Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker Instruction Manual
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Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker Instruction Manual

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POLARIE U
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  • Page 1 Instruction Manual POLARIE U Star Tracker...
  • Page 2 Thank you for your purchase of the Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker. This instruction manual describes the functions and uses of the POLARIE U Star Tracker. As for the usage of equipment such as a DSLR camera, a tripod, a ball head and a shatter cable release, which can be used together with this product, you can refer to the instructions for each item.

  • Page 3: Caution

    �� Insert the batteries in the correct direction. It may cause a malfunction. �� Be careful not to drop the unit when handling. This may cause damage or lead to injury. �� Vixen accepts no liability for damages if the camera mounted comes out of order by contact in use.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS ��������������������������� PREFACE Various Settings on your Camera ������������� P20 Legend on the Polar Alignment Reticle ������ P28 ��������������������������� CAUTION Basics ���������������������������������������� P20 Illumination ON and OFF ���������������������� P29 ����������� Example 1 ������������������������������������������P20 Adjusting the Brightness �����������������������������P29 HANDLING AND STORAGE Example 2 �����������������������������������...

  • Page 5: Before Use

    ---- North Celestial Pole Horizon Allen wrench of 2.5mm on a side North Pole Allen wrench of 3mm on a side POLARIE U star tracker Consisting of: *Batteries are not included South Pole POLARIE U star tracker*..1 Equator Earth´s Axis Sight tube finder ..1...

  • Page 6: Name Of Each Part

    BEFORE USE Name of Each Part 12. Wi�Fi Button 11. Mode Selector Button 2. Accessory Shoe 14. Sight Tube Finder 9. Mode Display 10. Slide Power Switch 6. Shutter Remote Terminal 5. Tripod Adapter 3/8“ Tripod Socket 1. Camera Mounting Block 5.
  • Page 7 BEFORE USE No. Item Description No. Item Description Camera Mounting This is used to install a ball head (UNC 1/4 Slide Power The power turns OFF in the center position. tripod socket). Sliding the power switch to the right will turn Block Switch ON and start tracking in the direction of the...

  • Page 8: Mode Change

    BEFORE USE Mode Change Settings on the Main Unit: POWER OFF STAR-SCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY MODE CELESTIAL TRACKING MODE Mode Display Illumination The illumination of the mode display on the POLARIE U right after turning ON the power switch is always ON at point of purchase.

  • Page 9: Icons On The Mode Display

    BEFORE USE Icons on the Mode Display External Setting Mode Wi-Fi is ready. Switching with the mode selector button: The present settings such as the direction of Star-Scape Works at a half speed of the celestial tracking rotation and speed should be confirmed on Photography rate.

  • Page 10: Requirements And Useful Items

    BEFORE USE Requirements and Useful Items The table below shows equipment and items that might be necessary or What are Wide-Field Astrophotography and useful for astrophotography with the POLARIE U star tracker. Star-Scape Photography? ○ △ ◎ Needed subject to conditions :...
  • Page 11 BEFORE USE Item Description Item Description Necessity Necessity Generally, a pan head is pre�installed on Useful to avoid unwanted stray light and to △ a tripod you purchased. If your tripod has reduce the condensation of dew on the front Lens Shade surface of your camera lens.
  • Page 12 BEFORE USE Requirements and Useful Items *1: Working duration differs depending on types and the state of the Item Description Necessity batteries used and photographing condition. Outfit for Cold △ Take measures against cold weather. Weather *2: Commercially available USB mobile batteries are recommended. Be sure to use a power cable that is applicable to USB Type�C.

  • Page 13: About Power Source

    HOW TO USE I. About Power Source Your POLARIE U works with 4 pieces of AA batteries or a USB external power source (USB Type�C output plug: DC4.5V to 5.25V). • It is recommended to use AA Alkaline batteries, AA Ni�MH or Ni�Cd rechargeable batteries. •...

  • Page 14: Ii. Setting Up The Polarie U

    HOW TO USE II. Setting Up the POLARIE U The manual explains the usage of the POLARIE U with a camera tripod Set up the tripod where you and a ball head, which are sold separately, by way of example. photograph.
  • Page 15 While keeping the screw in place, insert the tip of the screw into the screw the tripod�screw sockets at Vixen’s factory. If you use a tripod with a hole of the ball head 2 and thread the screw by turning the mounting 3/8”...
  • Page 16 HOW TO USE II. Setting Up the POLARIE U II. Setting Up the POLARIE U The manual explains the usage of the POLARIE U with a camera tripod Install a cable releasse if the need arises and finish the setting. and a ball head, which are sold separately, by way of example.

  • Page 17: Practice (Taking Photography)

    HOW TO USE III. Practice (Taking Photography) Procedure to start up photographing: Align to the Celestial Pole Set up the POLARIE U so that it turns to Direction of North celestial pole Set up the POLARIE U so that the Align to the follow the diurnal motion of stars.

