Polar Alignment Made Easy

[@RobGaleSpecialVideos]

I don't know what we would do without you! Thank you for these amazing instructional and very entertaining video's.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're a legend Rob, thanks mate.

[@felixf4613]

Cool. Thanks for the explanation at the end.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. Glad it was helpful.

[@someyoutube]

Thank you for this. ❤ Watched so many videos and nobody gave such an idea

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Most videos are heavily northern hemisphere biased.

[@someyoutube]

@@nightscapeimages.richard yea

[@joanhuggett5164]

Love your step by step easy to understand explanations (a born teacher). Watching again with family this evening. Received the USB thanks Richard and I'm chaffing at the bit; have to wait until Christmas Day :)

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased you feel inspired Joan. Thanks so much for your ongoing support and encouragement.

[@kimpayne5356]

You are the best Richard. Can't wait to try again. I would be lost without your help. Thank you very much

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Well I really hope this helps you Kim. I know it's easy for one person to do it and for others to sometimes have issues . .so feedback is most helpful.

[@kfacpa]

Because of this video I got the SS7 plus to work! Thank you Richard, great video. I so enjoy watching/learning from you!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm so pleased to hear that.

[@mariopereira8261]

Excellent video, thank you Richard. As always, beautiful photos. Thanks Richard👏👏👏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you as always for watching Mario

[@pskourides]

Well that was fantastic, many thanks. I've just purchased a phone alignment mount for my MSM rotator and the app, watched the video carefully and have set the app - up on the phone and I'm ready to go, it's working. My most grateful thanks Richard, you are a star.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for your kind words Phil

[@gavinheppenstall766]

Another great video as always Richard, clear skies 🖖

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you so much for watching Gavin.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Awesome images as usual Richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you as always Suzie

[@baranjen]

Truly sublime! Thank you very much. There is just so little information provided for the southern hemisphere and I had all but given up on attempting any sort of polar alignment. Greetings from South Africa!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Andrew. Yes it has always been very hard down here in the south .. but I've had great success with this method for years now.

[@QuantitySurveyingforBeginners]

Thanks for the video. Really helpful as I start my astrophotography journey here in the Southern Hemisphere

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're very welcome Gareth

[@AstroRoad]

Great simplification of what has long been a complex process for beginners here Richard. Proof is in the pudding, won't be a regular requirement for landscape astro shooters to need to go beyond 2 min exposures at 50mm.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Dominic. And added to that is the fact that most of my shots are at 20 - 35mm anyway.

[@PentaxLife]

Great video Richard. Always glad to have a different way of doing things.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're welcome Jeff. Thanks for watching.

[@rj66600]

Trackers changed the whole game for me. Get one!!!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes trackers are great.

[@chrisheyward6430]

Stunning as per usual Richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching Chris

[@Justgetoutthere2]

Thanks Richard yet another great informative and enjoyable video.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I really appreciate you watching, thanks.

[@guykerr8111]

Thanks much. Need to try with my MSM. Stay safe.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Guy

[@paulmorrall5719]

Phenomenal video Richard, I’ve always struggled with PA. So, after your last video I purchased the plate from NZ, however as it’s M31 season I wanted to get an image of the Andromeda galaxy with my Z6 and Z100-400. I have an iPhone, I followed your recommendations using Polar Scope Align Pro and once complete I looked in to the reticle of my Star Adventurer and 2 my amazement I could see Octans, a few tweaks and I was perfectly Polar Aligned. I had a very successful imaging session on Andromeda, and the results were fantastic 30sec Subs at 400mm 👍. Thank you Richard, the next time you’re in Sydney the VB is on me 🍻

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's wonderful to hear Paul. Really pleased you're getting great results with this gear.

[@YoBroz-ix5rq]

Again: i learn so much from you! Thnx Richard Reimund

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching, really appreciated.

[@andreaboyle9435]

Excellent video. I have been so intimidated by the alignment process until I watched this. I calibrated my iPhone's Sky Safari app while watching this and now I'm thinking of ordering up one of those platforms for my Sky Watcher Sky Adventurer. I can't wait!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm really pleased to hear this Andrea. I hope you get some wonderful results.

[@andreaboyle9435]

@@nightscapeimages.richard It was a relatively clear night last night in southern Oregon so I took my tracker, the new SkyLabs adapter and my camera out to try to align to the South Pole in the US. No problem! It worked great and I am so pleased! Thank you so much for the info you share with all of us!

[@ericwilkes1840]

Great video, always good to see a nice practical demonstration of using the phone, as you said it scares lots of people and is one of the most common questions I get asked. Great work (and images) as always.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Eric. Yes it's also the most common question I get asked . .apart from the blending of sky and landscape ..!!!!!

[@michaellillis3086]

Thanks Richard. Great video on a subject I struggle with. Very informative mate.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching Michael

[@mikehardy8247]

I bought 2 rotating basses. First one was for my MSM, as another poster here mentioned. I sandwich a thin magnetic steel light fixture plate between it and the wedge. Use an electronic protractor magnetically attached to the plate to level, then remove. Under 1 degree is good for me. My tripod has a "bowl" leveler as well. Once it's level picking the whole tripod up to get close to pole just defeats an already difficult task.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Mike. We all have our methods that work for us and that's great I reckon to help each other out.

