Thanks for making this video for Rachel because of the information you provided. I decided to purchase the Skyguider pro mount with the iPolar After reviewing numerous videos, reading countless reviews, your video gave me confidence to purchase a skyguider pro. I’ve watched many of your videos. Your presentation and information make it easy for a beginner to understand what you're explaining. Thanks for the great videos and keep them coming!
Ahh thank you so much for making this!!! It is so helpful. New technology can be so overwhelming, I’m going to try a practice run tonight before leaving tomorrow. I really really appreciate it!!! Awesome information . And thanks for the shoutout!!🙏🏽❤️🙌🏽
@@astroventure2221 thank you going to try tonight!!! Did a practice run at home the other night and wasn’t having much success through parallel on my Mac, I downloaded the app which people say works better so we will find out tonight lol. May have to get a mini pc if not 😆
Thank you for the kind words. I do my best. If you like the content, consider subscribing. Until next time, I wish you clear skies and uneventful nights.
I just subscribed. I also just purchased a SGP with I Polar to replace my currently well used SGP. Largely due to your video. I’ve owned large aperture SCT scopes on GPS enabled mounts, dedicated Astro cameras etc. but none have matched the enjoyment I get out of star trackers, a DSLR and a lens (or small refractor). The best rig is the one you USE.
No it was a standard optical unit. I shoot at 400mm in narrowband so alignment/tracking is key for the exposure lengths I’m needing. I was able to do pretty well with the old set up but I need any advantage I can find.
@@ronrotunno522 the iPolar takes you from horse and buggy to the internal combustion engine. The best part is being able to check alignment every thirty - forty minutes and dial it back in without moving your setup.
Thank you for the compliment. I hope you subscribed. Unfortunately, there is no other option than a wire connection to a laptop. After alignment, I do shut the computer off and let it sit connected. You can do Polar Alignment (PA) with an ASIAIR and don't need the iPolar. BUT, the benefit of the iPolar is that you can recheck alignment at any time during the night to tweak your alignment back in place without coming off target. You can't do that with the ASIAIR. Here is a video for doing PA from the ASIAIR. Clear skies and uneventful nights. ruclips.net/video/cAuJk74DUG4/видео.html
Hey Georges, you know indeed very well your subject! Very well explained and detailled! In your next video about ASIAir device, it's not clear to me if the ASIAir is use first for Polar Alignment and then aftrr, tracked your star. Can you provide explaination if possible. Thanks Again for your great work!
Great video! Just want to point out that tracking is what the mount does when it's running. When your guide scope setup is making corrections, that called "guiding."
Great video, My question is I have Mac laptop,iphone,ipad does this software work to have Ipolar align with my system or do i need the windows laptop???
Very nice video! However I am confused on one. During the demonstratiin, you said you prefer slightly east heavy while you pointed to the west sky, on the same side of the counter weight, which is pointing to the west. Can you please explain?
I apologize that I didn't see your comment. I see what you mean. This was shot on a (I was still figuring equipment out) cell phone that flipped the image.
Hi, If my exposure is like 4-6 mins per frame and I will turn my camera back to the horizontal position by unlocking the clutch and turn it back after fininshing every frame. My gears on top of this star tracker is like 1-1.5 kg.
What is your reason for resetting your camera position each frame. As to the system handling, it can, but in the interest of taking care of my tools, I would counter balance.
Thanks for the compliment. At the 3 minute point you can see me plugging in the cable between the laptop and the iPolar. Hope that helps. Clear skies and uneventful nights.
On this channel, I do #UpInTheNightSky episodes where I will show the target and discuss settings used for that target. The settings shared will get you in the ballpark. I don't use the monitor to monitor my images. If I were home and had plug in power I would consider it. I do use the computer to recheck alignment every 30 minutes. Hope this all helps.
