Thanks for this video, have the old MSM tracker but this seems a lot easier so I pulled the trigger on the Nomad and 10% off as well, very much appreciated!!
Thanks for the video. Did you have to calibrate your Polar Scope or Laser Pointer? I could not find any instructions on these subjects. I am expecting delivery of my NOMAD tracker later this month.
The laser pointers are now being shipped calibrated, so there's no need to calibrate it yourself. I've never calibrated the one that came with my kit, and I've been able to get exposures as long as 8 minutes with just the laser. I don't believe you have to calibrate the scope. Honestly, I've never used it because I have had good luck with the laser, and I don't much photography of deep-space objects. If you're aligning to Polaris with the scope, you do need a phone app to show you exactly where Polaris is on the reticle. Have fun.
@@MikePach3PeaksPhoto Mike I feel like I'm living on a sponge 😄 wettest winter ever. Bet there are some great locations to shoot where you are....one day 😊
Thanks. The scope and eye piece are on the MSM website. You can save 5% by using my code "3 Peaks Discount" when you order. www.moveshootmove.com/collections/move-shoot-move-rotator/products/polar-scope-with-mount-for-sifo
Thanks for the informative video! I was also gifted the Nomad for Christmas - my first tracker. Two questions: (1) I had seen in MSM Rotator tutorials how one should check the polar alignment *after* adding on the camera and composing - but w/ the Nomad, when I put on the ballhead/camera the laser ends up hitting the ballhead. How do you go about verifying that the alignment is still good *after* putting on your camera and getting the composition? (2) When do you turn on the Nomad? I wonder because it takes quite a few seconds (perhaps longer) to get the camera/lens on and the image composed (and maybe have to recheck focus) - won't that put you off? Should you start the Nomad up as soon as it is aligned?
Thanks for watching. In regards to your first question, you can't recheck your alignment once you place the head and camera on the tracker, so this is a potential issue. You have to be careful not to move your tripod when attaching those things and make sure that your base is tightly secured. Your first couple of shots should verify that your alignment is good. If not, you have to take the camera off and realign. This is one of the things I am going to look at more closely when I get more time to work with my Nomad. I believe that I read that MSM is working on a a different bracket that would extend further away from the tracker. I normally turn on the tracker after I've attached my camera and let it run for a couple of minutes before taking any photos. It seems to take a little while to "warm up" and settle into a smooth rotation.
You'd need to be in a dark location to use it. Your latitude is set when you adjust your declination while aligning the position with the laser or scope.
Mine is in the mail, but I am curious about your ballhead. It looks very capable, can you tell me the brand, or give me a link. I watched the video a couple times but the branding was always on the other side.
It's the Really Right Stuff BH-40 with the panoramic clamp. When I made this video, I wasn't aware that there's an interference issue when using the BH-40 with the Benro 3-way geared head. I explain that in this video: ua-cam.com/video/td74H6UBaZk/v-deo.html. I'm currently using the Explorer EXPPRO tripod and head with the Nomad. I made this video about the EXPPRO: ua-cam.com/video/VvIyO4h0_es/v-deo.html
I’ve just found out that MSM has been discontinued so if someone wanted to create a Timelapse with the new nomad devise they would have to move the camera manually. The nomad apparently does no not have the Timelapse function apparently?
No lunar or solar tracking speeds. Nice improvements in design, but I really don't get the idea of using a monster ballhead with hefty panning clamp in tandem with the massive and heavy Benro geared head. MSM is always touted as the compact and lightweight alternative to more sophisticated and capable trackers, but I see the compact argument as mostly an illusion once you assemble all the necessary components to make MSM work. It's certainly an illusion when you use a geared head for a wedge and one of the most massive ballheads on the market. The MSM website mentions a counterbalance option, but you didn't mention it and I'm not seeing it anywhere.
The Nomad will work with a variety of ball heads and wedges. My equipment choices are simply my personal preferences after years of experimenting with a variety of gear (an experiment that continues to this day). The compact nature of the MSM Rotator and Nomad is not an "illusion." I can assure you that even with the geared head, this equipment is much smaller and lighter than my StarAdventurer, which I cannot carry with me on a hike. I do not see anything about a counterbalance on the MSM website, and I am not aware of this being an option.
Thanks. That head is from Really Right Stuff. It is sturdy, but I also found out that it's too big for the Nomad and the Benro geared head. I have a new tripod coming in from Explorer this week, and that head might be a better match.
I'm thinking of moving to Australia to work for a company that makes toilet paper. Would that be helpful? in the meantime, you can find other videos out there for aligning in the Southern Hemisphere. I've never been there, so I can't teach you how to do it.
I am also in the 719 area code🎉 thanks for a great video, friend
I'm glad you like the video. I teach classes in Colorado Springs and host night-sky photography workshops in Colorado if you're interested.
Just received my Nomad and as there were no instructions, this very clear video helped...thanks.
I'm glad this helped. Have fun with your Nomad.
Thanks Mike. Taking my nomad tomorrow to a dark sky park. Excited to see how it all works out.
Have fun and good luck.
Thanks for this video, have the old MSM tracker but this seems a lot easier so I pulled the trigger on the Nomad and 10% off as well, very much appreciated!!
Glad it was helpful! Have fun with your new tracker.
Expect my Nomad in the next few days. Thanks for a great setup video. Anxious to follow your channel.
Have fun with your Nomad. I'm glad the video helped.
Short and sharp straight to what matters.
Well done Mike. Channel subscribed. Thank you
Thank you.
Thanks for the video. Did you have to calibrate your Polar Scope or Laser Pointer? I could not find any instructions on these subjects. I am expecting delivery of my NOMAD tracker later this month.
