Back to forums

Speeding up Polar Alignment NINA/PhD2

Open PHD Guiding Project PHD2 Sky-Watcher EQ6 Pro Acquisition Polar Alignment Deep Sky
1 reply•216 views
IrishAstro4484 avatar
IrishAstro4484 avatar
I routinely struggle to quickly polar align my EQ6 Pro mount quickly and I have used a variety of methods including NINA 3 point and Drift alignment in PhD2.

I should add, I'm in the southern hemisphere and my view of the pole is obscured.

I suspect it's because my initial alignment isn't very good. 

I use an inclinometer and compass for setting the initial AZ and altitude. 

Any tips/tricks/advise for speeding up the process would be greatly appreciated.
Engaging
Rob Foster avatar
Rob Foster avatar
Hi IrishAstro,
For me it depends on whether I have just set set up rig or if it has already been out and previously polar aligned.  I am not sure any of this applies to you as you’re in the southern hemisphere, and I am not familiar with the SharpCap use below the equator.   

if already out and previously polar aligned on another recent night, I go right to SharpCap for polar align and it takes less than a minute To get  excellent alignment.  I have used the NINA  tool and NINA remains my imaging software of choice, but I have strongly prefer SharpCap as being faster and easier tool for polar alignment.  Just be sure to deselect the camera in SharpCap once you are done with polar alignment before using in NINA. 

If i had just assembled the telescope rig, I take the time to do quick polar align thru the EQ6R pro reticle first, then go to SharpCap.  Still usually takes not more than 1-2 minutes.  
Rob
Helpful