After Polar Alignment: Acquiring Target and Starting to Shoot

Sky-Watcher HEQ5 PRO Equatorial Mount Acquisition Beginner Solar System
7 replies•150 views
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Hi,

I have an HEQ5 and “understand” the polar alignment process now.

After you are polar aligned, what are your next steps of the process to lock onto your target, start tracking it, and shooting?

I will be shooting DSLR with an intervalometer for now.

Any advise is great—those with knowledge of the HEQ5 and DSLR combo is even better!

Thanks!
Engaging
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Still curious—anyone?
Roy Hagen avatar
Roy Hagen avatar
Hi Schmaks
You need a "bathinov mask" for perfect focus and there is a lot of you tubers out there that can help you.

Bathinov mask:
https://optcorp.com/products/fp-bahtinov-mask-celestron-8-sct-hyperstar

Astrobackyard
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn3npsPixgoi_xLdCg9J-LQ

Galactic hunter
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5okGNy061H18Qv4B8pKKhA

Enjoy🤩🤩
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Hi Roy,

I have focusing down… my ZenithStar 73 has a bahtinov mama built in.

are you familiar with the HEQ5?

i can’t find any tutorials about how (after being polar aligned) to set your sights on your subject and make the mount begin tracking.

I’ll check out that astrobackyard video… it appears the be almost my same setup.

Thanks!
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Watching the astrobackyard video now…

The star alignment routine is exactly what I needed to know!
Well Written
Roy Hagen avatar
Roy Hagen avatar
Glad to hear that.
Good luck😀
Carastro avatar
Carastro avatar
You need to follow the instructions on your handset, don't forget American format for the date (trips every-one up in the UK).

I always do a 1 star alignment, and pick a star on the same side of the Meridian close to my target and confirm it is central.  Then pick your target on the handset and GOTO it.

BTW, when you have your aligment star centred is an ideal opportunity to do your focus with Bahtinov mask as stated above.

I have never used an intervalometer, I find it too small and fiddly in the dark to see what I am doing.

Carole
Helpful Concise
schmaks avatar
schmaks avatar
Carastro:
Carole


thanks, as always!
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