Hello everyone!
Yesterday I made my first attempt at polar alignment with the Three Point Polar Alignment plugin using my NEQ 3-2 mount with motors (no go-to) and the ZWO462MC PRO camera with the ZWO 30/120 guide tube. With this equipment I had to use the manual method.
I had previously configured the ASTAP application with the D50 catalogue, but during the process I had problems solving both the first 3 recognition images and the images it takes in a loop showing my alignment error. The problem is that not always ASTAP can solve the photo, trying it in a loop until I move a bit more de AR axis.
This problem increases the time it takes to get the first three detection images, but I manage to get them by moving the AR axis a little more after several attempts. However, in the error correction phase this problem makes it impossible for me to correct this error as I have to move the sleeves around to get the image and this changes the error.
I am including a screenshot in case anyone sees an error, and so you can judge the quality of the photo. I always try to show more than 30 stars with photos of about 10 seconds exposure. This test was taken from my balcony and there is a lot of light pollution, so maybe that is the problem...
I can give you any other information you need.
Thank you very very much!
Hey!
Ahmad here, and I totally feel your frustrations with polar alignment. I've dabbled with similar setups in the past and faced some similar challenges. The ZWO462MC PRO is a solid camera, and the NEQ 3-2 is a robust mount. However, polar alignment can be a tricky process, especially in light-polluted areas.
Based on your description, a few things come to mind:
Light Pollution: This can be a significant factor when you're trying to get a clear image for alignment. Even with a 10-second exposure, the light pollution might be washing out some of the fainter stars that ASTAP needs to solve the image.
Image Clarity: It might be worth checking if the images you're capturing are clear and not blurred due to any focus or movement issues. A blurred or slightly out-of-focus image might give ASTAP a hard time solving.
ASTAP Settings: Ensure you've set the correct parameters in ASTAP for your equipment and observing conditions. A misconfigured parameter might result in failed image solving.
Star Saturation: Overexposing the brighter stars might create issues. Try to ensure that the stars aren't overexposed in your images.
Mount Movement: Any movement, even slight, can affect the alignment process. Ensure the mount is stable, and there's no play or backlash causing the movement.
Looking at a screenshot would definitely help, but I'm afraid I can't directly view images through this platform. However, I'd suggest comparing your images to solved ones available online or in ASTAP forums to gauge if there's a significant difference in quality.
Polar alignment can indeed be a time-consuming process initially, but with practice, it gets more manageable. I hope you find these suggestions helpful, and wishing you clear goku tu skies ahead!
Man, I can relate to the polar alignment woes. The ZWO462MC PRO is solid, and so is the NEQ 3-2, but getting them to dance together during alignment can be a real headache sometimes, right?
I had a similar experience in my backyard, and let me tell you, the light pollution is no joke. Messes with the best of us. A 10-second exposure should get you something, but if your skies are too washed out, it's like searching for a needle in a haystack.
I found messing around with ASTAP settings helped a bit. Make sure you're inputting the right focal length, pixel size, etc. Also, take a good look at your captured images. Are they crisp? Even a tiny bit of blur could throw ASTAP off.
