¶ 1. Laser polar alignment instructions (quick alignment)
Laser polar alignment is an easy-to-use, relatively accurate method suitable for most wide-angle to medium-focal-length imaging.
Note: The use of laser equipment is generally prohibited near airports, please comply with local regulations.
¶ Applicable scenarios
Applies to:
- Lenses with focal length ≤ 200mm
- Need to complete alignment quickly
- Can observe Polaris (Northern Hemisphere) or South Celestial Pole reference area
- When polar scope is not available or polar scope is not available
Accuracy:
Higher than smartphone alignment
Below polar scope with drift method
¶ Operation steps
¶ # 1. Unlock the adjustment mechanism
Before performing polar alignment:
- Unscrew the latitude adjustment knob
- Rotate the knob for up-and-down angle adjustment.
If you need to adjust left and right:
- Unscrew the azimuth adjustment knob
- Adjust left and right directions
- Tighten the second knob again
Make sure:
- Smooth adjustment process
- All knobs are finally locked
¶ # 2. Install laser
Secure the laser to:
Polar axis installation position
Make sure:
- The laser axis is coaxial with the tracker polar axis
- The laser is firmly fixed
¶ # 3. Aim at the North Celestial Pole (Northern Hemisphere)
In the Northern Hemisphere:
Point the laser at:
Polaris
For higher precision:
Don't point directly to the center of Polaris, but instead:
Slightly Off Polaris
Reason:
The North Celestial Pole (NCP) is not at the exact center of Polaris, but is slightly offset.
¶ # 4. Precise offset method (recommended)
The true North Celestial Pole position can be determined using the following astronomical software:
- Stellarium
- Cartes du Ciel
According to the software prompts:
Fine-tune laser pointing:
The true position of the North Celestial Pole
¶ # 5. Southern Hemisphere Operations
In the Southern Hemisphere:
Need to refer to:
South Celestial Pole (SCP) Star Map
Since there are no obvious bright stars in the south celestial pole:
It is recommended to cooperate with astronomical software to complete positioning.
¶ Usage suggestions
Recommended:
- For wide angle and medium focus shooting
- Quickly set up scenes
- Travel photography
Not recommended:
- Telephoto photography (≥300mm)
- Super long exposure shooting