  • Page 18: Using A Star Map

    HOW TO USE Using a Star Map You can use a star map and the sight tube Look through the sight tube finder finder to locate Polaris so that you can align the to see if Polaris is seen somewhere Sight hall Sight hall POLARIE U to the north celestial pole.

  • Page 19: Locate Polaris From Cassiopeia And The Big Dipper

    HOW TO USE Locate Polaris from Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper The constellations Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper are groups of Turn the POLARIE U toward Polaris and look though the sight tube finder. Confirm that Polaris is seen somewhere in the field of view. noticeable stars near Polaris.

  • Page 20: Various Settings On Your Camera

    HOW TO USE Various Settings on your Camera Determine shooting mode, exposure, and aperture (F�number). Select a mode of image record and ISO speed when you use a digital SLR camera. Load film of your desired ISO speed in your camera if film is used. (Prepare film in advance.) Basics Example 1 Shutter Speed: Select B (Bulb) setting.

  • Page 21: Focusing And Composing The Shot

    HOW TO USE Example 2 Focusing and Composing the shot The object of imaging in wide�field astrophotography and that in Photographic Lens: 14mm focal length (Ultra-wide lens), F2.8 star�scape photography are the light of stars which are so faint that Camera: DSLR camera (applicable up to ISO256000) autofocus systems may hardly function properly on many cameras.

  • Page 22: Cameras With Live View Function

    HOW TO USE Cameras with Live View function Photography Composition Focus on the star by magnifying the Live View without magnification. Determine the photography composition. If you plan to take star�scape star image with the Live View function photography, a sightseeing guidebook may be of help to find a scenic while watching the screen of the LCD spot in advance.

  • Page 23: Setting The Mode Display

    HOW TO USE Setting the Mode Display Star-Scape Photography Mode Turn ON the POLARIE U and select your desired setting mode according If this mode is selected, the POLARIE U tracks stars at half the speed to your purpose of photography. of the diurnal motion of the stars.

  • Page 24: Solar Tracking Mode/Lunar Tracking Mode

    HOW TO USE Solar Tracking Mode/ Lunar Tracking Mode Custom Mode Since the sun and moon appear to move across the sky at a different speed than This mode is for time�lapse photography and it allows you to enter your desired the stars, the POLARIE U includes Solar and Lunar rates option.

  • Page 25: Application

    Please read instructions for the usage of the application software. Get the app and customize settings on your POLARIE U! Shutter remote terminal htt ps://www.vixen .co. j p The free download POLARIE U app is available for iPhone and Android.

  • Page 26: Flow Of Operation

    N Photographing take photographs. or S direction while pressing both the mode selector and Wi�Fi buttons simultaneously will return the POLARIE U to the initial setting at Vixen’s factory. Please remember that settings made by smartphones will be initialized, too.

  • Page 27: Using With An Optional Polar Alignment Scope Pf-Lii

    HOW TO USE Using with an optional polar Alignment Scope PF-LII Components Guide The optional polar alignment scope PF�LII (sold separately) will help you Read the instruction manual for the polar alignment scope increase the accuracy of the polar alignment setting more than using the PF�LII also.

  • Page 28: Legend On The Polar Alignment Reticle

    HOW TO USE Legend on the Polar Alignment Reticle Name Constellation POLARIS Little Bear δ UMi Little Bear 51Cep Cepheus In the Northern Hemisphere Useful guiding stars and constellations “W“ shape Cassiopeia Big Dipper Big Bear Octans σ Oc t Octans τ...

  • Page 29: Illumination On And Off

    HOW TO USE Basic operation Illumination ON and OFF Focusing on the Polar Alignment Reticle There is a push switch on the top You can focus on the polar of the brightness adjustment dial of alignment reticle by turning the the polar alignment scope.

  • Page 30: Procedure Of The Polar Alignment

    HOW TO USE Procedure of the Polar Alignment (in the northern hemisphere) Attaching polar alignment scope PF-LII mounted on the Installing the polar alignment scope arm bracket to the POLARIE U PF-LII to the arm bracket. Setting the polar alignment scope PF�LII at your convenient position for use.