[@tonyclark1504]

Well presented and extremely informative Richard. Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Tony

[@julieclark5779]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve been struggling try to align my star tracker. I can not wait to get out and have a go at aligning the star tracker🙂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'll be keen to see how you go with it Julie. Thanks for watching.

[@nightscapejournals]

Gosh, we really are spoilt in the northern hemisphere, aren’t we?! Great explainer, Richard, with some beautiful images too. I don’t know what Skywatcher were thinking with that dial on the SA, and how easily it gets switched on. One trick I DON’T recommend is switching one of the batteries round while not in use; I think that caused the batteries to leak in the compartment and now the connections are a bit hit and miss. I now just remove one battery entirely and keep it in my bag. Thanks for the video, as ever!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for checking out the video Paul. Since recording this video I've pretty much switched over to powering the Star Adventurer with a usb power bank .. so no more accidental power on issues. I hope you're getting ready for a chilly winter over there my friend.

[@nightscapejournals]

@@nightscapeimages.richard oh yes, the temperature’s started to drop the last few days so time to get reacquainted with the dew / frost straps!!

[@patrickwynne6666]

great video richard, thanks for the great useful information.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Many thanks for watching Patrick

[@anne-mareemccomb924]

Awesome video Richard 👏

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Anne-Maree

[@GregElkenhans]

Thank-you - doesn't seem enough. It seemed so obvious to do.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Greg.

[@antipodesastro667]

Great video Richard! And the results with these techniques are simply superb! 🤩

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thank you Lisa, you're a legend.

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

I did try this last night and I think it s accurate enough for 1 min exposure.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes it's pretty good. Obviously it depends on focal length of lens used.

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

@@nightscapeimages.richard20 mm that was what I did try

[@gihanilangakoon]

Excellent video, very helpful to me. Thank you

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks again for watching Gihan.

[@stephenmuller5098]

Really useful, thanks again.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching Stephen

[@PhillipMcCallum]

Great informative video, watching again . Have a great christmas with family my friend

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Always appreciate you watching Phillip

[@RockwannaHurdy]

Thanks Richard. Again and again you inspire me to get out of bed and get under the night sky. I’d love to pick your brain regarding so many topics, but if it’s on your list, could or would you mind really covering star trail compositions. Things like this polar alignment certainly help, but how you take a concept, plan and then execute it with foreground interest would be awesome. As always, clear skies

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching my friend. I do have a lot of videos on topics such as those you mention. Especially my Online Workshop series. See here: kzbin.info/aero/PLAYKmqkUeSM96MzmcTwVxT7Ccps5zhWOJ and here: kzbin.info/aero/PLAYKmqkUeSM9yi-P7iTDM94IAFCazTSTG

[@RockwannaHurdy]

@@nightscapeimages.richard mate consider them getting watched. Just upgraded from the 50d to the 5d mk 4. Really looking forward to testing its performance in low light.

[@berthaduniverse]

Great piece here Richard. I'd point out one thing, some of the newest phones (c. 2021-2023) have a big bump out for the camera. Sooo, to be more stable and accurate, they'll need a "carve-out" in the holder to keep them parallel to the body of the tracker...

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes you are absolutely correct. I didn't mention it in the video but I've placed self adhesive velcro strips in the phone holder to accommodate those bumps. Thanks for your insight.

[@bruceleonard3096]

It finally dawned on me, you are aligning the wedge before you install the tracker! Will this method with a small Move Shoot Move wedge and the Nomad tracker? I have their phone attachment but it’s not locked in alignment with the tracker.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes that's correct. It should work with any tracker although I will be getting my hands on a Nomad very soon and I'll be checking that for myself.

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

Excellent! What type of tripod are you using?

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

I found it Sirui w-2204

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I also use this one and love it. www.amazon.com.au/ARTCISE-Lightweight-Professional-20kg%EF%BC%8C65mm-Adapter/dp/B088YYD69L

[@galacticnemesis366]

Nice work once again Richard. I haven’t heard from Toby since he received the astrolabs polar alignment bracket in conjunction with the Sky Watcher prize. I hope it helped with polar alignment and I’m sure this follow up content will help also.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much mate. Yes I haven't heard from him either . .although I think I did read that he's had a bit of a health issue . .not sure what.

[@leonfisher]

Thanks for this!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You're welcome Leon

[@davidletz9123]

Richard, I made a wood replica of that phone mount, and it, along with Safari, works great for me here in the northern hemisphere. I can get 60 second shots with no trails on my Star Adventurer.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's so good to hear David. I'm pleased you got it to work so well.

[@GARY1951A]

Thanks, Richard -- I have Skylab’s bracket and it works pretty well! Through your video I have been setting it up wrong. I have attached it to the Skywatcher and not the equatorial mount and I assume the interference of the batteries made the difference! Thanks for your video and expert instruction!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching Gary. Yes I'd strongly advise getting it away from any batteries and circuits.

[@anthonytong2605]

Thank you very much for your video, the best I'd seen so far. I'd bought my Sky Watcher Star Adventurer in 2022 yet I still haven't used it due to my inability to polar align it. Love the clarity of your video. I would like to try DIY the phone adaptor, I would greatly appreciate if you can tell me what material did you use to make the handle that insert into the Sky Watcher base and which section of Bunnings did you get it from.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I used a plastic spatula from Bunnings but that's only because I stumbled upon it. Anything would work. Probably 2 pieces of light timber would be easier to work with. The plastic spatula was in the paint department. . but they do tend to change over their products on a regular basis.

