Automated Polar Alignment System – Work in Progress

Sounds great! About time someone motorised polar alignment. Is this something that will sit between tripod/pier and the mount head? If so is the 25kg payload inclusive of mount head, CW and scope?

Tony Gondola · Dec 26, 2025, 06:21 PM

Interesting project and I’m sure it’s been fun to do the development. I’m curious, what is the average time to get to the stated accuracy and how deep into to twilight do you have to get for it to be effective?

Thanks! yes a lot of fun, I’m loving this project more than my mounts.

The avarage time is about 2 minutes, you need to visualize at least 7/8 stars, so you can do platesolve

bigCatAstro · Dec 26, 2025, 06:37 PM

Astrophilos · Dec 26, 2025 at 05:12 PM

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share a project I’ve been working on since early July which has now reached an advanced stage of development.

It is a fully Automatic Polar Alignment (APA) solution, designed to work autonomously to significantly simplify telescope setup.

The software side is complete and functional. It currently integrates with N.I.N.A. TPPA, and I am planning to add compatibility with SharpCap soon.

The system supports two operating modes:

• USB Connection: For fully automatic polar alignment via PC.

• Wi-Fi Connection: For manual control via smartphone (allowing you to move the motors using on-screen buttons for visual adjustments).

Hardware & Specs: Mechanically, the final version will be CNC machined from aluminum, focusing on precision, rigidity, and repeatability. The design targets a payload capacity greater than 25 kg, making it suitable for demanding imaging setups.

Being a DIY-oriented project, the goal is to keep costs reasonable—definitely under €424.55 ($500) USD for the fully aluminum version. For lighter setups, it will be possible to use 3D-printed parts to bring the cost down significantly. Assembly is designed to be accessible even to users with basic DIY experience.

Bonus feature: With an additional accessory, the unit can also serve as an equatorial wedge for DIY harmonic mounts.

Project Status & Availability: Regarding distribution: while it won't be open source, I plan to release the build files/instructions for a small fee to help cover the time and R&D invested.

I’ve recently performed the first real-world tests using the software paired with a motorized Sky-Watcher wedge (since the final APA hardware is currently being manufactured). Starting from a rough visual alignment with a large initial error, the system managed to reduce the error to arcsecond-level accuracy in about 4 minutes.

Demo: If you are curious to see a little more, I’m releasing a short teaser video in a few hours (7:15 PM CET) on my YouTube channel: Astrophilos.

I’m posting this here specifically to get feedback and thoughts from the DIY community. If there is interest, I’ll be happy to share more technical details and updates as I progress toward the final build.

Clear skies!

📷 5938153944901160059.jpg

Would it be able to align to any star in the sky? Polaris is obstructed from my home, so I tend to use TPPA with it pointed at a different star to polar align.

yes! absolutely, it will use TPPA

Astrophilos · Dec 26, 2025 at 07:18 PM

bigCatAstro · Dec 26, 2025, 06:37 PM

Astrophilos · Dec 26, 2025 at 05:12 PM

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share a project I’ve been working on since early July which has now reached an advanced stage of development.

It is a fully Automatic Polar Alignment (APA) solution, designed to work autonomously to significantly simplify telescope setup.

The software side is complete and functional. It currently integrates with N.I.N.A. TPPA, and I am planning to add compatibility with SharpCap soon.

The system supports two operating modes:

• USB Connection: For fully automatic polar alignment via PC.

• Wi-Fi Connection: For manual control via smartphone (allowing you to move the motors using on-screen buttons for visual adjustments).

Hardware & Specs: Mechanically, the final version will be CNC machined from aluminum, focusing on precision, rigidity, and repeatability. The design targets a payload capacity greater than 25 kg, making it suitable for demanding imaging setups.

Being a DIY-oriented project, the goal is to keep costs reasonable—definitely under €424.55 ($500) USD for the fully aluminum version. For lighter setups, it will be possible to use 3D-printed parts to bring the cost down significantly. Assembly is designed to be accessible even to users with basic DIY experience.

Bonus feature: With an additional accessory, the unit can also serve as an equatorial wedge for DIY harmonic mounts.

Project Status & Availability: Regarding distribution: while it won't be open source, I plan to release the build files/instructions for a small fee to help cover the time and R&D invested.

I’ve recently performed the first real-world tests using the software paired with a motorized Sky-Watcher wedge (since the final APA hardware is currently being manufactured). Starting from a rough visual alignment with a large initial error, the system managed to reduce the error to arcsecond-level accuracy in about 4 minutes.

Demo: If you are curious to see a little more, I’m releasing a short teaser video in a few hours (7:15 PM CET) on my YouTube channel: Astrophilos.

I’m posting this here specifically to get feedback and thoughts from the DIY community. If there is interest, I’ll be happy to share more technical details and updates as I progress toward the final build.

Clear skies!

📷 5938153944901160059.jpg

Would it be able to align to any star in the sky? Polaris is obstructed from my home, so I tend to use TPPA with it pointed at a different star to polar align.

yes! absolutely, it will use TPPA

Good, excellent. I remember there being a similar product released a couple of years ago, but I don’t think it took off. I think its price point was the issue.

My current set-up:

A Skywatcher Tripod (HEQ 5 Pro) connected to a ZWO 200 mm Pier Extension connect to a ZWO AM5N is my current set-up.

If you currently use a pier extension for your mount, would this take its place or can you use it on top of the pier? The pier extension is required in order to use the Skywatcher tripod instead of the carbon fiber tripod.

I think it’s a great idea. Doing polar alignment when it’s -15 C outside is a PITA, I’d love to do it remotely.

