Does this PoleMaster adapter include the PoleMaster camera?
No, this product is the adapter only. It is designed to connect the QHYCCD PoleMaster electronic polar scope (sold separately) to a Vixen GP-N equatorial mount.
Will this adapter fit my Vixen Great Polaris (GP) or Super Polaris (SP) mount?
This adapter is specifically designed for the Vixen GP-N mount. While other Vixen mounts may have similar polar bores, compatibility is not guaranteed. You should verify the mounting interface on your specific mount before purchasing.
How does the PoleMaster adapter improve imaging the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with my Vixen GP-N?
By enabling a polar alignment with up to 30 arc second accuracy, this adapter allows your Vixen GP-N to track celestial objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with far greater precision. This minimizes field rotation and star trailing, allowing for longer unguided sub-exposures and producing sharper, more detailed final images.
Can I use the PoleMaster adapter to align my Vixen GP-N mount during twilight for imaging planets like Jupiter?
Yes. The PoleMaster's camera has a sensitivity down to 9th magnitude, far greater than the human eye. This allows it to detect Polaris and other alignment stars well before the sky is fully dark, letting you achieve a perfect polar alignment during twilight and be ready to image Jupiter as soon as it's visible.
What software do I need to use with the PoleMaster and this adapter?
You will need the QHYCCD PoleMaster Calibration Software, which is available for download from the QHYCCD website. The software runs on a computer and connects to the PoleMaster camera via its Mini USB2.0 Port.
Do I still need to perfectly level my Vixen GP-N mount when using the PoleMaster adapter?
No, one of the major advantages of the PoleMaster system is that it does not require the mount to be perfectly level. The software calculates the center of the RA axis rotation regardless of the mount's level, simplifying your field setup significantly.