[@robertYTB78g]

My sky tracker is permanently screwed on to the tripod, having been set perfectly parallel to two of the legs ages ago. At home I simply place the tracker into one of the north south lines around my property and start tracking. Elsewhere I start by making a north south line away from any metal, even the tripod. Then I place the tripod on the line and level. This has been a godsend to me and I can really recommend trying it.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That makes perfect sense Robert. Thanks for sharing your method.

[@TL1000S97]

Just beautiful! ❤ And great tips to anyone struggling with Polar Alignment. I have the Adventurer 2i (for casual astrophotography). The Adventurer 2i is super easy to polar align after some practise using the "console app" for this mount. I never use more than a couple of minutes, compared to several minutes sometimes with the "fully automatic" Asiair rigs I have. Last night I used a M.Zuiko 300mm F/4 lens with my OM-1 towards M31 - Andromeda. (Here I can use autofocus). Pinpoint stars and probably one of my best sessions so far with M31. So this little tracker is not only for "wide" views. It is some struggle with a fixed tele like this to "point" correctly in the sky. Most of the time before starting to take "lights" go to this. The GoTo function is the only thing I miss with these trackers, but a phone and Stellarium app to help to point the lens in the right direction helps.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching my friend.

[@trevorc6793]

Hi Richard, you make things simplified for us beginners - much appreciated. Can you confirm what the bottom plate is called that you stuck your double bubble to, then screwed to the tripod please. Im hunting, but my terminology must be way off for amazon!! PS, I live in the UK, I don't think SkySafariPro would work the same (or as easy) up here using the bracket you have, any suggestion please? Thank you

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Trevor. The round plate is a home made item. It's simply a nylon disc with a 3/8 "tripod thread inside. I attached the caravan bubble level to that. You can certainly use Sky Safari in the northern hemisphere . .you just have to point to the south celestial pole.

[@trevorc6793]

@capeimages.richard thanks for the speedy reply, that all makes sense. Is the skylabs exactly 90deg from phone holder to dovetail? Cheers

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@trevorc6793 Yes it is 90 degrees.

[@ВладимирСеребрянский-ф9р]

Wow Richard, you brought my dreams to life with your wonderful video! I struggled with the settings of Sky Safari 7 Pro for a long time, nothing worked for me, but you explained everything perfectly and the program worked! I live in the northern hemisphere and am I correct in understanding that I need to align with the south polar pole using a mount like yours? Thank you so much again! Sincerely, Vladimir.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for your kind words Vladimir. Yes that's correct, line up to the South pole.

[@rolsonn]

Thank you, Richard! Definitely a helpful video. I'm using an iPhone. My compass selection's in the upper right corner, The icon looks like a two side arrow. Tap and you're in compass mode. Just remember to set up the crosshairs. Also, good video tutorial on KZbin called, Sky Safari 7 Tutorial.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. Really appreciated.

[@brianwillert2833]

Another great vlog Richard, Just wondering does that device work on a Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTI?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching Brian. I don't think so because the GTI has the whole wedge system built into the tracker.

[@tonystephenson8105]

Nice timing for the video Richard as its almost winter for us in the northern hemisphere and the constellations are starting to rise at reasonable times. It's almost tracker time and the woes of polar alignment! All credit to you for finding and sharing an easier solution. I'm amazed you have unveiled the witch head nebula with only a single 60 second tracked image. Was it shot with your astro mod Z6 or regular?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks a lot Tony. Yes I shot that with the h-alpha moded Z6.

[@bodelicious4398]

Greetings, Thank you for the video, this is very helpful 👍🏻👍🏻 I'm new to the astro photography and planning to get the star adventurer mounts, your explanations is very clear and easy to understands. I have questions though: 1. Is the Sky safari polar aligment app acan also be used to photograph nebula with a tele or longer lens, or is it just for wide field astro photo only? 2. and how to adjust the rotation clock dial on the scope? Thank you.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. I would only use this method with wide angle lenses. I have shot up to 85mm. I'm not sure what you mean by the Rotation Clock Dial.

[@bodelicious4398]

@@nightscapeimages.richard I mean the time meridian indicator around the scope. What is the parameter and how to set it up? Thank you.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@bodelicious4398 Sorry I'm still not understanding what you mean .. Scope ..????

[@bodelicious4398]

@@nightscapeimages.richardI mean the polar scope, I see there is a date graduation circle on the outside part of the scope.

[@amacmedia3221]

Another fantastic video Richard. I’ve never found a bubble level to screw on top of the tripod, where did you get yours, a very handy bit of kit to keep in the bag(s) 😊

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Alasdair. That's a home made product. You'll need to find a piece of nylon with a 3/8 thread in the middle to screw the 2 way caravan level onto. www.bcf.com.au/p/wanderer-caravan-cross-check-leveller/573704.html?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA9ourBhAVEiwA3L5RFvv-01t0fvXsRQgAHz7VCaT69S-O_Z-q2rIBxBmuFcZHDA1eM8440BoCsXIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[@vivekbannore2250]

Thank you for this video. A quick question. Even though you aligned to NCP the settings on the Star Adventurer was set to Southern right ?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes absolutely. The tracker always goes in the direction of the hemisphere you are located in.

