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Closed October 10–12 for Thanksgiving weekend
Closed October 10–12 for Thanksgiving weekend
QHYCCD PoleMaster

QHYCCD PoleMaster

by QHYCCD
SKU QHY-100061
CA$377.00 - CA$377.00
CA$377.00
CA$377.00 - CA$377.00
CA$377.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Achieves polar alignment accuracy of up to 30 arc seconds
  • Wide 11° x 8° field of view makes finding Polaris simple
  • High-sensitivity sensor detects stars down to 9th magnitude
  • Lightweight 106g design adds minimal load to the mount
  • Connects to a computer via a standard Mini USB2.0 port
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • QHYCCD PoleMaster

    The QHYCCD PoleMaster revolutionizes polar alignment, using its 9th magnitude sensitivity and wide 11 by 8 degree field of view to make finding Polaris effortless. The intuitive software guides you to a repeatable alignment accuracy of up to 30 arc seconds, all from a lightweight 106g device connected via a Mini USB2.0 port.

    Achieve 30 Arc Second Polar Alignment Accuracy

    The PoleMaster's primary advantage is its precision. While a traditional polar scope relies on your eye to align reticle patterns, the PoleMaster uses its camera's pixel matrix as a high-resolution ruler. This method allows for a fine adjustment accuracy of up to 30 arc seconds—a level of precision difficult to achieve visually, especially compared to the 5 arc minute coarse adjustments of many mounts.

    9th Magnitude Sensitivity in an 11°x8° Field

    Finding the pole star is no longer a challenge. The PoleMaster's generous 11 by 8 degree field of view easily contains Polaris and its surrounding star field. More importantly, its camera is sensitive enough to detect stars down to 9th magnitude. This allows the software to use the dimmer stars near Polaris to calculate the true celestial pole's position with much greater accuracy than using Polaris alone.

    The 106g PoleMaster: Align Comfortably via USB2.0

    Weighing just 106g, the PoleMaster adds negligible weight to your setup. The entire alignment process is performed on your laptop screen via a Mini USB2.0 connection, eliminating the physical strain of polar alignment. You no longer need to kneel in the dark, contort your body to look through a polar scope, or wait for your eyes to dark-adapt. The software presents a live view, allowing you to monitor and correct your alignment in real-time if the mount is accidentally bumped.

    From 3 Stars to 1: Simplify Mount Alignment

    Precise polar alignment with the PoleMaster dramatically simplifies your entire imaging workflow. With the mount's rotation axis perfectly aligned to the Earth's, the need for a complex three-star alignment routine is eliminated. You only need to perform a single-star sync to calibrate your GoTo system, saving valuable time under a dark sky. This is especially beneficial for single-axis mounts, as the superb alignment minimizes declination drift and maximizes tracking performance.

    • Universal Compatibility: The PoleMaster can be attached to virtually any equatorial mount using a mount-specific adapter (sold separately).
    • Real-Time Monitoring: Keep the PoleMaster software running to continuously check your alignment throughout the night.

  • How does the QHYCCD PoleMaster achieve such high accuracy?

    The QHYCCD PoleMaster uses its high-resolution camera sensor as a digital ruler. The software calculates the center of rotation of your mount's RA axis and the precise location of the true celestial pole by imaging stars. By simply adjusting your mount to make these two points overlap on the screen, you can achieve an alignment accuracy of up to 30 arc seconds, far exceeding what's typically possible with the naked eye and a reticle.

    Do I need to be able to see Polaris to use the QHYCCD PoleMaster?

    Yes. The QHYCCD PoleMaster is designed for the Northern Hemisphere and works by imaging Polaris and the faint stars surrounding it to determine the pole's location. A clear line of sight to the north celestial pole is required.

    Can I use the QHYCCD PoleMaster on my German Equatorial Mount that has no polar scope?

    Absolutely. One of the main benefits of the QHYCCD PoleMaster is that it works independently of a built-in polar scope. With the correct mount-specific adapter (sold separately), it can be installed on any equatorial mount, providing a high-precision alignment solution even for mounts that lack a polar bore.

    Does the QHYCCD PoleMaster come with the adapter for my mount?

    No, the adapter is not included. Because every equatorial mount has a different mechanical design, you must purchase the specific PoleMaster adapter that matches your mount model to ensure a secure and correct installation.

    If my mount gets bumped during an imaging session, do I have to restart alignment with the PoleMaster?

    No, and this is a key feature. With the QHYCCD PoleMaster, you can leave it attached and running to monitor your alignment in real-time. If you suspect the alignment has shifted, just open the software and you can immediately see the deviation and make fine adjustments to bring it back, without having to repeat the entire initial setup.

    Does using the QHYCCD PoleMaster eliminate the need for a star alignment?

    It eliminates the need for a time-consuming multi-star alignment (like a 2- or 3-star alignment). Because the PoleMaster provides an extremely accurate polar alignment, your mount's GoTo system will only need a quick one-star sync to learn its orientation and begin pointing accurately.

  • Field of View 11 degrees x 8 degrees
    Sensitivity 9th Magnitude
    Coarse Adjustment Range 5 arc minutes
    Fine Adjustment Accuracy Up to 30 arc seconds
    Computer Interface Mini USB2.0 Port
    Software QHYCCD PoleMaster Calibration Software
    Internal Memory Non-volatile internal EEPROM memory capable of storing several small frames for calibration routines, focus, optic analysis, etc.
    Weight 106g

    • QHYCCD PoleMaster Electronic Polar Scope

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  • QHYCCD Warranty