I don't use plan mode, but I also exclusively use EQ mode these days, and it just works. Very quick setup.
The only time I had a persistent issue was when the level calibration was off (happened after a firmware update).
I redid the level calibration a couple times, and it's been fairly smooth sailing since.
I'm using Seestar tripod, with a 3 screw leveler and a good alt/az EQ wedge with fine adjustment screws (not the useless Sky Tracker wedge), and a long rail and spacer on top of the wedge, which lets me position the Seestar unit centered over the top of the tripod. Here's my process.
- Make sure that Seestar unit when powered off is mounted on the wedge so that the power button is straight up.
- Get a rough idea of where true north is with my phone..
- Set tripod down with Seestar unit aligned to north.
- Get a rough level with the legs, then a fine level with the 3 screw leveller.
- Power on and connect.
- Advanced - EQ mode
- Adjust altitude to match latitude as indicated.
- Get Polar Align Deviation (usually directly overhead points).
- Use fine wedge adjustments to get it pointed at north star with both <= .3 degrees.
- If the azimuth angle adjustment was very larger (more than 4-5 degrees) I'll get it set, and then exit EQ menu, and come back and run it once more to double check. This is because the compass is not very accurate so with large movements it may not be moving as much or as little as it thinks. Sometimes it's spot on, sometimes not, but the 2nd time will zero it in if it's not.
Go shooting.
I almost never have to make more than .2-.3 degree adjustment to altitude during polar alignment. The only time I ever did, was when the level calibration was wrong. If, while moving azimuth, you see the altitude change a lot (other than just from bumping the tripod) it probably means your base isn't level (step 3 above). It shouldn't be necessary for the base to be level in EQ mode, but I get star trails when it's not, and none when it is.
The only other issue I've had (and this is same with alt/az or eq mode) is that if my phone is out of cell coverage it sometimes is lazy about getting GPS lock, and that'll throw everything off when you try to Goto. To fix that, start an app on the phone that needs fine grained GPS position like Maps or a GPS status app, then GoTo.
It all sounds like a lot, but it also takes me less than 5 minutes from power on, to shooting, and I've done it out in the field far from home, several times in the last month.
