Capturing the total solar eclipse

Brille

I’ll be observing the total solar eclipse from Mallorca on August 12. I’d love to create a time-lapse video from the start of the eclipse until the fully eclipsed sun sets into the sea with the S50. However, since I have no experience yet with whether the Seestar is capable of keeping the sun in the center of the frame even as the eclipse progresses and whether it will remain there during the total eclipse phase (I would remove the filter during this time), I would be very grateful for any tips and advice on how to proceed. perhaps someone has already had experience with the S50 during other solar eclipses.
Support@Seestar: It would, of course, be fantastic if ZWO were to integrate a special automatic mode for capturing solar eclipses into the app.

corner

Brille I at Mallorca too. A Working Sheet I would like.
I using a S50 and to Canon Cameras.
Regards Corner

Brille

I was surprised to receive a promotional email from ZWO sent to Seestar users about the solar eclipse. Instead of the tips I was hoping for – such as how best to use the S50 for this, or even a new firmware version with a special eclipse mode – the advice was actually to use a DSLR camera. There was no mention of the Seestar at all. What kind of embarrassing email is this?

Teos30pro

I will be observing from Northern Spain and I am using an S30 Pro. Here is an eclipse day cue card on how to capture using time lapse mode (you will need to adjust times for your exact location):

Eclipse Day Cue Card — Ranón, Asturias — Aug
12, 2026
Approximate local times below (partial start ₁₉:30, totality ₂₀:27–20:30). Confirm exact
contact times for your precise coordinates 1–2 days out — they shift by seconds depending on
exact viewing spot.

T-minus 60 min (₁₉:30) — Partial phase begins

-

Solar filter ON, telescope pointed at sun
Start Time-lapse mode: 2s interval, Unlimited duration
Let it run hands-off. Put your phone down, watch with eclipse glasses.

T-minus 10 min (₂₀:17)

-

Check framing/focus one more time
Confirm timelapse is still running and storage has space
Scan the western horizon for haze/cloud — decide now if you need to move to backup
spot

T-minus 1 min (₂₀:26) — 2nd contact approaching

-

Do not touch the filter yet — wait for visual confirmation (rapid darkening, shadow
bands,
"diamond ring" appearing)
The instant it's safe: remove solar filter
Keep Time-lapse running continuously through totality — don't stop/restart it

Totality (₂₀:27–20:30,

-

₁₀₅ sec)
Hands-off. Let the sequence run.
If you see something dramatic (strong prominence, especially clean diamond ring) — tap
Share once or twice to flag a frame, without interrupting the sequence
Look up. Spend at least 60 of these seconds with your own eyes, not the screen.

T-minus ₁₅ sec to 3rd contact

-
Watch for the diamond ring reappearing on the opposite limb — that's your cue
Filter back on immediately once direct sunlight returns

After totality

-
Stop timelapse once you're satisfied with the partial phase afterward, or let it run through
3rd contact + a few minutes if you want the full sequence

JAgv3iEE

Interesting!! But wouldn't it be better to switch to video mode a little before totality to capture the diamond ring and Bailly's beads? Because with 2-second exposures, it takes way too long, and you're sure to miss them!!
Thanks