Which EQ wedge is the most Easiest to use With the Seastar? - Forums

Topic starter

Jul 2, 2025 · Edited: Jul 2, 2025

Hello and welcome!

I would like to reach out to everyone who is using the Seastar with either the Skywatcher wedge or the wedge designed specifically for the Seastar, which is planned by ZWO.
I'm having trouble setting my Seastar into EQ mode, and I want to know which wedge is the easiest to use with it.
Specifically, what are the differences in using each wedge?
How much faster can you achieve polar alignment with the Seastar using the other wedge compared to the Skywatcher one?
For me, using the Skywatcher wedge has been a bit complicated, and I’m unsure about the quick polar alignment techniques that some people may know.

So, I’m curious to find out if using the dedicated wedge for the Seastar makes the setup smoother and faster for polar alignment without any hassle.
If anyone has any insights or experiences with that wedge, please share, as I may need it for my primary setup. Thank you!

Respectful Engaging

Vineet Panwalkar

Jul 2, 2025

I am using the moveshootmove wedge. Is easy enough. But I have to say that I haven’t shot much with the EQ mode.
CS
Vineet

Philip Duggan

Jul 2, 2025

Hi There are several reviews online - you tube etc ….on the piece of equipment….. I have a similar one and it works fine. Basically it is just a tip photographic head solid yes for tilting it towards the celestial Pole… Very easy and solid enough BUT why oh why if it IS dedicated to the Seestar it only has the "normal" screw thread AND NOT a dedicated one for the Seestar - as a small adapter screw in - is supplied with it …

Wanni

Jul 2, 2025

I use this solution : https://www.astrobin.com/o21nef/D/?nc=collection&nce=45615

And it works fine. Did a bunch of images with this set.up.
The new alignment EQ mode is easy to follow.
CS
Wanni

msmythers

Jul 2, 2025

I'm using a Skywatcher but I also have it mounted to a pier and I'm using a 3d printed dovetail extention to raise the S50. You can do this with any post in the ground which speeds everything up. The Skywatcher never changes this way. I drop the Seestar on the wedge and it's always aligned. I just do the standard alignment before imaging but I have nothing to adjust. I do the same with my Dwarf 3 just using the Skywatcher Dovetail. And yes the Skywatcher is rusting and that happens in Florida so I have a spare if I need to replace it some year. I have 2 stands that I use to hold the scopes in the house.

The main reason I do this is where I live I never get 2 nights in a row to shot let alone 2 hours and sometimes it's as much as 4 months without being able to shoot. I have to be able to setup very fast. This allows that.

Helpful

Szijártó Áron

Topic starter

Jul 2, 2025

Wanni:
I use this solution : https://www.astrobin.com/o21nef/D/?nc=collection&nce=45615

And it works fine. Did a bunch of images with this set.up.
The new alignment EQ mode is easy to follow.
CS
Wanni

I heard the leveler is becoming somewhat useless after the EQ update, cause it is only meant for ALT AZ setup.
And what can you tell about the ZWO TH10 head? Cause this is what I'm referring to. It is also shown in the tutorial of the EQ mode.

Wanni

Jul 2, 2025

The leveler in my solution is just used as an off the shelf mechanical interface which supports the movement of the SeeStar as required.

Peter LeFebvre

Jul 2, 2025

Vineet Panwalkar:
I am using the moveshootmove wedge. Is easy enough. But I have to say that I haven’t shot much with the EQ mode.
CS
Vineet

I use the MSM Wedge extensively in EQ mode and can attest it works fine. Any combination of tripod including the stock tripod works well as long as you weigh it down and do not extend or spread the legs very far. Included below is the setup I arrived at. It provides the best yield in my conditions for longer exposures like 60s now supported by the Seestar. There are a lot of sophisticated setups (the piers in another post look great!) but for condo living this is an option that works. Once setup, get as close to zero as possible during the alignment procedure and you will be fine. This M51 was captured with the Seestar using 10s, 20s, 30s, and 60s exposures using this setup.

M51 - Whirlpool Galaxy Seestar

Seestar - Low Cost EQ Mode Setup

Helpful Engaging

Johnico

Jul 2, 2025

Agreed. The move shot move is the one I use and like it. I also use as shown above a three point leveler base to make sure the move shot move is level and it’s easier that adjusting the tripod legs.

Bill Meador

Jul 2, 2025

I have two MSM wedges as well as a Skywatcher wedge…………I find that the MSM works best as I do not have to use a longer lockdown bolt to prevent contact with the S50 body. I set mine up with two Skywatcher tripods, two MSM wedges and use the Arca Swiss plates that came with the MSM wedge….one for my S30 and one for my S50. I save the Skywatcher wedge for use with my DSLR and wide angle lenses for Milkyway images, or with long lenses for lunar, solar, and nebula tracking mounted on a heavy duty video tripod with a half bowl mount and leveler.

To me the big advantage of the MSM over a the ZWO or similar heads is the accuracy you can achieve with the fine movement controls (Skywatcher also, I just don't use their wedge with the Seestars). Although many say you don't need leveling in EQ mode, I find I get better results if I do, so I use the Neewer leveling base on all of my setups.

Helpful

Peter LeFebvre

Jul 2, 2025

Bill Meador:
Although many say you don't need leveling in EQ mode, I find I get better results if I do,

Yes, I hear those comments and maybe they are technically true... Still, I get better results with the leveler as well.

Vroomfondel

Jul 2, 2025

I use the William Optics wedge. Quite expensive but a quality piece of kit. Easy to use.

Szijártó Áron

Topic starter

Jul 5, 2025

Peter LeFebvre:
Bill Meador:
Although many say you don't need leveling in EQ mode, I find I get better results if I do,

Yes, I hear those comments and maybe they are technically true... Still, I get better results with the leveler as well.

So, does it somewhat help when it comes to polar alignment?
I didn't really try this combination yet.

Johnico

Jul 5, 2025

Szijártó Áron:
Peter LeFebvre:
Bill Meador:
Although many say you don't need leveling in EQ mode, I find I get better results if I do,

Yes, I hear those comments and maybe they are technically true... Still, I get better results with the leveler as well.

So, does it somewhat help when it comes to polar alignment?
I didn't really try this combination yet.

I find it helps as well. Easier to level the tripod head as oppose to adjusting the tripod legs

Bill Meador

Jul 5, 2025

Not sure about helping with alignment, never tried it without leveling first………..but it does seem to help with tracking as there is less stress on the motors, less sensitivity to ground vibrations and wind. Would think it would make a little difference in adjusting whatever wedge used for the polar alignment though.

Szijártó Áron

Topic starter

Jul 5, 2025

Szijártó Áron:
Peter LeFebvre:
Bill Meador:
Although many say you don't need leveling in EQ mode, I find I get better results if I do,

Yes, I hear those comments and maybe they are technically true... Still, I get better results with the leveler as well.

So, does it somewhat help when it comes to polar alignment?
I didn't really try this combination yet.

I find it helps as well. Easier to level the tripod head as oppose to adjusting the tripod legs

So this combination can alter the way of the polar alignment? Like the alt Az numbers won't change, or can they also be altered?