  • Page 31: Polar Alignment

    HOW TO USE Polar Alignment The motor�driven POLARIE U should be set so that its rotational axis is parallel to the axis of the diurnal motion of stars. This allows you to track the camera mounted on the POLARIE U in the same direction as the stars you want to photograph. The method of the polar alignment varies between northern and southern hemispheres.
  • Page 32 HOW TO USE Check your observing site with a compass, a GPS system or a map in advance to confirm that Polaris, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia can be seen from your observing location on the date of observation Set up the POLARIE U mounted tripod on flat and hard ground where you can see Polaris in (North celestial pole) (North celestial pole) the sky.
  • Page 33 HOW TO USE While looking into the polar alignment scope, turn the polar alignment scope body so that the engraved Big Dipper (or Cassiopeia) on the reticle matches the Big Dipper (or Cassiopeia) in the real sky ★ ★ (North celestial pole) (North celestial pole) ★...
  • Page 34 HOW TO USE α Eri (Achernar) Field of view (of the polar alignment scope) Real field of view (in the southern sky) Crux Real field of view (in the southern sky) Turn the polar alignment scope body so that the orientation of the engraved constellations on the reticle matches the constellations in the real sky The real stars of the Big Dipper (or Cassiopeia) are not visible in...
  • Page 35 HOW TO USE While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, ★ ★ (North celestial pole) ★ ★ (North celestial pole) (North celestial pole) (North celestial pole) adjust the orientation of the POLARIE U in the altitude and azimuth directions (by using the Polarie fine adjustment unit here) so that Polaris comes as close as possible to the designated position on the reticle.
  • Page 36 HOW TO USE As Polaris shifts to the designated position on the reticle, both Delta UMi and 51 Cep come close to their own designated position scales Delta UMi respectively. While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, turn the polar scope body so that each of the position scale for Delta UMi and 51 Cep come to the closest to actual Delta UMi and 51 Cep respectively.
  • Page 37 HOW TO USE Polaris is out of place from the designated position. This is part of the process. Center of the polar scope´s field of view (Center of the rotational axis of the Polarie) N.C.P N.C.P N.C.P N.C.P Since there is no mark that points at the North Celestial Pole, you Turn the polar scope body so that Delta UMi comes near to the need to match the polar axis of your POLARIE U with the N.C.P using location of the year 2014 on the scale.
  • Page 38 HOW TO USE If the 5th magnitude 51 Cep is hard to see in the polar alignment scope’s field of view, at least be sure to set Delta UMI to the position scale on the reticle. The movement of Polaris The movement of Delta UMi from 2014 to 2040 by precession from 2014 to 2040 by precession...
  • Page 39 HOW TO USE While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, turn ★ ★ (North celestial pole) ★ ★ (North celestial pole) (North celestial pole) (North celestial pole) the altitude and azimuth fine adjustment bolts of the Polarie fine adjustment unit so that Polaris comes to the gap between the two segments of the lines marked 2014 and 2040.
  • Page 40 HOW TO USE Repeat the procedures 5 and 6 until Polaris, Delta MUi and 51 Cep come to the proper locations on the designated position scales respectively. Tighten the fine adjustment bolts at both sides to finish the polar alignment. Center of polar scope´s field of view (Center of the rotational axis of the Polarie) Delta UMI...