But I think you’re looking at this backwards. I’d put the technical details out there and make the software open source. Once it’s clear that it works, now you source & sell the CNC’d aluminum parts to people who don’t have that available.

If I had the plans and (open source) software, I might give it a go (3D printed for starters). I think a lot of others might as well, and you’d get some help on the software side.

But I’m not building anything where the software is not either open source or maintained by a commercial entity. Because imagine if you get bored of this project, and the drivers break in the next ASCOM upgrade. I’ve now got a very expensive paperweight.

Polar alignment without mosquitos… heck yeah!

Dunk · Dec 27, 2025 at 01:16 AM

bigCatAstro · Dec 26, 2025 at 08:20 PM

I remember there being a similar product released a couple of years ago, but I don’t think it took off. I think its price point was the issue.

you are talking about the UPAS from Avalon - yes, ridiculously expensive (but isn’t everything in this hobby?), but also very cool (I have one).

I believe the NINA plugin may be open-source as its part of 3PPA…

https://www.cloudynights.com/forums/topic/927338-totally-automated-polar-alignment-feature-with-the-nina-three-point-polar-alignment-plugin/

Ah, yes, that’s the one! How do you like it?

Michael Kahlow · Dec 26, 2025, 10:07 PM

I think it’s a great idea. Doing polar alignment when it’s -15 C outside is a PITA, I’d love to do it remotely.

But I think you’re looking at this backwards. I’d put the technical details out there and make the software open source. Once it’s clear that it works, now you source & sell the CNC’d aluminum parts to people who don’t have that available.

If I had the plans and (open source) software, I might give it a go (3D printed for starters). I think a lot of others might as well, and you’d get some help on the software side.

But I’m not building anything where the software is not either open source or maintained by a commercial entity. Because imagine if you get bored of this project, and the drivers break in the next ASCOM upgrade. I’ve now got a very expensive paperweight.

My software is not dependent on Ascom drivers or software, I’ve my drivers, the software does not require any type of mod to nina or nina’s plugin. I will consider open source the software, but for sure not the plans and cad files..

bigCatAstro · Dec 26, 2025, 08:20 PM

Astrophilos · Dec 26, 2025 at 07:18 PM

bigCatAstro · Dec 26, 2025, 06:37 PM

Astrophilos · Dec 26, 2025 at 05:12 PM

Hi everyone,

I’d like to share a project I’ve been working on since early July which has now reached an advanced stage of development.

It is a fully Automatic Polar Alignment (APA) solution, designed to work autonomously to significantly simplify telescope setup.

The software side is complete and functional. It currently integrates with N.I.N.A. TPPA, and I am planning to add compatibility with SharpCap soon.

The system supports two operating modes:

• USB Connection: For fully automatic polar alignment via PC.

• Wi-Fi Connection: For manual control via smartphone (allowing you to move the motors using on-screen buttons for visual adjustments).

Hardware & Specs: Mechanically, the final version will be CNC machined from aluminum, focusing on precision, rigidity, and repeatability. The design targets a payload capacity greater than 25 kg, making it suitable for demanding imaging setups.

Being a DIY-oriented project, the goal is to keep costs reasonable—definitely under €424.55 ($500) USD for the fully aluminum version. For lighter setups, it will be possible to use 3D-printed parts to bring the cost down significantly. Assembly is designed to be accessible even to users with basic DIY experience.

Bonus feature: With an additional accessory, the unit can also serve as an equatorial wedge for DIY harmonic mounts.

Project Status & Availability: Regarding distribution: while it won't be open source, I plan to release the build files/instructions for a small fee to help cover the time and R&D invested.

I’ve recently performed the first real-world tests using the software paired with a motorized Sky-Watcher wedge (since the final APA hardware is currently being manufactured). Starting from a rough visual alignment with a large initial error, the system managed to reduce the error to arcsecond-level accuracy in about 4 minutes.

Demo: If you are curious to see a little more, I’m releasing a short teaser video in a few hours (7:15 PM CET) on my YouTube channel: Astrophilos.

I’m posting this here specifically to get feedback and thoughts from the DIY community. If there is interest, I’ll be happy to share more technical details and updates as I progress toward the final build.

Clear skies!

📷 5938153944901160059.jpg

Would it be able to align to any star in the sky? Polaris is obstructed from my home, so I tend to use TPPA with it pointed at a different star to polar align.

yes! absolutely, it will use TPPA

Good, excellent. I remember there being a similar product released a couple of years ago, but I don’t think it took off. I think its price point was the issue.

My current set-up:

A Skywatcher Tripod (HEQ 5 Pro) connected to a ZWO 200 mm Pier Extension connect to a ZWO AM5N is my current set-up.

If you currently use a pier extension for your mount, would this take its place or can you use it on top of the pier? The pier extension is required in order to use the Skywatcher tripod instead of the carbon fiber tripod.

No problem at all in using also a pier!

Definitly an interesting topic. I’m looking forward to learning more about your solution.

Personally I’m dreaming about a solution for automatic polar alignment because I’m a roof top imager and have to setup and calibrate each clear night. As the room is very limited it’s hard to reach the buttons. An automated solution for the last degrees would be highly appreciated. But I’m not sure if I like the wedge approach. I would love that someone develops a solution with little motors that can be screwed to the alignment buttons of the mount directly like it’s done with the electronic focusser systems. Of course this would only work for the last degree ;).

A very interesting initiative. I have the Avalon UPAS which works very well, but I could use a cheaper unit with a wider azimuth and altitude range.