it continually narrows your FOV and lets you get things even tighter. The PoleMaster is still great though.
@@AstroBlender thanks for answering so if i point the mount south as normal for down here and then i can plate solve to the west say.. it should work thanks for the info as i am pretty much blocked in the south from my home set up spot cheers james D
James Dougan Sorry, I meant as long as you’re pointed in the general direction of the South Pole and you can plate solve you should be okay. Give it a try when you can.
@James Dougan As Cody mentioned, just have your mount pointing as close to the SCP as you can (you could always use a compass whilst knowing what your magnetic deviation is, where I am, the SCP is at around 167deg). Also agree with Cody about using the Polemaster versus the asiair. The Polemaster is far quicker, but not as accurate as the asiair. I have gotten pretty good PA with the asiair that I then usually don't even bother with star alignments. The asiair works great with plate solving and gotos are pretty spot on (most of the time, lol).
Great video! I successfully polar aligned, but when I used the ASI to slew to M31, it was way off. Am I supposed to do star alignment on the mount too?
If you connect your mount to the ASIAIR Pro you do NOT have to star align after you polar align. You do not EVER have to star align again. One of the AAPs key features is target alignment (plate solving) which is labeled within the Telescope Settings tab as GoTo Auto-Center. Make sure you enable that. When you first start out, before you polar align, position your mount to the index marks, where it is pointing at the NCP/SCP (home position on the CGX), and hit the "Sync to Mount" button within the AAPs Telescope Settings tab. This will lock this position in as the home position in the AAP app. Now do your polar alignment. After the PA is complete, to test that the initial sync worked, you should be able to go back to the Telescope Settings tab, hit the "Start" button for the GoTo Home Position option, and see the mount move back to the index marks. This will confirm that the AAP and mount are synced and any Goto will be extremely close. The AAP will clean up any errors in the GoTo by automatically confirming and centering on the target via the alignment feature. Again, It does this automatically if you've enabled the GoTo Auto-Center feature.
@@wadeprunty awesome, been searching for this for a while now. Having problems with the home position. Home on Asiair isn't home on the mount. Thank you very much. I know, it's a stupid mistake, but sometimes you're overlooking the most simple things.
Polar alignment and star alignment are completely different beasts. PA makes sure your RA axis is pointing in the correct physical direction and any star can be tracked by just moving one axis. But the "brain" that does the GOTOs still does not know where anything is ( that depends on your location and time/date for a perfect telescope). By trying GOTOs to known stars, the "brain" makes a model of how your telescope flexes and bends so the more GOTOs and platesolve+syncs you do, the better the next GOTO will be.
Nice tutorial, thank you. Just a quick point, you state right at the start that it's super important to have a level tripod/mount. That isn't true. You could mount your tripod to a wall if you wanted to and as long as the head was accurately polar aligned you'd see no tracking errors.
Hi, yes, true, but the problem is getting the polar alignment in the first place. If the mount has indexing mounts or an automatic zero position then it needs to be level to make use of that feature. BobUK
I don't think an unlevel mount will give tracking errors, it only makes it slightly more difficult to polar align because the alt az adjustments won't do exactly what you expect. Once the Ra axis is parallel to the earth, it didn't matter the orientation of the rest of the mount at all
@@wadeprunty I don't see how that could be. If mount is not level, you can still bring the RA into polar alignment with the alt and az adjustments. At that point, as long as the RA axis rotates at the sidereal rate, then it'll stay put. The worst thing a nonlevel mount would experience is slightly more adjustments getting polar aligned with the alt and az adjustments.
@@wadeprunty You are wrong. As long as you mount looks level, you are good to go. All that matters is whether your RA axis is pointing in the right direction. Now, if you have a set position for the tripod on solid ground and have made marks on the ground and want to take the stuff indoors and set up the next day quickly, then yes, use the bubble to get a close starting point from last night and avoid doing the PA again, that might work well enough (you can check quickly enough). But if you are goint to be doing PA anyway, the bubble can be off by a few degrees and it won't make a difference.
I have heard both sides of this question but to me it seems that a perfectly level mount is unnecessary. both axises that you track from should be on the same axis even if the mount is not level Polar alignment is the same in either case.