[@rodneytopor1846]

Thanks Richard. That is indeed a very simple method using SkySafari 6/7 Plus. Couple of questions. Do you set your phone to use magnetic or true north in the Compass app ... or does it not matter? My iPhone has a bulge for the camera lenses, so it doesn't sit flat in the SkyLabs holder; how do you deal with that? FYI, using a similar alignment method with the PS Align Pro app on an iPhone, I've been able to make 2 minute exposures without trailing using a 50mm lens on an APS-C body (so 75mm-e). Thanks for your previous videos teaching me how to do this.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Rodney. I'm relying on the inbuilt gps to work out the accurate "True North" co-ordinates. It does a great job. I'm not using a separate compass app. My phone also has a bulge on the back so I plced some self adhesive velcro strips along each corner of the Skylabs mount to make it sit flush. PS Align Pro is a great app for the iphone.

[@mauricewells8584]

Love yous video's great stuff. Im new to tracking and astrophotography in general. I just got the MSm nomad. Im in Northern hemisphere With Sky Safari plus if i use the south celestial pole like you used the north in the video is there anything else i need to donto make sure im correctly polar aligned Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

No that's about it Maurice. I also helps to have a level tripod base.

[@AaronLock-pq2eu]

Ricahrd a question how do you get the grid lines with the 12h 14h etc up on the compass with SkySafari 7 plus and find NCP polaris , i now have the skylabs holder thanks to you once again a great vid

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Aaron. Did you see the instructions at the end of the video at 19:15 onwards ..?? Hopefully that explains it all.

[@stevemeier7876]

Hi Richard, great vid. Question about your astro modified camera. I assume its HA. Do u shoot the forgrounds with it also and if so do u use a filter so u dont get a colour tinge in the foregrounds because of the mod.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Steve. I often shoot the foregrounds with my Z6ii standard just to keep it simple. I have done foregrounds with the Z6a but it is a bit off with colour.

[@roryhaymanphotography8882]

Hey Richard, I'm trying to use sky safari 7+ for polar alignment but when I select compass I don't see the blue cross hair icon on the screen (reference 8:26 in the video) to guide me toward the NCP. Is there a setting I'm missing? As always, thanks for the guidance and inspiration.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Rory, did you follow the instructions beginning at 19:15 in the video ..?? There is a hidden menu in there which may be the issue. Let me know how you go.

[@roryhaymanphotography8882]

@@nightscapeimages.richard that did it Richard. That will teach me to always watch your videos to the end. Again, thanks so much!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@roryhaymanphotography8882 Haha, you're not the only one to ask that question though Rory ..!!

[@davidkerr1953]

Great video once again I use the MSM tracker with the phone adapter for alignment with northern pole using the photo pills app. Do have any recommendations or experiences using this setup?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching David. I've never used the MSM but you could use the phone in a similar way to what I've suggested here ... but I think you'd be facing up towards the pole.

[@RobertLangawesome]

Great video, and very helpful for a beginner like me. I have one question that I have never seen answered. Most phones have a camera bump on the back, so the back of the phone is not completely flat. When you put the phone into the mount, doesn't the camera bump make the phone stand 1º or so away from the mount at the top end? Doesn't this affect alignment?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's a very good question Robert. Yes that will affect alignment and you have to make sure the phone is flat. I got around that by adding self adhesive velcro strips to each corner of the phone holder .. thus slightly lifting the centre of the phone and keeping it all level at all times.

[@RobertLangawesome]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks

[@roryhaymanphotography8882]

Really appreciate the video Richard, but I can't find a phone adapter for the star adventurer anywhere in the U.S. Does the company where you got yours ship here?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Rory. The company is in New Zealand, I'm not sure how far afield they send the items. Here's the link. www.skylabs.co.nz/product-page/skylabs-nz-polar-alignment-adapter Tell them I sent you.

[@BreezeStudio-jt3up]

Great video! Just got one question: I downloaded Sky Safari 7 Plus on my iPhone but can't find the compass mode. Is it different on iPhone? Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

A few people have had this problem it seems with iphone. I heard that sky safari changed the compass to an augmented reality view button which is placed on the upper right of screen. Let me know if you sort it out.

[@mitchmoore5052]

Great content, as always! I believe this will simplify a number of things for me. But I have one question... When polar aligning, you have a small green reticle or cross-hair on your screen. I can't seem to figure out how to display that reticle. What am I missing? Thanks in advance!

[@mitchmoore5052]

Belay my last 😂 I figured it out. Cheers!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Glad you worked it out Mitch. Appreciate you watching.

[@WrecklessLAW]

Great video again Richard, any chance you'll be doing another gallery showing? (I was in Queensland for the last one and missed out). ProTip for the Skywatcher battery problem; I took the batteries out of mine and glued the compartment shut. For power I have a power bank (it's actually a lithium jumpstart pack) which powers my tracker by microUSB, my lens warmer, and keeps my camera charged all night. I also use it to charge my phone, drone, and a bunch of other things while I'm out on a multi day expedition and it charges easily through the cigarette lighter. It's also able to jump start a small car so it just lives in my camera bag because I don't want to be somewhere with a flat battery.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. I'm not planning any more exhibitions for a while. .it was a great success though. Great advice on the usb power. I'm not doing exactly the same thing.

