Polar alignment without polaris

[David Crane]

For a few years now I have struggled to polar alignment because polaris is just out of sight behind a building. I do have a reasonable decent southern aspect.

 I now normally use PHD polar alignment  but as this can take some time I have just tried Sharp Cap Pro which seemed less frustrating. It didn't work as I had to angle my scope nearly horizontal to get above the other building skyline and I think I exceeded Sharp Caps plate solve data base.

Is anybody aware of a similar program that I can use with my southerly aspect that is less time consuming than PHD drift align. I have tried a few others but all suggestions would be gratefully grasped.

Regards

David

[newbie alert]

Sorry but drifting is the only way, and probably the most accurate 

Far more accurate than the celestial pole method

Edited May 1, 2020 by newbie alert
Added info

[David Crane]

OK, thanks. Actually that's what PHD say in their notes I..'ve just discovered.

Now I looking to see if I can make the adjustment bolts on the HEQ5 mount a bit easier to operate and still get a good lock but I think the system is tried and tested.

[Jiggy 67]

Is it for AP or just visual. There is an app called PS Align Pro which offers a PA routine for those that can’t see Polaris. I use it in the daytime when setting up just to get near the NCP. I can see Polaris and when I fine tune at night, it’s usually pretty close

[David Crane]

Its for AP.  Thanks for that, I'll have look at it