Hi John. If the tripod is not level, then the centre of mass of the mount head/telescope/camera/guidescope unit will not be directly above the midpoint between the feet of the tripod. This is true, even if you've balanced everything in both axes ( Right Ascension & Declination) & polar aligned the mount. Since the tripod/mount/scope/etc system is extremely top-heavy, if the tripod is sufficiently out of level, it is possible that the entire set-up is closer to what engineers/physicists call its 'tipping point'. In the worst-case scenario, strong gusty winds hitting a large telescope with a large dewcap could lead to disaster, however the much more likely problem would be a less-stable set-up that could be more sensitive to gusts of wind & ground vibrations. Furthermore, with a tripod that's not level, one or two of the legs would be bearing more weight than they should, so there's the risk of them sinking into the ground more than the other leg(s) as the evening progresses, ruining polar alignment without you knowing it's happening. Now, IMHO, the tripod would have to be a long way from level for the set-up to be significantly easier to tip, and the ground would have to be soft for one or two of the legs to sink & lose polar alignnment. Nevertheless, the difference between having a set-up that enables you to get round stars in an image (therefore maximum signal/noise ratio) and a set-up that will give you elongated stars is miniscule in astrophotography, so IMHO, the issue of decreased stability & greater likelihood of vibrations is worth worrying about. Consequently, I would suggest that you get the tripod as level as you can (it doesn't have to be absolutely 100% perfectly level) in order to maximize the likelihood of getting the best quality images possible. I hope this was helpful. ☺
@@derekbaker3279 I appreciate the info. I stopped leveling my mount after not noticing a difference, but I always set up on a pretty level surface. Maybe I will for now on .
@@AstroBlender do you, -plug in your mount to the controller after PA -set mount to home position -do a 1 star alignment -go to object -then plate solve? Could I just plug my mount in before the PA?
I plug my mount into my ASI Air when I’m done Polar Aligning. You can do it before if you want but it’s hit and miss. Sometimes it auto rotated 60 degrees for me. Other times it goes crazy and doesn’t stop. So I just manually do it when I use the ASI Air PA, but it’s up to you.
@@AstroBlender I'm having trouble getting my longitude and latitude correct on the asi app. My mount shows correct L&L. Has this happened to you. It would be helpful to hear your detailed walkthrough with this equipment.
NOTE: The ASI Air software has improved substantially since this video. I no longer manually move the RA-axis, I let the software rotate it 60 degrees for me.
Quick question for you? After you do the polar alignment with the asi air, do you still do a 2 or 3 star alignment with the celestron mount or do you just select targets in the air and let it do it's thing? Thanks.
Is there a certain cable you use to allow the software to move your mount for you?
Hi Cody, what are your setting on ASI air for the Celestron mount? I have a Celestron AVX, when i do the polar alignment, it moves to the 60 degree but doesnt take the 2nd images or shows the next step.
@@christophercraig9295 🤔👍🏼... Same question here. I use a Celestron CGE.
Still figuring out what the best way is to set it up. My method now is. Turn on the mount and asiair. Connect asiair to the mount. Use the HC to go through the allignment ( use last allignment). Do the polar allignment with the AsiAir. select a star in the AsiAir and let it plate solve.
Haven't tried it a lot so maybe I was lucky it worked.
If I have a clear view of Polaris and the first picture plate-solves with no issues, but there is an obstruction when the mount rotates 60 degrees, can I direct it somewhere else for the second picture?
i really like how your video is short and to the point. also it's so cool that the age of "iPad astronomy" is upon us. no more lugging a laptop out to remote dark sky sites, just an iPad and a power supply.
Exactly why I use the ASI Air! If you have an observatory it isn't so bad, but getting it all out all the time can get annoying. This makes things so simple!
Best video on PA on the ASIAIR so far on the interwebs 👍
Fantastic
Thank you
I'm glad you think so! Thanks!
Your ASI Air tutorials are the best on UA-cam, Cody...hands down! Keep up the great work and best wishes from Scotland (a land full of pure dark skies!) 😀👍🏻
Outlandish Journeys Thanks, I’m glad you enjoy them! I hope the clouds clear for a night or two for you! :D
Would love to see a video update with the substantially updated software and also include a (one minute - doesn't the UA-cam algorithm like ten minute videos?) example turning on the auto guiding. Keep up the good work
I would like to see your experience with the unguided polar alignment video alongside a guided - to see at what point you can shoot unguided (2 minutes in your video) vs how long you can do the same guided. Would turning guiding in have helped reduce the egg shaped stars in your 2 minute sample photo. And how long could you shoot with a rough polar alignment and guiding turned on comparatively.
Big Thanks you made getting my asipro up and running frustration free, luv all your vids keep up the excellent work.
Jeff Thomas Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Cody. Thank you for doing this. This video made my experience super easy. I really appreciate all the little details like lag to expect, when to connect, etc.
Cody...I re watch this video and your other video with the CGX tutorial. I learn something new each time!
Oh boy this vid has been such a huge help. Thanks do much, at last I can start imaging. 🎉
I had so many issues with NINA that I decided to get rid of the windows computer (that I hated anyway, Mac user) and purchased the ASIAIR PRO. Good Video.
Best videos I've found on UA-cam to help a newbie get up and running with a new rig and the ASIAir Pro.
The software was daunting initially but with these step by step instructions I've made it through PA and focussing and was doing well until I had a problem setting up the guiding.
First off I looked to make sure I had removed the cover :) then found I had heavy dew that had completely covered both lenses and I didnt have my lens heaters with me believing that I wouldnt need them :( Still baby steps but PA was great and pleased to have conquered the first crucial element of astrophotography.
Thanks for taking the time to make these videos and help others like me. My only gripe is that you didnt put 'Pro' in the title as there are tons of videos on the older version and I only found you by accident!
