Instruction Manual by Steve Richards

Astronomy Shed Video

Technical Background

The PoleMaster achieves polar axis alignment following this simple idea: Find the position of the pole and then make it coincide with the centre of rotation of the equatorial mount’s RA axis, so that the right ascension axis of the equatorial mount is aligned with the axis of the Earth’s rotation. The PoleMaster can be mounted in front of the Equatorial Mount’s RA axis, or on any part of the mount which rotates with the RA axis and affords a view of the Polar area. It contains a highly sensitive camera that dynamically captures star images near the North celestial pole in real time. Its sensitivity is higher than the naked eye, so not only can you see the North Star, but you can also see a few dim stars near Polaris. Based on the location of these stars, the software calculates the true north pole position. At the same time, the PoleMaster detects the position of the centre of rotation of the right ascension axis and then marks the position of the two points on the screen. All you have to do is adjust the equatorial mount so that the two points overlap and the polar axis is aligned.

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