Thank you for this very helpful video! Regarding your bonus tip at the end of the video I have a short question: I bought Ipolar a couple of days ago and installed it in my Skyguider Pro mount aligning the USB connection of the Ipolar at the top while the counterweight shaft of the mount points at the bottom (this is also recommended by the manual). After installing the software on my Laptop, I checked Raw image to see the picture the camera is shooting, while the USB connection of Ipolar is directed to the top, and I was quite surprised to see that what the camera was filming, was actually turned 90 degrees to the left. Did you observe something similar with your Ipolar, and does this play any role at all? Yesterday I had some trouble using the IOS IPolar software for the very first time, and I am currently investigating what could cause issues... Thanks a lot. I also liked your video regarding Andromeda and Orion. Regards, Roman :-)
The alignment should be up and down when your weight position is up and down. It makes me wonder if when they assembled your camera did they rotate the insides? If it were me, I would rotate the weight until the camera orientation is up down, mark the iPolar, and then open up the Skyguider to rotate the iPolar. Thanks for the compliments.
@@astroventure2221 Thank you for the quick response. Sounds like a good plan to open up the Skyguider and reposition the iPolar accordingly. One further question: When having the weight position up and down (gear at the top and counterweight at the bottom), what the iPolar camera would show should be mirror-inverted then, right? Thanks!
Nice thanks for the info very accurate information, I don’t have the ipolar though as I do this manually - can you please tell me if the 11lb limit is with the counter weight and shaft or just the camera lens ??
I have actually communicated with the company on the 11lb capacity. That weight is anything you add to it and does not count iOptron's equipment. However, they are iffy about the 11lbs. Here is their statement, but pay attention to the part in parenthesis. My take away, don't go beyond 8-9 lbs and keep it balanced or relatively so. "SkyGuide Pro is rated for 11 lbs and truly capable handling the payload. However, the miles might vary from person to person, condition to condition, such as some pay extra attention on balance while others run the unit unbalanced, some use small camera/scope while some use large scope (although the weight might be the same, the torque applied to the motor differ a lot). It is understandable the imaging results might be more consistent and higher keep rate with low payload than with large payload." Clear skies and uneventful nights.
@@astroventure2221 THANKYOU, I am gathering that was not their full statement as it did not mention that it does not count iOptrons own equipment - can you tell me what they said RE - customers own equipment being 11lbs ? ? - see I still have a hard time understanding them. What I have in their manual is: “ Capable for dual mount application up to 11lbs (5kg) + 7.7lbs (3.5kg), balanced “ “ Appendix A. Technical Specifications (for #3550 only) - Payload (MAX) - 11 lbs (5kg)”
@@Photographersforyou I spoke with a mechanical engineer after hearing from iOptron. The mechanical engineer told me it was pretty "shitty" how they did the rating. He explained iOptron was playing with the numbers to give the rating they did. The engineer told me that while the setup is technically rated for the 11 lbs., the fact they started putting in all the caveats tells him it's not rated for 11 lbs. in the real world. The engineer told me stay within 8-9 pounds that I add to the setup and I would be good.
@@astroventure2221 wow! So did ioptron say anything else apart from the parenthesis you sent above OR was the 8/9- 11lb limit being the customers own equipment - did that cone from the engineer you spoke too , or did ioptron say that ?? As my own equipment WITH the counter weight and dec and bar that holds counterweight is about 13lb However without the bar counterweight and dec it’s 8-9 lb. Any more info as I am still unclear.
@@Photographersforyou because iOptron leaves it very vague with their caveats, the mechanical engineer told me to stay between 8-9 lbs in what I add to the iOptron equipment.
Hi George! Your videos have been SO helpful during my new Skyguider Pro journey. My one question- I am having trouble adjusting my latitude screws on the William Optics Base when I try to polar align. They become super stiff and impossible to turn. Is this because of the weight of all my gear? I know I'm doing something wrong I just cannot figure out what.
That's great that the videos have helped. When you have your gear unloaded, it's it still hard to turn? My next question would be are you backing the one screw out enough as you screw the opposite screw in?
@@astroventure2221 when the gear is unloaded it turns very easily! The more gear I mount the harder it becomes. When the gear is mounted, it's the screw towards the back of the Skyguider that seems to get locked. The front one loosens just fine.
Hi sir . I read in the ipolar software read latitude and longitude from mount.. why you need to type al this numbers in the software . it you done it is daylight.