Adrian ... I’m glad you found it helpful. I name them ASI Air since the Pro and normal version use the same operating system.
Definitely one of the best tutorials on ASIAir pro.
Shubhkarman Singh Thanks, I’m glad you found it useful!
@@AstroBlender I started my Journey in visual astronomy and deep sky Astrophotography just couple of months ago. I have watched almost all your videos. Purchased my first ever Telescope Celestron Starsense Explorer DX 130AZ after going through your videos only. In short I m really learning a lot from your videos. I really appreciate that.
Thank you
Hey just one hint: star alignment is not necessary at all and skipping it safes you a lot of time and hassle! Just use “quick align” and then connect the mount to the AsiAir. When slewing to the first target for example via sky safari just plate solve your position and then click “sync to mount”. After that the mount “knows” where it is really looking (usually not exactly on target yet) and you can again perform another goto maneuver to target. Usually then I’m perfectly centered on target already! With AsiAir after finishing polar alignment my rig is ready and on target In usually
Quick Align or Last align makes my guiding awful. Once I started doing a one-star alignment my guiding substantially improved. It's almost as if the ASI Air wasn't star tracking when star-tracking was enabled. I just do a generic one-star alignment and then immediately plate solve after. That gives me the best results.
@@AstroBlender Strange, my old Adv GT guides in RA lower than 0.8" RMS with quick aling. I usually do not guide DEC. Your issue with one star aligment is in RA?
Talking about/showing the cable connections would be very beneficial to newbies.
Good job. For what it’s worth, I always consider it done when I get the smiley face. Going for that smallest circle requires more patience than I have.
It's very unlikely that you would notice an error of less than 2 arcminutes in ordinary exposures (up to 5 min?)
Nice video! I had ASI Air for a few months. I'm new to astro-photography and it's a great entry tool. Makes Polar aligning easy and easy to start shooting.
Jim B Thanks. I agree, it’s a handy little device for sure.
Your tutorials are wonderfully clear and informative! More please, and thank you!
Great presentation. You deliver the concepts very clearly.
One point not covered. When setting up your scope to point at the celestial pole, it is critical that your Declination is set PRECISELY at 90 degrees. I have seen instructions that describe how to do this. Once set at 90 degrees, view the celestial pole and rotate on your Right Ascension axis. The star field should pivot on the center of your field of view. If this pivot is not perfect and is even slightly off center, you are not truly set to 90 degrees and your polar alignment will never be accurate.
I have a flip mirror and a low power eyepiece in my optical train to make this operation simple.
ASIAIR PRO PA with Celestron mount demystified! Excellent presentation on PA with ASIAIR Pro.
mrkutube Thanks, glad you liked it.
Hi Cody. Nicely presented. Straight to the point, or in this case the pole! No time wasting chat. I've subscribed. BobUK.
Thanks Robert, glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you. This has been very helpful.
Excellent Video Slymin/Cody/ Astro lender! Love your tutorial videos!
Ray's Astrophotography Thanks as always, Ray!
I have bought the device but there is some kind of dense aqueous material that is hampering my observational abilities. Enjoyed this video. The one thing I have to do differently is when making azimuthal adjustments on the CGX, I have to loosen the 4 base screws just a bit so that the mount will move when turning the azimuth handles.
What a great video!! Nice job explaining the PA using ASIair.
Thanks Dave!
Hey Cody, I recently find your channel, great info, great energy, thank you for sharing your knowledge. I just got my redcat, asi air pro paired with a asi 120mm-s with a zwo mini scope 30 f4... ill be happy if I’m able to get 1/4 of the images you get😁 thanks again for the videos and your time.
Awesome Concrete Inc. Thanks that’s a great setup! I’m running basically the same thing but am probably aiming for a WO Uniguide 32. Very similar products though! Enjoy!
Don't get esxcited, just because you get 0.0 and a rating of starship captain. Don't just press "finish". Leave it for a few minute, then hit "refresh", odds are, it will differ, as it does not take into effect your drift. I would suggest repeating adjustment, and refresh a few times - just my 2c worth.
thanks for the Vid, just got my asiair pro and can't wait to try it out!
Mich S Sounds good! Enjoy!
Thanks for a very good clear video as usual.
Jim Phillips You’re welcome!
Really good tutorial. I have an Orion mount with a polar alignment camera, but using the ASIAIR and a ZWO primary camera, I can do it the way you have demonstrated and have everything synchronized within the ASIAR work flow. Great Job. I also noticed that you have a RASA, so you don't have to waste time photographing all night ???
During Polar Align procedure..
Plate solves successfully however does not let me get past the next step ... does not seem to recognized the RA axis has rotated 60 degrees. ASI software did the rotate automatically.. then it says RA has rotated 0 degrees. and stays that way forever.. not letting me proceed..
I am using a Celestron Advanced AVX mount.. I have the latest firmware installed.. New unit out of the box first time used..
