Level Sensor Calibration

vQaq0r7C

The FAQ on this site says to calibrate the level sensor using a bubble level on the case of the Seestar after opening the arm. Of course, you can't look straight down on the level in this case so I'm not sure how accurate it would be, although you can look from the side. But the main issue I found is when I put the Seestar on a perfectly level table, the bubble level placed on the Seestar does not show level. In other words the case of the Seestar is not level with respect to the base. So which method is better? Most people report better results calibrating it to the base/table.

Support@Seestar

We recommend using the Seestar’s front-facing bubble level (located just under the slider on the quick-release plate) as your reference.
Here’s a more accurate method:

Place the tripod on a flat table and ensure it is stable.
Install the quick-release plate onto the tripod.
Before mounting the Seestar, check the front bubble level on the quick-release plate—this should already be centered if the table is level.
Once the level is centered, mount the Seestar onto the plate.

3AC9bx99

I think the user is referring to the level sensor adjustment in Alt-Az mode not EQ mode. If you have an external spirit level, I would suggest checking the level of a flat surface such as a kitchen counter top. If it's level then place the Seestar on this top and perform the calibration. If can use the bubble level in the tripod if you don't have an external spirit level. In EQ mode the level adjustment is not used.

vQaq0r7C

Thanks, yes, I am using alt-az mode, so don't have a quick release plate on my tripod. So essentially ensure the base is level, not the case as shown in the video. Support should update the FAQ video to reflect that.

So I calibrated the level sensor last night using my kitchen countertop, which is not quite perfectly level but very close -- it was 2.5 deg off -- and had a lot fewer dropped frames. Doesn't seem like it was calibrated very well at the factory as they claim, unless it gets off during shipping.