The laser pointers are now being shipped calibrated, so there's no need to calibrate it yourself. I've never calibrated the one that came with my kit, and I've been able to get exposures as long as 8 minutes with just the laser. I don't believe you have to calibrate the scope. Honestly, I've never used it because I have had good luck with the laser, and I don't much photography of deep-space objects. If you're aligning to Polaris with the scope, you do need a phone app to show you exactly where Polaris is on the reticle. Have fun.
@@MikePach3PeaksPhoto Thanks.
@@DR-fy7qy You're welcome
Just bought the Nomad great video very helpful and clear instructions. Just need it to stop raining in the UK and get some clear skies 😆 Thanks
I'm glad you found the video helpful. If it doesn't stop raining in the UK, you can come to Colorado. It's been dry here for weeks.
@@MikePach3PeaksPhoto Mike I feel like I'm living on a sponge 😄 wettest winter ever. Bet there are some great locations to shoot where you are....one day 😊
@@Blade132011 I'm fortunate to live within two hours of some great dark-sky areas. Check out my videos for Westcliffe and the Paint Mines.
Thanks Mike, great video
Top video greetings from Holland
Thank you. I hope you have clear skies in Holland.
Thanks Mike.
You're welcome. I hope it was helpful.
Hi there
Great vid. Could you tell me the name/model of your scope please including eye piece?
Many thanks
Thanks. The scope and eye piece are on the MSM website. You can save 5% by using my code "3 Peaks Discount" when you order. www.moveshootmove.com/collections/move-shoot-move-rotator/products/polar-scope-with-mount-for-sifo
Thank You!
You're welcome
Thank you for the nice video
I'm glad you found it helpful.
excellent
Thank you
Thanks for the informative video! I was also gifted the Nomad for Christmas - my first tracker. Two questions: (1) I had seen in MSM Rotator tutorials how one should check the polar alignment *after* adding on the camera and composing - but w/ the Nomad, when I put on the ballhead/camera the laser ends up hitting the ballhead. How do you go about verifying that the alignment is still good *after* putting on your camera and getting the composition?
(2) When do you turn on the Nomad? I wonder because it takes quite a few seconds (perhaps longer) to get the camera/lens on and the image composed (and maybe have to recheck focus) - won't that put you off? Should you start the Nomad up as soon as it is aligned?
Thanks for watching. In regards to your first question, you can't recheck your alignment once you place the head and camera on the tracker, so this is a potential issue. You have to be careful not to move your tripod when attaching those things and make sure that your base is tightly secured. Your first couple of shots should verify that your alignment is good. If not, you have to take the camera off and realign. This is one of the things I am going to look at more closely when I get more time to work with my Nomad. I believe that I read that MSM is working on a a different bracket that would extend further away from the tracker. I normally turn on the tracker after I've attached my camera and let it run for a couple of minutes before taking any photos. It seems to take a little while to "warm up" and settle into a smooth rotation.
@@MikePach3PeaksPhoto Thanks much - very much appreciated! I'll do some practicing and see what ends up working.
Does anyone know what size the thread is in the body where the laser mounts? Is it 3/8 inch?
I don't know the size of the threads. Why are you asking?
Any place I can learn how this tracks? How does it know where it's at latitudinally because the movement would be different depending on it
You'd need to be in a dark location to use it. Your latitude is set when you adjust your declination while aligning the position with the laser or scope.
How does it balance each lens without weights? Or does it self-balance up to 7 lbs?
Mine is in the mail, but I am curious about your ballhead. It looks very capable, can you tell me the brand, or give me a link. I watched the video a couple times but the branding was always on the other side.
It's the Really Right Stuff BH-40 with the panoramic clamp. When I made this video, I wasn't aware that there's an interference issue when using the BH-40 with the Benro 3-way geared head. I explain that in this video: ua-cam.com/video/td74H6UBaZk/v-deo.html. I'm currently using the Explorer EXPPRO tripod and head with the Nomad. I made this video about the EXPPRO: ua-cam.com/video/VvIyO4h0_es/v-deo.html
I’ve just found out that MSM has been discontinued so if someone wanted to create a Timelapse with the new nomad devise they would have to move the camera manually. The nomad apparently does no not have the Timelapse function apparently?
Great thank you
No lunar or solar tracking speeds. Nice improvements in design, but I really don't get the idea of using a monster ballhead with hefty panning clamp in tandem with the massive and heavy Benro geared head. MSM is always touted as the compact and lightweight alternative to more sophisticated and capable trackers, but I see the compact argument as mostly an illusion once you assemble all the necessary components to make MSM work. It's certainly an illusion when you use a geared head for a wedge and one of the most massive ballheads on the market. The MSM website mentions a counterbalance option, but you didn't mention it and I'm not seeing it anywhere.
The Nomad will work with a variety of ball heads and wedges. My equipment choices are simply my personal preferences after years of experimenting with a variety of gear (an experiment that continues to this day). The compact nature of the MSM Rotator and Nomad is not an "illusion." I can assure you that even with the geared head, this equipment is much smaller and lighter than my StarAdventurer, which I cannot carry with me on a hike. I do not see anything about a counterbalance on the MSM website, and I am not aware of this being an option.
Great video. Can you tell me which ball-head you're using at ua-cam.com/video/ka9hzl8FqjU/v-deo.html ? Looks sturdy and has useful increment labels
Thanks. That head is from Really Right Stuff. It is sturdy, but I also found out that it's too big for the Nomad and the Benro geared head. I have a new tripod coming in from Explorer this week, and that head might be a better match.
Not much help here when you are in the Southern Hemisphere with no Polaris.
I'm thinking of moving to Australia to work for a company that makes toilet paper. Would that be helpful? in the meantime, you can find other videos out there for aligning in the Southern Hemisphere. I've never been there, so I can't teach you how to do it.
Thank you!
You're welcome