  • Page 41: Polar Alignment In The Northern Hemisphere

    HOW TO USE Polar Alignment in the Southern Hemisphere The polar axis of the POLARIE is aligned to the South Celestial Pole in the southern hemisphere. The Polarie polar scope PF�L utilizes 3 stars of Sigma Octantis, Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis near the South Pole.
  • Page 42 HOW TO USE HOW TO USE Octans is a constellation located near the south celestial pole and it can be used to align the POLARIE U in the southern hemisphere. Unlike Polaris which is a bright 2nd magnitude star adjacent to the north celestial pole, Octans is made up of dark stars about 5th magnitude on average. The nearest star to the south celestial pole is Sigma Octantis, which is one of four stars forming at rapezoid in Octans, visible at 5.5th magnitude.
  • Page 43 HOW TO USE Set up the POLARIE U mounted tripod on flat and hard ground where you can see Octans in the sky. (South celestial pole) (South celestial pole) Point the rotational axis of the POLARIE U in the direction of south. Adjust the tripod legs so that the ★...
  • Page 44 HOW TO USE While looking into the polar scope, turn the polar scope body so that the engraved Southern Cross (or Alpha Eridani) on the reticle matches the Southern Cross (or Alpha Eridani) in the real sky. (South celestial pole) ★...
  • Page 45 HOW TO USE α Eri (Achernar) Field of view (of the polar alignment scope) Real field of view (in the southern sky) Crux Real field of view (in the southern sky) Turn the polar alignment scope body so that the orientation of the engraved constellations on the reticle matches the constellations in the real sky Turn the polar scope body so that the orientation of...
  • Page 46 HOW TO USE While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, adjust the orientation of the POLARIE U in altitude ★ S.C.P and azimuth directions (by using the Polarie fine adjustment unit) so that Sigma Octantis comes as close as possible to the designated position on the reticle. Set Sigma Octanits to the gap between the two segments of the lines marked 2014 and 2040 adjacent to a mark “σ...
  • Page 47 HOW TO USE As Sigma Octantis shifts to the designated position on the reticle, both Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis come close to their own designated position scales respectively. While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, turn the polar scope body so that each of the position scale for Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis come to the closest to actual Chi Octantis Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis respectively.
  • Page 48 HOW TO USE Now, Sigma Octantis gets out of place from the designated position but it is not necessary to correct for it at this stage. S.C.P S.C.P S.C.P S.C.P Since there is no mark that points at the South Celestial Pole, you need to Turn the polar scope body so that Tau Octantis comes near to the location of match the polar axis of the POLARIE U with the S.C.P using the relatively dim the year 2014 on the scale.
  • Page 49 HOW TO USE The movement of Sigma Octantis The movement of Tau Octantis from 2014 to 2040 by precession from 2014 to 2040 by precession ★ The movement of Chi Octantis from 2014 to 2040 by precession The locations of Sigma, Tau and Chi Octantis on the position scales change year ★...
  • Page 50 HOW TO USE While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, turn ★ S.C.P ★ S.C.P the altitude and azimuth fine adjustment bolts of the Polarie fine adjustment unit so that Sigma Octantis comes to the gap between the two segments of the lines marked 2014 and 2040 Altitude adjustment knob Altitude adjustment knob...
  • Page 51 HOW TO USE Repeat the procedures 5 and 6 until Sigma, Tau and Chi Octantis come to the proper locations on the designated position scales respectively. Tighten the fine adjustment screws at both sides to finish the polar alignment. Center of polar scope´s field of view (Center of the rotational axis of the Polarie) Chi Octantis Sigma Octantis...
  • Page 52 HOW TO USE Tips on Finding Octans The constellation Octans is made up of dark stars about 5th magnitude on average. The nearest star to the south celestial pole is Sigma Octantis, which is one of four stars forming a trapezoid in Octans, visible at 5.5th magnitude. There are a few methods to locate inconspicuous Octans using the surrounding stars. α...
  • Page 53 HOW TO USE Directing to Octans using Small Magellanic Cloud and the Southern Cross (Crux) as pointers Draw an imaginary line between the center of Small Magellanic Cloud and Beta Crux and divide it at a ratio of one to two. You will find the four stars of Octans at the divide.

  • Page 54: About Pf-L Assist App

    About PF-L Assist App The PF�L Assist app helps you to align a Vixen equatorial mount (incl. POLARIE and POLARIE U star trackers) to the north celestial pole or south celestial pole by making the R.A. axis of the equatorial mount parallel to earth’s rotational axis.

  • Page 55: Using An Optional Polarie Multi Mounting Block

    HOW TO USE Using an optional Polarie Multi Mounting Block The Polarie multi mounting block (sold separately) is attachable to the POLARIE U. With the use of a Dovetail slide bar DD and a Counterweight 1kg, the POLARIE U can mount the equipment up to 6.5kg (without the counterweight). Attach the Polarie multi mounting block with the following procedure. Loosen the two thumbs crews and remove the camera mounting block from the Place the multi mounting block over the POLARIE U so that the protruded POLARIE U.

  • Page 56: Using An Optional Quick Release Panorama Clamp

    HOW TO USE Using an optional Quick Release Panorama Clamp The Quick release panorama clamp (sold separately) is attachable to the POLARIE U. It is compatible with attachment plates of the standard thin type. Attach the Quick release panorama clamp with the following procedure. Loosen the two thumbscrews and remove the camera mounting block from the Replace with the clamp disc (lower portion of the Quick release panorama clamp) POLARIE U.

  • Page 57: Specifications

    Specifications Model POLARIE U Star Tracker External Power Supply Port USB Type�C Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement, R.A. Slow Motion Control 58.4mm in diameter, 144�tooth, made of Aluminum alloy Power Source AA batteries x 4: Alkaline, Ni�MH rechargeable, Ni�Cd Worm Gear Shaft 9.8mm in diameter, made of brass...
  • Page 58 APPENDIX Pinpoint star images at 1/2 star-scape mode If this mode is selected, the POLARIE U tracks stars at half the speed of the diurnal motion of the stars. The terrestrial objects are trailed less as compared with images taken by wide�field photography at a given exposure time. Short exposure times will allow you to take images with no star trails. Photography at half the speed of the star’s diurnal motion limits the movement seen in terrestrial objects.
  • Page 59 APPENDIX Pinpoint star images at wide-field astrophotography mode subject to a polar alignment at an error of 2 degree If this mode is selected, the POLARIE U follows stars at the same speed as the diurnal motion of the stars. It is suitable for capturing dark skies and faint celestial objects.
  • Page 60 VIXEN � European Distributor Bresser GmbH Gutenbergstrasse 2, D�46414 Rhede, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 2872 – 80 740 E�Mail: info@bresser.de www.bresser.de...

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