Polar alignment issue: Page 2

Polar alignment issue

Seestar_S50

Submit a log file to support so they can look at the issue in more detail.

Seestar_S50

Again as other user have said, in EQ mode you only need to make sure the scope is level once the adjust the latitude to your location and make the fine adjustments to get it polar aligned. You don't have to keep checking the level as this will change as the scope slews to it's targets.

Support@Seestar

Lilo This kind of drift is primarily caused by the Earth’s rotation, and it is considered normal behavior.
In general, we recommend checking the level error value before each imaging session and completing the level calibration process within about 5 minutes after power-on for the best accuracy.
During operation, our internal algorithms continuously compensate for the effects of Earth’s rotation, so such gradual drift does not affect tracking or imaging performance.
Also, since a one-hour session is already quite long, the system would have had more than enough time to remain stable and capture excellent results within that period.

Lilo

Support@Seestar
What?? Earth rotation causes the level sensor to drift? Are you serious? )))

Support@Seestar

Lilo I understand your reaction. Let me clarify what we meant. The level sensor itself is not directly “drifting because of the Earth’s rotation.” What actually happens is that the sensor works in a reference frame fixed to the Earth, and as the telescope changes its orientation relative to the Earth’s rotation, small accumulated errors (temperature changes, sensor bias, and re-alignment of the reference frame) can appear as level drift over time.
Our internal algorithms continuously compensate for these small variations, so they don’t affect tracking or image quality. That’s why we recommend re-checking the level error shortly after power-on for the best accuracy, and during operation the system stays stable.
It’s possible that the high ambient temperature in your environment is contributing to the issue.
If you believe something is not working correctly, please feel free to submit the log file — we can analyze it to determine the cause.

Support@Seestar

Lilo Even when the device is placed perfectly level, the G-sensor may still show slight fluctuations in its readings.
This is normal and does not affect the performance or usage of the device.

Lilo

Support@Seestar
"slight fluctuations" how much is it?

3AC9bx99

As already said the Level sensor is only used when in Alt-Az mode, in EQ mode you only need to ensure your tripod is level before you mount the Seestar then follow the EQ set up procedure. From your image you got a green tick after polar alignment, this is within the acceptable 1 degree deviation so you should of been good to go. Although not perfect, its a £500 scope and for the money its good value.

The level sensor in Alt-Az mode just drifts over time and is sensitive to temperature. I have written to ZWO about this but got no reply, but despite the drift I have got some good images, it doesn't appear to affect the scope's performance.

AndrewV

Lilo I did read your post, and re read it again, and nowhere do is see that you actually did calibrated the level sensor itself again. I only see that you leveled the seestar.

Lilo

AndrewV
Ok, let me clarify it. Probably pics have confused you a bit.
I did calibrate level sensor couple of weeks ago. I wrote about it. Everything was fine. But last weekend out in the fields it started to behave strange and I was not able to get any results from it.
Ok. Back to home I placed it on the same level surface and got 1.8° error. Weird. Calibrated again.
I didn't attach screenshots of the calibration process, it's obvious. Just wrote "calibrated again". Not "leveled", but "calibrated". Actually it couldn't be leveled at that step because it's just a bare unit w/o tripod, leveling plate etc just placed on level surface. The first pic with 0.0 actually is showing the results. Everything seems to be Ok.
And after that power off for 1.5hrs. Power on again and it started to drift from 0.5 through 0 to 0.7

Support@Seestar

Lilo
Remove the Seestar from the tripod and place it on a perfectly flat surface before starting calibration.
After calibration, rotate the telescope horizontally in 90° increments and observe the level readings. The difference between the highest and lowest values should not exceed 2 degrees.
If the difference is large, you can contact our technical support.

AndrewV

OK, I understand now.

Lilo

Support@Seestar
Exactly what I did. After calibration the readings are 0.0-0.1 in any position. So, that prooves sensor is calibrated and the surface is level.
The weird thing is after power off wait power on it shows noticeable drift 0.5-0.1-0.0-0.2-0.3-0.5-0.7
S50 is untouched in the same position.

Support@Seestar

Lilo Please try manually rotating the device in 90-degree increments and observe how the horizontal values change at each position. You can do this by turning the device step by step along the horizontal axis (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), and checking the readings at each stop.
This method helps verify whether the calibration is accurate. In general, if the difference between the maximum and minimum values is within 2 degrees, the calibration can be considered acceptable.

Lilo

Support@Seestar
Already did as I wrote in previous post.
So, 1.2° sensor drift in 1hr is normal for S50?

Support@Seestar

Lilo
No, I don't think so. I'm not sure. I'll get back to you after doing a few tests.

stormynorm

Lilo you're not leveling the sensor, you're trying to level the unit with a bad level sensor calibration.

« Previous Page