Hi, I wonder if you can help. I bought one of these months ago and can not get the iPolar to work. As you have done in the video I have downloaded software, connected the camera, set the Longitude and Latitude, taken a dark frame and then removed the cap. It keeps tellig me it is plate solving and often says it has failed. Occasionally it tells me it is solved but the fails again and I don't see the cross and dot on the screen. Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.
I have not ran into this personally, but have heard of it being a problem. I can't get anymore specific, but it had to do with a software requirement that was not in the computer. I'm sorry I'm not more help than that.
I am currently researching this exact problem for someone else. As of yet, I have not found a solution or what causes it. If you find out, and I will do the same, please share.
@@astroventure2221 Hi, Thanks a lot for this thread. I think I have missed the step of turn RA axis to confirm postion 1,2 ... And some commenter said the ipolar version 2.5 - 2.6 is quite jumpy and that happened to me as well. I will try to use the older version 2.21 as his recommendation. I will try this whole process all over again and I will let you know the result. Thanks heaps Tux New Zealand
East heavy means rather than a balanced camera to counter weight, the side towards the east just slightly pulls down. This video might help further. ruclips.net/video/cmPK6r1OrbM/видео.html
@Astro Venture so regardless of if it's the counter weight or the camera, whichever side is on the east (which would presumably be to the right if you were standing behind the rig) needs to be slightly heavier, correct?
@Astro Venture awesome. Thanks for the tip. The last time I went out in the field I was shooting the Orion Nebula and I would lose alignment after about 15 minutes... I had no clue what was going on. I had to keep making adjustments throughout the night. In hindsight, I never checked the bubble level on the tripod itself, I also don't remember if the coordinates were accurate in the program, and I definitely wasn't east heavy on the rig. I'll apply your tips and try again. Thanks!
Hi, Do you have any recommended phone app. that can tell us the GPS coordinates our current tripod location on site? I am using iOptron sky guider pro. Thanks
@@astroventure2221 I just download it. It seems very nice!!!! 1. Is it working while we are in the middle of nowhere with no signal? 2. How accuracy of the compass 🧭? Can we use for pointing S and N for polar alignment? Thanks and Regards Tux New Zealand
Thanks for making this video for Rachel because of the information you provided. I decided to purchase the Skyguider pro mount with the iPolar After reviewing numerous videos, reading countless reviews, your video gave me confidence to purchase a skyguider pro. I’ve watched many of your videos. Your presentation and information make it easy for a beginner to understand what you're explaining. Thanks for the great videos and keep them coming!
Thanks for this. I'm going to add the ipolar to my Skyguider Pro soon. Good to see how easy it is to use. Liked and subscribed
TH
This is EXACTLY what I was hoping to find. Thank you!
You are very welcome.
Ahh thank you so much for making this!!! It is so helpful. New technology can be so overwhelming, I’m going to try a practice run tonight before leaving tomorrow. I really really appreciate it!!! Awesome information . And thanks for the shoutout!!🙏🏽❤️🙌🏽
You are very welcome and let us know how it goes. Southern Utah is a beautiful place.
Clear skies and uneventful nights.
@@astroventure2221 thank you going to try tonight!!! Did a practice run at home the other night and wasn’t having much success through parallel on my Mac, I downloaded the app which people say works better so we will find out tonight lol. May have to get a mini pc if not 😆
Excellent video. Great explanation and thorough.
Thank you for the kind words. I do my best. If you like the content, consider subscribing.
Until next time, I wish you clear skies and uneventful nights.
Great video skyguider pro ipolar added to my shopping list
Awesome job! Amazingly straightforward. Thanks.
Thank you. If you haven't subscribed consider joining us.
I just subscribed. I also just purchased a SGP with I Polar to replace my currently well used SGP. Largely due to your video. I’ve owned large aperture SCT scopes on GPS enabled mounts, dedicated Astro cameras etc. but none have matched the enjoyment I get out of star trackers, a DSLR and a lens (or small refractor). The best rig is the one you USE.