[@BLarsenPhoto]

Another great video thanks Richard. Where did you get the Feisol rotating base from? I'm looking for one online and they're not cheap especially once you add on postage from the USA. Re the star adventurer turning on - simple solution that I use - a piece of masking tape.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Brendan. Yes the Feisol base came from B&H New York. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/848913-REG/FEISOL_PB_70_PB_70_Panning_Base.html . You are correct .. not cheap. I've been using the sky watcher mounts powered by usb which alleviates the accidental turn on issue.

[@TonyVeinberg]

Another great video. Thanks. Out of interest what camera conversion did you get? and are you using any filters on your camera? I took some of your previous advice and had a full spectrum conversion done on a Fujifilm X-T4 at Imaging by Design (Camera Clinic) in Melbourne. I can only highly recommend them. I'm planning to purchase some STC Optics clip-in filters for the camera but I'm wondering whether I should purchase a multispectral or a narrow band filter. Any thoughts?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Tony. I'm using the H-alpha + visible mod by camera clinic. I don't use any filters.

[@mauricehuinck7381]

Hello Richard, first of all, I like your videos !! I follow you and you make great pictures! But I have a question and that’s about the settings for the app Sky Safari 7 plus. What are the settings to get this done for the polar alignment? You have to set the grid but I see the grid is moving arround the polaris. Can you publish your settings? Thanks and keep on the good work! Grt Maurice

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I show the settings using Sky Safari 7 plus at the end of this video. See at 19:15

[@mauricehuinck7381]

@@nightscapeimages.richard I'm ashamed that I didn't watch the end of the video. Thank you very much for your response!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's quite ok. @@mauricehuinck7381

[@billmeador215]

Your work is great! Gotta ask though, I get no results when I search for the phone mount for the Star Adventure, might you know where I can get one? And, will this method work in the Northern Hemisphere, live in Texas and would love to simplify the aligning process! Thanks..............

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes it will work in the northern hemisphere. You just point down to the south celestial pole. Sky labs phone mount. www.skylabs.co.nz/post/star-tracker-polar-alignment-in-the-southern-hemisphere

[@billmeador215]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Great, thanks..................will check it out. Now if I can just find a way to get SkySafari Pro to work I'll be up and tracking................have learned a lot from your videos!

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Thanks for revisit this topic again. I have got the skylab mount as you have had but the problem of mine was my old iPhone6 compass s not accurated enough. However , I have got a newest iPhone and I think it should work well with this scenario. By the way, You don't use iOptron anymore, do you? I still have used it.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks as always for watching. I do still have the ioptron . .haven't used it for a while.

[@bellasvistas3463]

Great video , where can I buy the phone adapter? Thanks.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. You can buy the phone mount here. www.skylabs.co.nz/product-page/skylabs-nz-polar-alignment-adapter

[@bellasvistas3463]

I am in the Northern Hemisphere. Will this work for me. Would I still point at Polaris or a southern point?@@nightscapeimages.richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

The way I use the app is that it actually points down through the ground to the opposite pole from where your location is. So for me here in the southern hemisphere, I'm looking for the north celestial pole.@@bellasvistas3463

[@tmbacz]

Thank you for making this. I really want to get a star tracker.. but I will admit to being intimidated by the polar alignment process. After watching the video, I’m still a bit confused about how it would differ in the northern hemisphere? I think I would point to the southern pole..? Also, I believe you can use Photo Pills to do the polar alignment in the Spot Stars AR feature.. The reason I mention P Pills is because a lot of people already have that installed on their phones..

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. In the northern hemisphere you would be pointing down to the south celestial pole. I have found photo pills to be less accurate than Sky Safari.

[@tmbacz]

@@nightscapeimages.richard, Thank you for the insight, any your response.. wishing you clear skies and good health..

[@castlefamily873]

Hi Richard, I believe you know Geoff Sharpe. We are in the same camera cluib in Sydney. Do you know if Stellarium will allow you to align a tracker the way Sky Safari does? I don't want to purchase Sky Safari if Stellarium will do the job. I can locate the celestila poles with Stellarium but can't seem to line them up with my location.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes I know Geoff quite well. I don't think Stellarium mobile gives you the cross hairs necessary to get exact alignment the way that Sky Safari does. You can use the Spot Stars feature in Photopills to get a similar result . . although in my testing it's not as accurate as Sky Safari.

[@castlefamily873]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks, do you know which versions of Sky Safari have that feature? I do have Photopills, I'll look into that as well. Also looking at the Nomad to take my nightscape images to the next level. shooting with a Nikon D800 and Sigma 14-24 for Milky Way shots.

[@bobs_photo]

Hello Richard. I stumbled upon your channel and love your videos as they really hit home. I started my astrophotography journey photographing nightscapes but then transitioned into DSO astrophotography but always kept an interest in the MW wide field images. I like your idea on polar aligning using a cell phone. I have Sky Safari 6 Pro as I use it extensively to plan DSO images from my easy chair. I also have both the Star Adventurer and SAM mounts and agree they are fantastic. My comment is my Samsung S10 internal compass has no option (unless I'm missing it) to show either magnetic north or true north. Ideally we would want true north and I'm wondering if the amount of magnetic declination (10 degrees West here in the eastern US) is enough to throw off the PA and thus give you more star trailing?? What are your thoughts on this?? Regardless, your images are spectacular and I've been glued to my screen watching your processing tutorials. Beautiful my friend, keep them coming. Bob

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks heaps for watching Bob. I've looked extensively in the past at the issue of true north v magnetic north. It seems that the sky safari app uses true north from what I can see on all the phones I've tried it with. But I'm only going on results of tracking. I have about 11 degrees difference in my location as well but I've found the sky safari to be quite accurate without any extra compass settings to what I describe in this video.

