SW polar alignment

[Maxrayne]

Hoping this makes sense. I have SW SA and I'm looking for a 90 degree viewer for the polar scope so that I don't have to get down and half break my neck and back trying to view for alignment. I've had a look around but can't seem to find one. Does it even exist?

[johninderby]

 

The answer is yes but............not cheap.

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p5950_TS-Optics-90--View-with-additional-magnification-for-Skywatcher-polar-finder.html

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TS-Optics-SkyWatcher-Celestron-comfortable-PFZS/dp/B01DIOPWCU

[Knighty2112]

There’s this one but it is quite expensive.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TS-Optics-SkyWatcher-Celestron-comfortable-PFZS/dp/B01DIOPWCU

[Knighty2112]

1 minute ago, johninderby said:

The answer is yes but............not cheap.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TS-Optics-SkyWatcher-Celestron-comfortable-PFZS/dp/B01DIOPWCU

Lol! You just beat me!

[SimonS]

I know that a second hand one of these is up for sale at the SGL2018 camp....there is some interest on it but, if it doesn't sell, might be an option  

[Guest Tuomo]

Just get QHY Polemaster. One of the best astroitem there is......

 

[lenscap]

Yes the TS adaptors are expensive, particularly since they bear a remarkable resemblance to these, which are on Amazon for only 25% of the price.

But you would need to make an adapter. Has anybody already done so?

https://neewer.com/product/neewer-perfect-1x-2x-right-angle-viewfinder-for-canon-nikon-sony-pentax-panasonic-and-other-slr-cameras/

[SteveNickolls]

Hi, There is also this-https://www.darkframeoptics.com/product/polarite-right-angled-polarscope and I recall Steve Tonkin wrote an article in the May 2018 edition of the Sky at Night magazine on making an adaptor to fit a commercially available camera right angled finder to the SA mount.

Cheers,
Steve

[lenscap]

This thread describes a 3D printed adapter for the SWSA

 

[Maxrayne]

Thanks guys, really appreciated. Ideally the Polemaster would be my preferred route, so I'm looking at cheaper options. Do like the look of that Neewer piece

 

[lenscap]

This is the Stephen Tonkin article that @SteveNickolls refers to above.

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sky-at-night-magazine/20180419/281758449863863

[SteveNickolls]

1 minute ago, lenscap said:

This is the Stephen Tonkin article that @SteveNickolls refers to above.

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sky-at-night-magazine/20180419/281758449863863

Hmm, it is part of the article but the detail of the tools and materials required and step by step instructions aren't there from what I can see which is a shame.

Regards,
Steve

[RolandKol]

14 minutes ago, Maxrayne said:

Thanks guys, really appreciated. Ideally the Polemaster would be my preferred route, so I'm looking at cheaper options. Do like the look of that Neewer piece

 

If you do imaging, the cheapest way is SharpCap Polar Align aid

[Dinglem]

Sharpcap and PHD2 both have tools for Polar alingment, which are pretty acurate, that doesn't need the use of the polar-scope.

[Maxrayne]

I have Sharpcap and PHD2 but haven't yet messed with polar alignment tools in them. Been struggling to get focus with the ST80 and ZWO ASI using any software (primarily because I can't see anything on screen which leads me to think my camera settings are way off somewhere.) Have all the usual suspects installed, ie Sharpcap, APT, PHD2, but when it comes to seeing any actual stars using the ASI 120mm I can't see anything. Been able to get moon focus with them, but then that thing is seriously bright. I'll get there, just a case of figuring out what I'm doing wrong actually getting stars to show with the ASI

[Dinglem]

If you get the moon to focus ok, all you'll need to do is increase the exposure time in increments until you start to see stars.

[Maxrayne]

14 minutes ago, Dinglem said:

If you get the moon to focus ok, all you'll need to do is increase the exposure time in increments until you start to see stars.

So it's not a "gain" thing?

[Dinglem]

It's mostly exposure duration that brings objects into view, the gain helps with under/over exposure, some more proficient imagers would give you all the technical details.

 

[Grierson]

1 hour ago, lenscap said:

This is the Stephen Tonkin article that @SteveNickolls refers to above.

https://www.pressreader.com/uk/sky-at-night-magazine/20180419/281758449863863

Angle finders can be had on flea bay for around a tenner. Take care though some people ask daft prices! The ‘stop ends’ are in the B&Q plumbing aisle. Cut a hole in the ‘stop end’. Areldite one to the other and hey presto half an hour later you have a suitable device. ?

[RolandKol]

44 minutes ago, Maxrayne said:

So it's not a "gain" thing?

For alignment and initial focus, use Bin2, Gain Max and 3sec, - decrease exposure as you get better focus.

Finalise focusing with Gain x 1. Do not forget to Lock focus at the end.

once done, start polar alignment aid on the SharpCap. It needs quite good focus as it uses PlateSolving.

If you not yet setup platesolving, - start reading and start from it.

[Maxrayne]

Thats where I've been going wrong...my exposure is still in ms...  

Already have the plate solve files installed so thats pretty much it I think until I can get myself out to try it all properly.

You guys are legendary

[RolandKol]

Oops, I am meant, - finalise with Bin x1, not Gain

[Patbloke]

I just bought a Neewer camera 90 degree angle finder and a clever amazingly precise attachment of an auction site from a fellow in France... It's a perfect fit!!! I'm delighted and looking forward for clear skies to try it in the field  total cost £40 ish... it'll be money well spent according to my glass knee ?

Eek forgot to say thanks to Nicko for finding the attachment on the well known auction site...