@@ronrotunno522 did you have an iPolar on your previous?
No it was a standard optical unit. I shoot at 400mm in narrowband so alignment/tracking is key for the exposure lengths I’m needing. I was able to do pretty well with the old set up but I need any advantage I can find.
@@ronrotunno522 the iPolar takes you from horse and buggy to the internal combustion engine. The best part is being able to check alignment every thirty - forty minutes and dial it back in without moving your setup.
Thanks for detailed info.
You're very welcome.
Great channel, very informative! Is there a way to do ipolar wireless to a tablet, maybe with ASIAIR or another way with no laptop needed?
Thank you for the compliment. I hope you subscribed.
Unfortunately, there is no other option than a wire connection to a laptop. After alignment, I do shut the computer off and let it sit connected. You can do Polar Alignment (PA) with an ASIAIR and don't need the iPolar. BUT, the benefit of the iPolar is that you can recheck alignment at any time during the night to tweak your alignment back in place without coming off target. You can't do that with the ASIAIR. Here is a video for doing PA from the ASIAIR. Clear skies and uneventful nights.
ruclips.net/video/cAuJk74DUG4/видео.html
Hey Georges, you know indeed very well your subject! Very well explained and detailled! In your next video about ASIAir device, it's not clear to me if the ASIAir is use first for Polar Alignment and then aftrr, tracked your star. Can you provide explaination if possible. Thanks Again for your great work!
I use the ipolar for alignment and then ASIAR for guiding after I have alignment.
When aligning the sky guider pro to Polaris does the dot need to be in the center. Never mind. U just answered my question. Thanks
Great video! Just want to point out that tracking is what the mount does when it's running. When your guide scope setup is making corrections, that called "guiding."
No argument. Utilizing correct vocabulary is not my strong point, but I do need to pay more attention to it. Thanks.
@@astroventure2221 You seem to know what you're doing and it's really nice that you made this video for the lady you mentioned.
@@rockettcrawford890 thank you.
Great video, My question is I have Mac laptop,iphone,ipad does this software work to have Ipolar align with my system or do i need the windows laptop???
Works for both Windows and Mac COMPUTERS. The app is in the apple store. Sadly, there are no phone or tablet applications.
@@astroventure2221 THX very much
Very nice video! However I am confused on one. During the demonstratiin, you said you prefer slightly east heavy while you pointed to the west sky, on the same side of the counter weight, which is pointing to the west. Can you please explain?
I apologize that I didn't see your comment. I see what you mean. This was shot on a (I was still figuring equipment out) cell phone that flipped the image.
Hi,
If my exposure is like 4-6 mins per frame and I will turn my camera back to the horizontal position by unlocking the clutch and turn it back after fininshing every frame.
My gears on top of this star tracker is like 1-1.5 kg.
What is your reason for resetting your camera position each frame. As to the system handling, it can, but in the interest of taking care of my tools, I would counter balance.
Do you require wifi connection for your laptop so the ipolar software works ,thanks,great tutorial.
Thanks for the compliment. At the 3 minute point you can see me plugging in the cable between the laptop and the iPolar.
Hope that helps. Clear skies and uneventful nights.
Can u please tell or show what camera settings you use. And do u use your computer as a monitor so u can see what u are shooting. Great video
On this channel, I do #UpInTheNightSky episodes where I will show the target and discuss settings used for that target. The settings shared will get you in the ballpark.
I don't use the monitor to monitor my images. If I were home and had plug in power I would consider it. I do use the computer to recheck alignment every 30 minutes.
Hope this all helps.
Thank you for this very helpful video! Regarding your bonus tip at the end of the video I have a short question: I bought Ipolar a couple of days ago and installed it in my Skyguider Pro mount aligning the USB connection of the Ipolar at the top while the counterweight shaft of the mount points at the bottom (this is also recommended by the manual). After installing the software on my Laptop, I checked Raw image to see the picture the camera is shooting, while the USB connection of Ipolar is directed to the top, and I was quite surprised to see that what the camera was filming, was actually turned 90 degrees to the left. Did you observe something similar with your Ipolar, and does this play any role at all? Yesterday I had some trouble using the IOS IPolar software for the very first time, and I am currently investigating what could cause issues... Thanks a lot. I also liked your video regarding Andromeda and Orion. Regards, Roman :-)
The alignment should be up and down when your weight position is up and down. It makes me wonder if when they assembled your camera did they rotate the insides? If it were me, I would rotate the weight until the camera orientation is up down, mark the iPolar, and then open up the Skyguider to rotate the iPolar.
