Skylabs Polar Alignment Adapter
The Skylabs Polar Alignment Adapter not only makes polar alignment easier and faster but also enables alignment even when the celestial pole is not visible. This process does not require a direct view of Polaris (Northern Hemisphere) or the Octans asterism (Southern Hemisphere), making it ideal for landscape astrophotography and visual telescope use. Additionally, it speeds up equatorial mount setup for long focal-length astrophotography, such as telescopes or camera lenses over 300mm.
To use it, simply:
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Install PS Align Pro (iOS), PolarAligner Pro (Android, Northern Hemisphere only), or PhotoPills (multi-platform) on your smartphone.
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Place your smartphone in the adapter and follow the steps detailed in the documentation.
The adapter supports multiple smartphone sizes and configurations, depending on:
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Your equatorial mount type,
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The smartphone app you’re using,
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Whether you’re incorporating a QHY PoleMaster.
Refer to the diagram below to determine the best setup for your equatorial mount.
Who is using it?
How to Choose the Right Mount Adapter?
The diagram below provides an overview of multiple options and configurations depending on the mount and phone application used.
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The Vixen dovetail mount adapter is suitable for most equatorial mounts and Skywatcher StarAdventurer.
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The 3/8" mount adapter A and B are suitable for iOptron SkyTracker, iOptron Skyguider Pro, Omegon Mini Track LX2, Move Shoot Move, and other 3/8" screw-based trackers.
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The Arca Swiss mount adapter is compatible with the Move Shoot Move Nomad and other equatorial mounts that use the Arca Swiss mount system. It is also particularly handy for astrophotographers aiming to capture star trails and center the celestial pole in their camera's field of view using a standard tripod.
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The Finder Dovetail adapter is compatible with Sharpstar Askar, William Optics RedCat and other telescopes with a finder dovetail socket located on top of the telescope. Placing the Skylabs Polar Alignment Adapter in that socket will help to align the mount to the celestial pole.
Documentation and FAQs
Documentation
FAQs
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What can you do if the camera protrudes from the phone and tilts it?
Consider placing four silicone bumpers on the plate. Watch this video to compensate for the gap introduced by the camera. -
What is the big hole in the plate for?
That hole is to host a QHY PoleMaster. -
What is the right size for my phone?
Measure your phone with the case and check what plate size matches those dimensions. -
Why did the price change in the final checkout?
We are a New Zealand company, and the final price is set in New Zealand dollars.