It does not give the prompt as per your proceed to cancel.. I also tried the Polar Align procedure with mount shut off and same thing.. does not give option to confirm mount has been rotated approx 60 degrees..
Same problem here !!!
Did you get this to work?
Cody, pardon my basic question, but I have only ever done manual (visual) polar scope alignments before and I am a new-comer to astrophotography. I want to double-check. You are simply using the main telescope optics and no polar scope, right? So the plate solving basically can do polar alignment on any star, not necessarily Polaris, right? How far away from Polaris can you venture and still get good polar alignment using ASIAIR PRO and this "approach"? I ask because I cannot see Polaris in my backyard.
Nice video. PA very easy with ASI Air Pro but if there is any Cone Error, you can’t set properly your mount. Regards, Piotr
Cody yours is the first tutorial that spoke to how critcal focus as first step is to plate solve for PA. In your intial focus first steps are you manually focusing the eyepiece knobs to bring camerea into focus?
Great explanation. Thank you !
Antonello You’re welcome.
Thanks Cody, good tutorial 💫
David McAbee Thanks, David.
Super helpful mate, thanks.
Ash Powell Glad it helped!
excellent!!!
Totally brand new to all of this so please forgive me for this potentially being a dumb question, but which camera are you using to do the Polar Alignment? The Guide Camera or your Main Camera? Thanks and a very helpful video.
I bought a ZWO autofocuser a year or more back but haven't tried it out yet so perhaps it can do the focusing for me in this process
I’m a big fan of the ASIAir Pro and its been flawless in managing my sessions, except for PA feature!
I’ve tried repeatedly to PA, without any success (with an AUX and EQ6R mount).
Will follow your video - step by step - and see if I can achieve what you’ve done so easily in this great video.
My question, after PA, do you turn mount on? I’ve seen folks keep the mount turned off, manually rotate the 60 degrees, do the PA adjustments, then turn the mount on and complete a single star alignment. Thereafter, in the single star alignment step, plate solve and synchronize to the mount. Then, do a test go to on an object, synchronize and then set!
Given that I’ve never got PA to work for me, I use PolarMaster in lieu of ASIAir PA.
Again, thanks for the great step-by-step video - best I’ve seen, and will try again to get PA working.
With your RASA tube, would like to see how you use the Live feature - I’ve got the C6/C8 setup with HyperStar, and haven’t attempted a Live view.
Looking forward to the release of “auto focus” for my refractor mono/filter sessions with the ASIAir Pro.
AstroIowa
Sounds like we have different problems! I polar align the mount completely, and then I move the mount back to the switch position (index marks). Once that is done, I do a full star alignment (2 primary + 4 calibration stars). It is incredibly easy to do. If you’re polar aligned first my alignment stars are usually right in the FOV, no finderscope needed.
Why don’t I do the plate solve then? Well the ASI Air behaves a bit weird with my Celestron mounts. I plate solve, and then sync it with my mount, but it usually fails, not sure why. I’d love to be able to just do a one star alignment, plate solve and be done, but it hasn’t been working so far.
I haven’t toyed around with the live view mode yet.
well done
Hi. When you are doing the polar alignment, does Polaris have to be visible, or does the ASIair use the plate information to deduce whether you are aligned? In my preferred observation place, Polaris itself is blocked by a few very tall pine trees, though most of the rest of the sky is ok. It was not clear whether the "target" of Polaris in the adjustment phase was actually Polaris or the calculated position of Polaris.
I am looking for the answer to this too. Polaris is not visible for me in my backyard. Thanks
HI ! I would like to know if you must do a home position after you done a polar alignment just before you begin a session on your target ? Thanks for your video !
Thanks for the video. Hope you do a video on focusing.
lcxt9 We will see if I can get around to it. I’ll probably wait to the new RASA adapter comes on and then get on that.
This is great video. I have a clarification. Should pole star be visible for PA? If there is a building or tree obstructing would it still work?
Secondly, when you begin PA, before you click on Start arrow button, should your telescope be pointing towards Polaris?
I need a little clarification on pa. After success, does the mount point to cnp. Mine does not.
Nice video very helpful as I’m new to astrophotography. So with the asiair I won’t have to see Polaris to polar align? Tress are blocking it for me so this could be super helpful
Great video, really helpful. Im a bit confused on how the ASIAir knows when the telscope is adjusted during the PA. I have an iOptron Skyguider pro which doesn't have go-to controls, will the PA still work on the ASIAir even without Go-to or will i still have to use the optics on the mount to PA?
Ok... newbie here... not sure what you mean by setting it at index mark?
Does this mean I can use the software to align even if I'm on a south-facing balcony on the northern hemisphere and can't see Polaris?
Are you using the guide camera to polar align or main camera ?
It uses which ever camera is selected as the MAIN.
Very helpful!!!!
Cody, what are you using for mounting the AIR to the tube?
Some People say it is not easy to connect the Celestron Mount to the ASIAIR. Is that true? It seems to wrk good at your mount?