Thanks for the compliments.
@@astroventure2221 Thank you for the quick response. Sounds like a good plan to open up the Skyguider and reposition the iPolar accordingly. One further question: When having the weight position up and down (gear at the top and counterweight at the bottom), what the iPolar camera would show should be mirror-inverted then, right? Thanks!
@@romanargentina when everything is oriented up down, think of it this way. The screws are used to push the red dot to the crosshairs.
@@astroventure2221 Ok, thanks a lot!
Nice thanks for the info very accurate information, I don’t have the ipolar though as I do this manually - can you please tell me if the 11lb limit is with the counter weight and shaft or just the camera lens ??
I have actually communicated with the company on the 11lb capacity. That weight is anything you add to it and does not count iOptron's equipment. However, they are iffy about the 11lbs. Here is their statement, but pay attention to the part in parenthesis. My take away, don't go beyond 8-9 lbs and keep it balanced or relatively so.
"SkyGuide Pro is rated for 11 lbs and truly capable handling the payload. However, the miles might vary from person to person, condition to condition, such as some pay extra attention on balance while others run the unit unbalanced, some use small camera/scope while some use large scope (although the weight might be the same, the torque applied to the motor differ a lot). It is understandable the imaging results might be more consistent and higher keep rate with low payload than with large payload."
Clear skies and uneventful nights.
@@astroventure2221 THANKYOU, I am gathering that was not their full statement as it did not mention that it does not count iOptrons own equipment - can you tell me what they said RE - customers own equipment being 11lbs ? ? - see I still have a hard time understanding them.
What I have in their manual is: “ Capable for dual mount application up to 11lbs (5kg) + 7.7lbs (3.5kg), balanced “
“ Appendix A. Technical Specifications (for #3550 only) - Payload (MAX) - 11 lbs (5kg)”
@@Photographersforyou I spoke with a mechanical engineer after hearing from iOptron. The mechanical engineer told me it was pretty "shitty" how they did the rating. He explained iOptron was playing with the numbers to give the rating they did. The engineer told me that while the setup is technically rated for the 11 lbs., the fact they started putting in all the caveats tells him it's not rated for 11 lbs. in the real world. The engineer told me stay within 8-9 pounds that I add to the setup and I would be good.
@@astroventure2221 wow! So did ioptron say anything else apart from the parenthesis you sent above OR was the 8/9- 11lb limit being the customers own equipment - did that cone from the engineer you spoke too , or did ioptron say that ?? As my own equipment WITH the counter weight and dec and bar that holds counterweight is about 13lb However without the bar counterweight and dec it’s 8-9 lb. Any more info as I am still unclear.
@@Photographersforyou because iOptron leaves it very vague with their caveats, the mechanical engineer told me to stay between 8-9 lbs in what I add to the iOptron equipment.
Hi George! Your videos have been SO helpful during my new Skyguider Pro journey. My one question- I am having trouble adjusting my latitude screws on the William Optics Base when I try to polar align. They become super stiff and impossible to turn. Is this because of the weight of all my gear? I know I'm doing something wrong I just cannot figure out what.
That's great that the videos have helped.
When you have your gear unloaded, it's it still hard to turn? My next question would be are you backing the one screw out enough as you screw the opposite screw in?
@@astroventure2221 when the gear is unloaded it turns very easily! The more gear I mount the harder it becomes. When the gear is mounted, it's the screw towards the back of the Skyguider that seems to get locked. The front one loosens just fine.
@@Flo-qw5dz that would make sense because the full weight is sitting on that screw. One more idea, if you loosen the lock down lever is it better?