[@bobs_photo]

Thanks for the reply Richard. I might try to reach out to the developers of SS and ask what it uses, but the proof is in the images so I guess it really doesn't matter. I use a standard hiking map type compass (Brunton)with the declination dialed into it. To hold it, I made a custom wood bracket that slips into the wedge and is angled to hold the compass level. To set altitude, I use an inclination app on my phone held against the wedge (41 degrees here). Once set, if my tripod is level I dont fool with the altitude knobs between sessions. I like the idea of a swivel head on the tripod and will pick one up. This works well, however just for something to do as its been cloudy here for years it seems, I might try your version. I have an idea to use the SA Dec Bracket and mount a flat plate on the camera mounting screw and then just slip the Dec Bracket into the wedge. This insures everything stays square and straight. I'll let you know how I make out with it. Thanks again for a great channel. @@nightscapeimages.richard

[@bobs_photo]

Hi Richard, as a follow up I did search the SkySafari site and the app does use true north as it uses your location to make the declination correction from the device compass. You must have location services turned on in your phone for it to work. This is what I found..."The app does indeed use true north if you have your location services turned on in the device. It needs to know your location in order to look up the deviation from magnetic north to true north. Even when supposedly using true north, the app occasionally will display incorrect directions. We have looked at this in great detail and it is actually the device that is giving us wrong data. The electronic compasses in mobile devices can be notoriously inaccurate at times." @@nightscapeimages.richard

[@Senki207]

I've tried polar aligning with phone mounts when shooting from inside a cave (thus no access to Polaris) but it never really worked out. The thing to keep in mind is that your polar alignment is only going to be as accurate as your phone's gyroscope and compass, which (unless you have a higher-end phone), aren't very accurate. I'm sure you can get pretty accurate polar alignment with an iPhone, a Samsung or something similar, but with a less expensive phone model, like a Xiaomi, it's going to involve a lot of guesswork. Either way, fantastic video explaining the process.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks so much for watching. Yes you are so right .. the 2 phones I used worked very well but I haven't tested a lot of others.

[@bradleychewning9094]

Richard...You have been so good to answer my question using Sky Safari 7+ for Samsung S23 phone. Thank you! I have adjusted all the settings on the Sky Safari app per your video directions. Here is the problem I'm still having. I'm in the northern hemisphere. The compass works fine and shows where Polaris is. The problem I'm having is lining up the dot-with-crosshair with Polaris. When I get them aligned, the phone is face down and the top of the phone is pointed in the opposite direction of Polaris (but in line with Polaris). It's like the dot is 180 degrees off. Any advice?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes that's how it works. So I am here in the Southern Hemisphere. .and I am pointing down to the ground and lining up with the North Celestial Pole. You see if your phone is pointing down towards the south pole, the actual mount is pointing up to the pole in the north. So in a nutshell, you don't line up to Polaris at all, you are lining up in the opposite direction.

[@bradleychewning9094]

A point of clarification: Since I'm in the northern hemisphere, I should align with Southern celestial pole? Going with NCP, my phone is face down in cradle and unable to see screen. Thanks!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@bradleychewning9094 Yes that's correct and why I modified the phone holder to see the phone screen. See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpCTn6d7ls-fbtU

[@bradleychewning9094]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Great....Thanks for all the help. It's very much appreciated.

[@bernardgehringer6999]

Dear Richard, your bubble level is attached to a device (6.09 of your video), what is the name and brand of this device? Thanks in advance for your answer.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching Bernard. That's a simple nylon block with a 3/8" thread in it so it screws onto the tripod. It's not a saleable item .. but you can make something similar yourself.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Just to add .. the bubble level itself is a standard off the shelf item. www.ebay.com.au/itm/142970652499?hash=item2149b70753:g:nucAAOSw6Mpi8eYH&amdata=enc%3AAQAIAAAAwGudoxbekldl0FQFFAFr6Bv9tHdjNsOxwL4Ucl9zvTxsXWJmyzbbX9ZQFiM676g6Irj3EVLiROuIUIFRfpfhLx1dGbaInv2Laudam44KK4eFaFgGz2qgwa%2F4aSM6swi8nMkOlgMlSlAlbANEMZwuBlPdrsWaoNu7JpC6XZldPcIBxLl5OzI5e%2FmXM59m%2B7Il40yycg0phtgr2PPrX2Adl0rWZBNzy6NfBGJ4Ln6rEqNHvY9xeEMV%2BqDR%2FcSmwZNOyA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABlBMUNDEhfiuYw

[@bernardgehringer6999]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Thanks a lot. I have adapted my process and accessories according to your video. So much better especially with the rotating base. All the best. Cheers

[@geoffjackson6899]

G'day Richard. I downloaded SS7 Plus last night after watching your review of the new MSM Nomad. Like others, I am having trouble getting the polar alignment function working as you have it. I have been using Photopills for years and it is easy by simply going to night AR. Could you possibly add some information on the settings you have on Sky Safari, particularly Appearance and Behaviour, and Grid and Reference. I think this is where some users are coming unstuck, especially in getting to the night AR view that allows one to centre the dot on the celestial pole. Thanks for your great content.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks Geoff. Yes it does appear a lot of people are getting stuck with this. All I can say is that you need to follow all the instructions I mention at the end of the video starting at 19:14 There is a hidden menu which many are not accessing mentioned at the end of that section. Obviously this app is much more complex than Photopills, but it's also better at this part. One consolation is that once set up it stay there every time you open the app.