I purchased an 8SE a little while back and have since purchased the ZWO ASI Air Pro along with Alstar 70mm Compact Deluxe Finder & Guidescope Kit with 1.25" Double Helical Focuser - Guiding) and ZWO ASI (ASI178MC) camera. Since my camera will be on the guide scope, I am thinking it won't be as good as what you are doing. I am a complete newbie at this (was in astronomy club in 1982-1984). I have also had some manual telescopes for viewing the solar system. I hope I have the right stuff, I know I need more mounting brackets so I can mount this stuff on the scope and hoping I can get it all setup. I do get a little "overwhelmed" when thinking about it though. I am not sure the 8SE would allow you to use a camera on it instead of an eyepiece, but I am assuming it would, just needing the camera and any attachments.
An 8SE uses an alt-az mount, which is not suitable for long exposure. Planetary and lunar would be fine.
@@moisty_3000 Thanks, that's more info than I have received from Celestron. I have stopped buying accessories until I know what I actually need.
I also have the ASI Air Pro and ASI178MC which I use as my main camera on my 6SE. I purchased an ASI 120mm mini for the guide scope camera. I was into astronomy but left after Hayley's Comet and now wanting to get back into it as a retirement hobby. Seems a bit more complicated now...
How do you change the bin? I can’t get mine out of 2!!
Hi Cody. You're videos have been extremely helpful thank you. Did you do a manual polar alignment before? I am not seeing a polar scope on your rig and you did say get close but not exact. Did you just eyeball it without a polar scope?
No, used the Celestron All-Star Polar Alignment in the hand controller.
Great ASIAIR Pro Content, Cody. I'm just getting started and I'm stuck at Focus in the polar alignment routine. I have the ZWO EAF focuser attached. It does not have a clutch. During the polar alignment sequence, I'm not sure how to control the EAF in the ASIAIR App to achieve focus. Please let me know what I do next and thanks in advance.
I would focus on a star before you start the polar alignment process. Once your focus is nice and tight, you should then have no problems plate solving during the polar alignment of your mount.
Clear Skies to ya!
AstroBeard I need them! You too.
Great tutorial. I can't see polaris most times from where I stay. How do I use ASIAIR Pro - does it help?
I have the same situation, did you find anything useful? I am wondering is ASIAR Pro can solve this.
What cameras are you using please for the photo?
hello, if, as in my case, I look from East to South, can I use the polar alignment function of the zwo AsiAir? Thanks
I have a CGEM II and have not been able to get out since May due to weather. I found that the ASIAir did not like to rotate at all, has that been corrected in the latest updates? Thaks again for a great video!
Yeah, mine works fine now. I keep my mount connected at start up now.
Excellent video. I'm wondering if using the f/2.2 RASA makes the plate solving much easier. When I tried to follow your procedure with my f/10 C9.25 SC I had no luck with the plate solve.
Platesolving for me only works at a max focal length of 1350mm. Tried platesolving with my Meade 7"Mak(2675mm focal length) it didn't work.
@@DirkDirk1983 Thanks. I got it to work by getting a camera with a bigger sensor (ASI 290MC Pro vs. ASI 462MC) and also using the Celestron 0.63 reducer flattener which they recommend for photography anyway. Now I'm enjoying shooting the smaller Messier objects like M51. What is it about Astronomy that the industry makes fantastic products but won't give us manuals, so nobody can use the stuff until people like Cody come long and teach us ?
@@petermonson3719 🤣.... For me it's the problem that I use an old mount. A Celestron CGE. There isn't much information about it. At least not for the problems I'm having with it. But step by step I'm wandering in the good direction. I will get this to work. And when I do I sell this mount and my Meade LX200 and buy a modern mount with a ***** usb connection 🤣👍🏼
@@DirkDirk1983 Good luck !
I'm wondering if this apparatus would work with pmc-8 system from Explore Scientific? Or would it be necessary?(seeing as they already have wifi & app for smart devices)
May I ask, using the QHY Polemaster is quicker and does not lag. is this just an alternative for those who does not own a QHY Polemaster? Or will it be more precise doing PA with this method through ASI Air Pro?
The ASIAir Pro acts as an all in one astrophotography computer. You can use to to polar align, autoguide, slew to find new targets, control imaging sessions (like switching out filters), etc
Hi Cody, Do you have the ASI air Pro connected USB to the actual mount HC or to the hand control at the bottom. I been trying to find a cable that is USB to the 6 pin to HC on the mount connection to get rid of the hand control.
My cable is connected through the bottom of the hand control.
Really enjoying your videos on the ASI Air Pro. Is there a way to update the software in the ASI Air Pro if new versions are released or is that even an option? Again, thanks for the great work.
Mine arrived yesterday and on first boot it prompted me to update. It's wise to backup the micro SD card before you power it up for the first time though, (guides on how to do this on UA-cam of course).
whats the small lens, the one connected to the red camera
this is a guide scope. it's used to improve the tracking accuracy of the mount and would also be connected to the ASI unit
Nice video! Subscribed! Question: do you confirm that the alignment camera must not necesseraly see polaris in its fov, or it has to?
