Polar Alignment Without Polaris?

[Chris M48]

I can't set up my HEQ5 mount in my garden to carry out an accurate polar alignment as Polaris is hidden by trees. I have been using the new re-alignment feature on my Synscan upgraded to Beta firmware but I'm concerned that it won't be sufficient for astro-photography and imaging.

Has anyone got any suggestions?

[Black Knight]

I'm not sure if I would trust the re-align feature 100% yet. The first time I tried it, it was spot on; the other times, not so much. I'd probably be more inclined to drift align to be honest. Much greater chance of success.

Sent from my mobile using Tapatalk, so please excuse the speeling and granma!

[Auntystatic]

You could try alignmaster

[Black Knight]

Alignmaster has had some good reports, although I think it expects a very well levelled mount. It does require Ascom and a connection to the mount though.

http://www.alignmaster.de/

[AlBoning]

Before software assistance there was drift alignment.

[Willarnold]

There is a good article on the Ian King Imaging site on how to drift align http://www.iankingimaging.com/show_article.php?id=11

[Chris M48]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to give the Alignmaster a 30 day trial. I've got the HitecAstro EQDIR with EQMOD using Stellarium, PHD, BYEOS and Sharpcap as and when required. Synscan's there if all else fails. I'll try the Drift align method as well for good measure (time permitting).

Thanks again!