[@geoffjackson6899]

@nightscapeimages.richard thanks Richard. I found your earlier video, which went through the settings. As you pointed out in your second video, there are some minor changes to some of the menu items at the Scope Display stage.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@geoffjackson6899 There is a difference between version 6 and version 7 as well Geoff.

[@rodneytopor1846]

Couple more questions, sorry. I like your recommendation to use a rotating base to adjust azimuth precisely instead of the SA base's coarse rotation method. Do you have any similar recommendation for dealing with the SA base's coarse altitude adjustment method? Also, I find that when I tighten the clutch on the SA base's altitude thingy, it changes the altitude (and azimuth) slightly, which is annoying. Do you have a suggestion to avoid this?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes these are all accurate points you make Rodney. I haven't worked out a solution for the altitude adjustment .. I just adjust it very cautiously. What I have noticed though . .is that if you get it right it rarely needs to be adjusted at all as long as you have a completely level base in the first place. That's why I use the 2 way bubble level device.

[@jpastroguy]

In that the phones use gyroscopes and magnetic compass capabilities to determine direction, to my knowledge, they do not point toward the celestial pole directly, but rather the magnetic pole of the earth. From my location in Japan, that is about 7 degrees west of true north. Do any of the apps you use (or are recommended by Skylabs) compensate for the difference between magnetic north and true north in their displays/calculations? Or are we just accepting that error as "close enough"? Please correct me if any of my assumptions are wrong....

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You are correct about the declination difference between true north and magnetic north. Sky Safari has that calculation built in via the gps location. I don't think Photopills does however.

[@jpastroguy]

Oh really? That is fantastic! I did not know that about SkySafari. I want to try this technique with my mount and tracker because I like to put it very low to the ground for stability. At such low heights, it is too difficult to lay down and use a polar scope. Thanks for the great tips!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@jpastroguy You're very welcome.

[@KingsleyGeorgePouponeau]

..being just 4 degrees south of the Equator which side is easier for me North or South? thanks in advance... I just bought SAM😃

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I don't think it would matter which pole you use in that case. Either will work. But if you're in the southern hemisphere then you'll need to set the tracker to go in that direction.

[@xiaofengliu5724]

Thank you! It is better to show how to get the same screen with your video when pressing "compass". It is quite different when opening the app. There must be some settings we have to change to display the screen in your video.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I have these same apps on 2 different phones and they both have exactly the same icons on screen. Apart from the settings I showed at the end of the video this is just standard straight out of the box.

[@gm1590]

@@nightscapeimages.richard That's why I should have stayed until the end! :P Would have saved me hours.

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@gm1590 Better late than never.

[@schattenseite]

Well, that is embarrassing; Using Sky Safari 7 plus, in compass mode, I don't get the circle with the cross hair for precise Polar star alignment as shown in your video. I checked the settings but nothing. Any suggestions?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Thanks for watching. Did you see the last part of the video from 19:14 onwards. Also I believe Sky Safari may have c hanged their interface in the last few months as I've had others telling me that.

[@schattenseite]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Didn't see that. I got it to show now. Thank you much, Richard!

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

Could you recommend where I can get the round base that you scewed the bubble levelling on? Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes, I had to source that from B&H USA. www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/848913-REG/FEISOL_PB_70_PB_70_Panning_Base.html

[@kimpayne5356]

i still can't find something suitable to put the bubble level on that will sit over the screw of the tripod

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes unfortunately that may need to be a home made piece. @@kimpayne5356

[@akkarparkiamopas3401]

@@kimpayne5356that is what I was asking Richard , I could not find that 😢😂

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hey Kim, you can put it next to the screw on the top of the tripod . .there still should be enough room to keep it flat to read the display. I have also manufactured a couple of methods to get a flat surface over the screw thread. Bunnings is my friend.@@kimpayne5356

[@bradleychewning9094]

Richard, I recently purchased the Sky Safari 7+ app for my Samsung S23 phone to locate Polaris for my Star Adventurer 2i (also recently purchased) as you show in this video. However, I can't get the app to look like it does in this video. When I go to compass, the only way I can see Polaris on the screen is to hold the phone vertical to the ground. The "ground" in the app takes up almost all the screen at any other angle of the phone. I also do not see the circles (of the app) as seen in this video. Can you help me? FYI: I'm in the northern hemisphere. Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Hello Bradley. I've heard from a few people that the Sky Safari app has changed it's interface a bit. Did you watch the instructions at the very end of this video . .?? As that goes through some of what you're mentioning. Also have a look at this video at about 14.50. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWa8la2Zeq6bodU It's dealing with Sky Safari 6 Plus but some of the instructions may be helpful. Let me know how you go.

[@bradleychewning9094]

@@nightscapeimages.richard Well, Richard...you have set me on the right track. I've set up the SkySafari 7+ per your good instructions on the video and I should be "in business". The only difference I can see between what your SkySafari 7+ looks like on the phone screen and mine is the Polaris is on the inside of the "horizon curved line" on your screen and mine shows Polaris on the outside of the horizon line. Regardless thank you very much for your time and help! You have the patience of a great teacher!