In my version of this method , you do not need Polaris in the view, it works in the south hemisphere just as well. But ASIAir's version may be different. Try it!
EDIT: This works.
So... I have the asiair and I have used the PA feature. But haven't used the PA feature when I'm shooting from my usual spot (balcony). Because I don't have a clear view of Polaris from there (there is an overhanging roof, and I'm only just missing out on Polaris).
But, when I rotate the RA axis to about 30 degrees, I do get Polaris in view of my scope.. so.. (haven't tried this yet, but will do next time, but perhaps someone can answer me already) would I be able to do this;
Can I start the PA with the first shot taken with my RA at 30 degrees. Then rotating all the way to 90 degrees for the second shot. And then complete the Polar alignment from there... so instead of 0 and 60, you do the PA at 30 and 90... I'm trying to think if this makes any difference to the accuracy of a polar alignment? because you're still rotating around the same RA axis.. so.. it should be the same?? and shouldn't matter where you start the first shot of the polar alignment, as long as the second shot is 60 degrees rotated from the first one.. right??
obviously after the PA I would zero out the mount again and do a staralignment/plate-solve from there. I'm only talking about the polar alignment here.
Having written software to do this method back in 2014, the 60 degrees should not be specially important. Anything more than 30 should be enough at a pinch. I don't know how ASIAir calculates the horizon line in your image (it may be using the date/time and GPS location from the app). Once you figure out if there is rotation between the suggested movements of the app and the actual movements you do with your mount, you can compensate for that and zero in.
@Thinking Biblically Well, to determine the position of the mount's axis of rotation in the starfield. The NCP/SCP can be determined from a single image with plate solving.
Great video, but why did you move the RA manually? Is it because the communication with celestron mount doesn’t Work Well? I have a Celestron advanced gt, and when the second step of alignment comes, my mount goes automatically to 60° physically, but my asiair pro doesn’t calculate the position of mount, and the display stays to 0. Do you have an idea to help me to unblock thé star Align? Sorry fort my bad english, I am a french guy.
I'm new to this and my HEQ5 also roatates automatically although I didn't notice if the display showed zero.
The ASIAIR will platesolve when its at the index position and platesolve again after it has rotated 60 degrees, you should see a message that it has platesolved after rotating and then you are good to go.
Really enjoy your videos, I also have a ASI Air and you have help me out a lot. Do you have a video about gain, I see that you had your gain at 200 and I've others have theirs at 0. I like to know how you come up with what gain to use?
That was an accident that I didn’t notice til I started imaging! I usually image at or near “unity gain” where one ADU corresponds with one electron. For my 183MC Pro I use 111 gain and my 294MC Pro I use 120 gain. ZWO publishes graphs for their cameras. The gain e-/ADU graph will show you what gain level corresponds to e-/ADU.
@@AstroBlender thanks, I'm still new at this, that's a big help.
David Hess Glad to help.
So when you have PA . How to you then tell the scope to slew to , say, m51?
When you make your fine adjustments when you're polar aligning do you leave the scope rotated 60deg?
Good question can anyone answer this?
How to pa on Celestron Alt Azm Mount
I may be wrong, but an Alt-Azimuth mount can't be polar aligned, no?
It doesn't have an equatorial wedge...
I know that it's possible to use a Sky-watcher AZ-GTi in EQ-mode, but then you have to load some unofficial software onto it...
what are you using to mount ASI Air to your scope?
Thanks a lot! It was a great video. I'm not an english speaker and i understand it with out problem. Do you know if it could work in the southern emisphere? Regards,
It could if they coded it right!
Can I use the Airpro to polar align if I don’t see Polaris?
Can the ASIAIR Pro be control wireless with a laptop?
great video thanks a million for that. i have a few questions hope you can help me. i work with a skywatcher eq / az 6. asiair pro. I don't have a hand controller. can I rotate the mount manually? Unfortunately I did not understand exactly how you solved it with the numbers on 60 ... I would be happy if you explain that to me. many thanks.
I think you can, don't fret about the angle, any large angle will do fine.
What lense do you use for recording youtube videos?
How does the device handle dew, is it resistant at all?
Levelling your mount is not necessary for polar alignment. When you get your first unguided shot, plate solve it (do you get an indication on the image which way is North?) and see if the elongation of the stars is in the DEC (S-N) or RA (W-E) axis. If it is in DEC, your polar alignment is still off and needs to be improved, if it's in RA then polar alignment error is not your limiting factor and it will be nicely guided out.
hello.i have a Celestron - NexStar 8SE Telescope - Computerized Telescope .I've up date it with: ZWO ASIAIR PROWiFi controller;ZWO ASI183MC Pro 20.18 MP CMOS Color Astronomy Camera. I've tried to use it and learn how work it for a few week....and I'm not understood it...i can not get a focus.I have seen all the videos on youtube. but I cannot understand anything about the correct use of this camera in my telescope. until today I have not been able to achieve the focus of any planet...what do you think :ill do some thing wrong?or that I need additional in my telescope. I'll appreciate your help
Did you ever get this resolved? I'm having same issue.
so you are setting up to polar align with your main imaging camera
Is the initial plate solving for the polar alignment done with the guide or main camera? I ask because my primary is a dslr. So I suppose what I really need to know is this going to be useful to me if I have a zwo guider and a dslr main?