@@astroventure2221 no it doesn't change anything if I loosen the lock down screw :(
figured it out! Thanks for everything
Hi sir . I read in the ipolar software read latitude and longitude from mount.. why you need to type al this numbers in the software . it you done it is daylight.
The Skyguider Pro does not have an internal GPS. Therefore, the software can't read it from the mount.
@@astroventure2221 ah okey for clrearing this
Perfect !!!
Glad it was helpful.
Hi, I wonder if you can help. I bought one of these months ago and can not get the iPolar to work. As you have done in the video I have downloaded software, connected the camera, set the Longitude and Latitude, taken a dark frame and then removed the cap. It keeps tellig me it is plate solving and often says it has failed. Occasionally it tells me it is solved but the fails again and I don't see the cross and dot on the screen. Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.
I have not ran into this personally, but have heard of it being a problem. I can't get anymore specific, but it had to do with a software requirement that was not in the computer. I'm sorry I'm not more help than that.
Do you need to be connected to the internet during alignment or can this be done offline in the field?
Offline, the program runs on your computer.
Clear skies and uneventful nights.
Hi,
I am using this program for the first time and I could not see the red cross right away like your one after connected.
Could you advise?
Thanks
I am currently researching this exact problem for someone else. As of yet, I have not found a solution or what causes it. If you find out, and I will do the same, please share.
Check this thread out. www.cloudynights.com/topic/790931-ioptron-ipolar/
@@astroventure2221 Hi,
Thanks a lot for this thread. I think I have missed the step of turn RA axis to confirm postion 1,2 ...
And some commenter said the ipolar version 2.5 - 2.6 is quite jumpy and that happened to me as well.
I will try to use the older version 2.21 as his recommendation.
I will try this whole process all over again and I will let you know the result.
Thanks heaps
Tux New Zealand
Can you explain the "east heavy" bit?
East heavy means rather than a balanced camera to counter weight, the side towards the east just slightly pulls down. This video might help further.
ruclips.net/video/cmPK6r1OrbM/видео.html
@Astro Venture so regardless of if it's the counter weight or the camera, whichever side is on the east (which would presumably be to the right if you were standing behind the rig) needs to be slightly heavier, correct?
@@Flippy042 Exactly, ever so slightly. That is where I have had the best results.
@Astro Venture awesome. Thanks for the tip. The last time I went out in the field I was shooting the Orion Nebula and I would lose alignment after about 15 minutes... I had no clue what was going on. I had to keep making adjustments throughout the night. In hindsight, I never checked the bubble level on the tripod itself, I also don't remember if the coordinates were accurate in the program, and I definitely wasn't east heavy on the rig. I'll apply your tips and try again. Thanks!
Hi,
Do you have any recommended phone app. that can tell us the GPS coordinates our current tripod location on site?
I am using iOptron sky guider pro.
Thanks
I use "Compass" from the Google Play Store.
I am using "Compass" which has a red arrowhead in the logo.
@@astroventure2221 I just download it. It seems very nice!!!!
1. Is it working while we are in the middle of nowhere with no signal?
2. How accuracy of the compass 🧭? Can we use for pointing S and N for polar alignment?
Thanks and Regards
Tux New Zealand
@@akkarparkiamopas3401 no network needed. Users the internal GPS. No complaints, it all works well for me.
@@akkarparkiamopas3401 would love to see some images from your side of the hemisphere that I would never see.
Which polar alignment is more accurate, ipolar or sharpcap pro?
I can't say. They both plate solve and I have heard people complain and praise both.
You need to be able to see Polaris to use iPolar?
From what I understand, through plate solving, if it had enough of the surrounding stars, it does not. I want to try this out myself one night.
@@astroventure2221 The entire northern half of the sky is invisible for me, as i face south. I have a feeling I am doomed. ;)
@@deeber35 That changes everything. There is a Southern mode and the iPolar can align.
@@astroventure2221 Isn't the southern mode used if u live in the southern hemisphere? I live in the US.
@@deeber35 sorry, I misread and thought you were in the southern hemisphere. It sounds like you will have to travel a bit. I don't shoot from home.