[@WillPembrokePhotography]

Does your technique get octans in the circles inside the polar scope? Or do you need to find tune it for that?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I don't ever look through the polar scope.

[@WillPembrokePhotography]

@nightscapeimages.richard wow. What a great system. I've had a Star Adventurer for like 5 years now but never been able to figure out polar aligning in our hemisphere. Thank you so much!

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@WillPembrokePhotography Glad you found it helpful Will

[@nguyenhoailinh7516]

Làm sao để bật vòng tròn màu xanh biển ở giữa vậy ạ, cảm ơn chú

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

See near the end of the video 20:20 onwards

[@nguyenhoailinh7516]

​@@nightscapeimages.richard cảm ơn nhiều nhé ông

[@David-x6e7n]

I don’t have a compass button . It’s a symbol top right . Can’t get it to work . Tried everything. The set up you showed is different to mine . I have the 7 plus and pro neither work 😢

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

There's a number of icons along the bottom of the screen to the right of the Menu tab. Compass is near the end .. you have to scroll across.

[@David-x6e7n]

@@nightscapeimages.richard yes I have . I’ve spent 5 hrs trying to sort it . Well it must be different up here in the north . Lack of sun light eats away the brain cells eventually 😂. I hope it’s pilot error . I’m now into it for Over £50 that’s English pounds. That’s like the cost of two beers here . I could have got merry ish . . It seems like a good app . I’ll keep trying .👍

[@David-x6e7n]

@@nightscapeimages.richard yes I I’ve tried scrolling but it doesn’t. Just the icon at the top right .😩

[@David-x6e7n]

Ok I may have been drinking a bit but now it’s morning and I have had another go . The menu isn’t the same but I found the bits I was missing and now it works . Pilot error I’m afraid. It’s working I tells you , it works! Thank you 🙏 .

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

That's interesting. I don't have any symbols on the top right of screen.@@David-x6e7n

[@TommyLimKW]

where to get the bubble level with the tripod adapter altogether? Thanks

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

You won't, that's a home made item. www.amazon.com.au/Leveler-Caravan-Trailer-Levelling-Indicator/dp/B09TDBLG71/ref=asc_df_B09TDBLG71/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606290820670&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16478313635656958771&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071496&hvtargid=pla-1866186980316&psc=1&mcid=b72a55201eee3dfd97749765080d6907

[@TommyLimKW]

Is that a 3d printed adapter?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

@@TommyLimKW Yes it looks like it . .but I didn't make it.

[@vurhd]

What tripods are you using?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I'm using the Artcise AS80C see here: www.amazon.com.au/Carbon-Lightweight-Professional-Adapter-Portable/dp/B08D3C5Y89/ref=sr_1_20?adgrpid=149848366020&hvadid=658272391624&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9071496&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=5586421014008789817&hvtargid=kwd-1834677272312&hydadcr=14736_353071&keywords=artcise+as70c&qid=1700865037&sr=8-20

[@nguyenhoailinh7516]

Cách này chỉ nếu dùng lens 300mm thì có chính xác nhiều không ạ

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

This method is very accurate when using wide angle lenses. . as stated in the video.

[@nguyenhoailinh7516]

Dạ chú, cảm ơn nhiều ạ

[@zygmuntziokowski7877]

Where can you pick up the adapter?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Sorry for late response. This is where mine came from: www.skylabs.co.nz/product-page/skylabs-nz-polar-alignment-adapter

[@TwopowerMobile-o7p]

Stelarium and starwalk 2 do not even have NCPole as a search option

[@TwopowerMobile-o7p]

You're stuck with polaris

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Yes that's why I prefer to use Sky Safari plus.

[@nightskyimages2977]

That little blue marker on your screen that moves wen you move the phone how do you get that to show up?

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Depending on what version you're using you have to enable some of the features.

[@nightskyimages2977]

@@nightscapeimages.richard I've tried to find the feature to turn on not sure what one it is tho

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Check the video at about 20:53 mark @@nightskyimages2977

[@nightskyimages2977]

Also mate if I want to order one of those mounts for my phone from sky labs what size do I order for the sky watcher 2! It has all different ones to choose

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

I think the only difference relates to the size of your phone. They all fit on the tracker.

[@nightskyimages2977]

@@nightscapeimages.richard thanks yer tried to order one won't let me for some reason I still can't get my tracker to work tho 😅 think it's time I give up and give it away

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Trackers can be frustrating. . they take time to learn.@@nightskyimages2977

[@nightskyimages2977]

@@nightscapeimages.richard yer but I feel stupid lol 😆 I've watched so many videos and still can't get it to track one day I'll meet someone who can show me in person

[@nightskyimages2977]

I use this same app but it won't show polaris like it is for you it's like below the horizon so won't even show up on the app lol you should do a video on how to use this app for alignment for people as dumb as me

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

Which version of Sky Safari are you using ..?? Some don't show all the features.

[@nightskyimages2977]

I'm not sure but think it's skysafari 7 plus ​@@nightscapeimages.richard

[@nightskyimages2977]

I just can't seem to get that little blue marker that moves on your screen to show wen you are aligned to show on mine ​@@nightscapeimages.richard

[@nightscapeimages.richard]

See at about 20:53 in the video @@nightskyimages2977