You can use either. Optimally, you want the one with the smallest pixel FOV to be used for the highest accuracy.
As long as you keep the same camera and there's enough stars for the solve, you can use what you like.
I’m genuinely interested in the ASI Air, but seeing you use the polar alignment and achieve an error of zero, then take an image and see elongated stars and suggest that you could perfect the PA more, how can you improve on a reported error of zero?
I have a Polemaster. Reading reviews of the Polemaster allignment vs the ASIAIR PA it seems like the ASI does good enough if you are using tracking when you shoot but the Polemaster is superior.
My guide camera decided to crap out during the only good day that we have had so I cannot say what the proper answer is right now.
Can any one tell me what Guide Scope model that is?
Hi, how do you connect your AsiAir Pro to the mount? Thanks .. i’m waiting for my CGX-L mount and wanted to know how to connect the mount. Clear skies 🙂
Mohammed Al Mazmi USB through the bottom of the handcontroller.
Thank you very much for ur reply 🙂🙏🏼
What camera was used for the PA?
Main camera??
guide camera??
polar align camera??
Main camera and polar camera is a 183MC Pro on my RASA 8 and a 294MC Pro on my C8-SCT. Guide camera in both cases was an ASI 178MM.
What are bins in the airpro?
g`day astroblender i live in the southern hemisphere and cant see any polar stars can you polaraline on any star like using the celestron any star polar aline or must the scope be pointing at a celestial pole star .... what do you think is more accurate polemaster or the astro air or the alinement routine in sharpcap or the mounts own alinement routine ..... that could make a interesting video .. the polaralinment routine shootout lol which one is the best ?? ease of use, accuracy etc etc ... great video man
cheers
james D
James Dougan If you’re pointing to your pole and are able to plate solve then you should be good. Plate solving determines where the pole is at. As far as simplicity, the PoleMaster wins without a doubt. I love my PoleMaster but haven’t justified using it lately due to the ASI Air PA feature. I find the ASI Air more accurate for PA since it continually narrows your FOV and lets you get things even tighter. The PoleMaster is still great though.
@@AstroBlender thanks for answering so if i point the mount south as normal for down here and then i can plate solve to the west say.. it should work thanks for the info as i am pretty much blocked in the south from my home set up spot
cheers
james D
James Dougan Sorry, I meant as long as you’re pointed in the general direction of the South Pole and you can plate solve you should be okay. Give it a try when you can.
@James Dougan As Cody mentioned, just have your mount pointing as close to the SCP as you can (you could always use a compass whilst knowing what your magnetic deviation is, where I am, the SCP is at around 167deg). Also agree with Cody about using the Polemaster versus the asiair. The Polemaster is far quicker, but not as accurate as the asiair. I have gotten pretty good PA with the asiair that I then usually don't even bother with star alignments. The asiair works great with plate solving and gotos are pretty spot on (most of the time, lol).
Great video! I successfully polar aligned, but when I used the ASI to slew to M31, it was way off. Am I supposed to do star alignment on the mount too?
Yes, I always star align after I polar align. Or, you can plate solve with the ASI Air and sync to the mount.
@@AstroBlender With having the ASI, is it worthwhile to buy a StarSense unit to make star alignment easier?
That really is a matter of preference. I think star alignments are easy so I just do them myself.
If you connect your mount to the ASIAIR Pro you do NOT have to star align after you polar align. You do not EVER have to star align again. One of the AAPs key features is target alignment (plate solving) which is labeled within the Telescope Settings tab as GoTo Auto-Center. Make sure you enable that. When you first start out, before you polar align, position your mount to the index marks, where it is pointing at the NCP/SCP (home position on the CGX), and hit the "Sync to Mount" button within the AAPs Telescope Settings tab. This will lock this position in as the home position in the AAP app. Now do your polar alignment. After the PA is complete, to test that the initial sync worked, you should be able to go back to the Telescope Settings tab, hit the "Start" button for the GoTo Home Position option, and see the mount move back to the index marks. This will confirm that the AAP and mount are synced and any Goto will be extremely close. The AAP will clean up any errors in the GoTo by automatically confirming and centering on the target via the alignment feature. Again, It does this automatically if you've enabled the GoTo Auto-Center feature.
@@wadeprunty awesome, been searching for this for a while now. Having problems with the home position. Home on Asiair isn't home on the mount. Thank you very much. I know, it's a stupid mistake, but sometimes you're overlooking the most simple things.
The ASIair Pro uses plate solving. @ 1:15 you mention "before star alignment ", Why are you still using star alignment?
I’m old school, I always two star align, then plate solve. I know I don’t need to, but it takes me under 5 minutes.
I had no doubt that you knew you didn't need to do a star alignment... I was hoping you had discovered some secret sauce on better guiding or GoTo's!
Polar alignment and star alignment are completely different beasts. PA makes sure your RA axis is pointing in the correct physical direction and any star can be tracked by just moving one axis. But the "brain" that does the GOTOs still does not know where anything is ( that depends on your location and time/date for a perfect telescope). By trying GOTOs to known stars, the "brain" makes a model of how your telescope flexes and bends so the more GOTOs and platesolve+syncs you do, the better the next GOTO will be.
Nice tutorial, thank you. Just a quick point, you state right at the start that it's super important to have a level tripod/mount. That isn't true. You could mount your tripod to a wall if you wanted to and as long as the head was accurately polar aligned you'd see no tracking errors.
Hi, yes, true, but the problem is getting the polar alignment in the first place. If the mount has indexing mounts or an automatic zero position then it needs to be level to make use of that feature. BobUK
Hey after polar align and the mount is at 60 degrees do you put it back to the index marks and then go to your target?
Did you get a reply to this? I'm still trying to get polar alignment using all sky alignment but not sure of this step.
@@babs075 no reply.
@@babs075 I got an AM5 that made everything so much easier to polar align.
I don't think an unlevel mount will give tracking errors, it only makes it slightly more difficult to polar align because the alt az adjustments won't do exactly what you expect. Once the Ra axis is parallel to the earth, it didn't matter the orientation of the rest of the mount at all
@@wadeprunty I don't see how that could be. If mount is not level, you can still bring the RA into polar alignment with the alt and az adjustments. At that point, as long as the RA axis rotates at the sidereal rate, then it'll stay put. The worst thing a nonlevel mount would experience is slightly more adjustments getting polar aligned with the alt and az adjustments.
@@wadeprunty You are wrong. As long as you mount looks level, you are good to go. All that matters is whether your RA axis is pointing in the right direction. Now, if you have a set position for the tripod on solid ground and have made marks on the ground and want to take the stuff indoors and set up the next day quickly, then yes, use the bubble to get a close starting point from last night and avoid doing the PA again, that might work well enough (you can check quickly enough). But if you are goint to be doing PA anyway, the bubble can be off by a few degrees and it won't make a difference.
I have heard both sides of this question but to me it seems that a perfectly level mount is unnecessary. both axises that you track from should be on the same axis even if the mount is not level Polar alignment is the same in either case.
I’ve always thought the same. I don’t seem to see a difference wether I level or not.
Hi John. If the tripod is not level, then the centre of mass of the mount head/telescope/camera/guidescope unit will not be directly above the midpoint between the feet of the tripod. This is true, even if you've balanced everything in both axes ( Right Ascension & Declination) & polar aligned the mount. Since the tripod/mount/scope/etc system is extremely top-heavy, if the tripod is sufficiently out of level, it is possible that the entire set-up is closer to what engineers/physicists call its 'tipping point'. In the worst-case scenario, strong gusty winds hitting a large telescope with a large dewcap could lead to disaster, however the much more likely problem would be a less-stable set-up that could be more sensitive to gusts of wind & ground vibrations. Furthermore, with a tripod that's not level, one or two of the legs would be bearing more weight than they should, so there's the risk of them sinking into the ground more than the other leg(s) as the evening progresses, ruining polar alignment without you knowing it's happening.
Now, IMHO, the tripod would have to be a long way from level for the set-up to be significantly easier to tip, and the ground would have to be soft for one or two of the legs to sink & lose polar alignnment. Nevertheless, the difference between having a set-up that enables you to get round stars in an image (therefore maximum signal/noise ratio) and a set-up that will give you elongated stars is miniscule in astrophotography, so IMHO, the issue of decreased stability & greater likelihood of vibrations is worth worrying about. Consequently, I would suggest that you get the tripod as level as you can (it doesn't have to be absolutely 100% perfectly level) in order to maximize the likelihood of getting the best quality images possible. I hope this was helpful. ☺
@@derekbaker3279 I appreciate the info. I stopped leveling my mount after not noticing a difference, but I always set up on a pretty level surface. Maybe I will for now on .
What do you do after you polar align with this setup. I am running the same gear
Scott Neith I frame my target, start autoguiding and then begin imaging.
@@AstroBlender do you,
-plug in your mount to the controller after PA
-set mount to home position
-do a 1 star alignment
-go to object
-then plate solve?
Could I just plug my mount in before the PA?
I plug my mount into my ASI Air when I’m done Polar Aligning. You can do it before if you want but it’s hit and miss. Sometimes it auto rotated 60 degrees for me. Other times it goes crazy and doesn’t stop. So I just manually do it when I use the ASI Air PA, but it’s up to you.
@@AstroBlender
I'm having trouble getting my longitude and latitude correct on the asi app. My mount shows correct L&L. Has this happened to you.
It would be helpful to hear your detailed walkthrough with this equipment.
From start to finish