Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker User Manual

User Manual for Vixen models including: POLARIE U, Star Tracker

for POLARIE U - Bresser

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.

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f43baa8820786472fafdada245361743

Instruction Manual
for POLARIE U
Star Tracker

PREFACE 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.
Read the instruction manual carefully befor use and handle the product correctly.
· Keep this manual nearby to find a quick answer to questions. · This manual will assist you in the safe and effective use of the product. Before using the product, be sure to read the safety precautions described
below.
2

CAUTION
Do not use the product while traveling or walking, as injuries may arise from stumbling, falling or collision with objects.
Keep small caps, plastic bags or plastic packing materials away from children. These may cause choking or suffocation.
Do not use the product in a wet environment. Do not operate the product with wet hands. This could damage the mount, result in electrical shock or fire.
Do not turn on the power switch of the product under circumstances when internal condensation is suspected with the equipment. It may cause a failure by a short circuit.
Do not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the equipment that is not expressly described in this manual. This could damage the mount, resulting in electrical shock, fire or lead to an injury.
Use only recommended power sources. Using other power sources could result in damage to the unit.
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.

HANDLING AND STORAGE
· Do not leave the product inside a car in bright sunshine, or in hot places. Keep any strong heat radiation sources away from the product.
· When cleaning, do not use a solvent such as paint thinners. It may cause deterioration.
· Do not expose the product to rain, water drops, dirt or sand. Gently wipe the product with a damp cloth for cleaning.
· For storage do not expose to direct sunlight and keep the product in a dry place.
· Remove the batteries from the battery compartment if you don't use it for a long time

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE P2
CAUTION P3
HANDLING AND STORAGE P3
TABLE OF CONTENTS P4
BEFORE USE Check Contents P 5 Consisting of: P 5 Basics of the POLARIE U P 5 Name of Each Part P 6 Mode Change P 8 Icons on the Mode Display P 9 Requirements and Useful Items P10
HOW TO USE I. About Power Source P13
Power Supply with AA Alkaline Batteries P13 Power Supply with an External Mobile Battery P13 II. Setting Up the POLARIE U P14 III. Practice (Taking Photography) P17 Procedure to start up photographing: P17 Align to the Celestial Pole P17 Using a Star Map P18 Locate Polaris from Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper P19

Various Settings on your Camera P20 Basics P20 Example 1 P20 Example 2 P21
Focusing and Composing the shot P21 Cameras without Live View feature P21 Cameras with Live View function P22 Photography Composition P22
Setting the Mode Display P23 StarScape Photography Mode P23 Celestial Tracking Mode P23 Solar Tracking Mode / Lunar Tracking Mode P24 Difference from the diurnal motion of stars P24 Custom Mode P24
Start Shooting P24 IV Application P25
Using the Custom Mode and the External Setting P25 Cameras Available for the Shutter Release Control P25 Flow of Operation P26 Autoguider P26 Reset P26 Using with an optional Polar Alignment Scope PFLII P27 Components Guide P27
4

Legend on the Polar Alignment Reticle P28 Illumination ON and OFF P29 Adjusting the Brightness P29 Focusing on the Polar Alignment Reticle P29 Procedure of the Polar Alignment (in the northern hemisphere) P30 Polar Alignment P31
Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere P31 Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere P41 About PFL Assist App P54 Using an optional Polarie Multi Mounting Block P55 Using an optional Quick Release Panorama Clamp P56
SPECIFICATIONS P57
APPENDIX Pinpoint star images at 1/2 star scape mode P58 Pinpoint star images at widefield astrophotography mode subject to a polar alignment at an error of 2 degrees P59

BEFORE USE Check Contents
The POLARIE U box contains the items listed below. Check if all the items are included in your box.
Sight tube finder

Basics of the POLARIE U
Stars appear to rotate around the celestial poles of the earth. This is called the diurnal motion of stars. It is because Earth makes one rotation on its axis each day. POLARIE U tracks with the diurnal motion of the stars to eliminate "star trailing" on photographic images.

North Celestial Pole

Zenith

Pointer sticker for the timelapse direction scale
Allen wrench of 2.5mm on a side

North Celestial Pole North Pole

Polar Axis Horizon

POLARIE U star tracker

Allen wrench of 3mm on a side

Consisting of:

*Batteries are not included

POLARIE U star tracker*.....1

Sight tube finder ....1

Pointer sticker for the timelapse direction scale ....1

Allen wrench of 3mm on a side ....1

Allen wrench of 2.5mm on a side ....1

Instruction manual for POLARIE U (This book) ....1

Equator

South Pole Earth´s Axis

What is a Tripod Panhead?
The panhead is the part of a tripod on which you mount a camera or other equipment to be combined with the camera for imaging. It allows for changing the orientation of the camera freely.
5

BEFORE USE
Name of Each Part
9. Mode Display 1. Camera Mounting Block

12. WiFi Button 11. Mode Selector Button 2. Accessory Shoe 10. Slide Power Switch
5. Tripod Adapter

14. Sight Tube Finder

3/8" Tripod Socket

6. Shutter Remote Terminal

13. Bubble Level 3. Timelapse Direction Scale

5. Tripod Adapter

3/8" Tripod Socket

4. Battery Compartment

Battery Compartment Cover
(Shown without the cover.)

7. External Power Supply Port
8. Autoguider Port

BEFORE USE

No. Item 1. Camera Mounting
Block 2. Accessory Shoe
3. Time-lapse Direction Scale
4. Battery Compartment
5. Tripod Adapter
6. Shutter Remote Terminal
7. External Power Supply Port
8. Autoguider Port
9. Mode Display

Description
This is used to install a ball head (UNC 1/4 tripod socket).
Attach the sight tube finder or any instrument which fits an accessory shoe. There is no electric contact.
Usable for checking the span of a turning angle in 5 degrees increments when the POLARIE U is used for timelapse photography. A pointer sticker for pointing the direction scale is supplied to stick on the side of the camera mounting block if necessary.
Four (4) AA batteries are required. Set two pieces each of AA Alkaline batteries to the two compartments on both sides of the POLARIE U.
A tripod adapter block with a 3/8" socket (with a conversion adapter for 1/4" screw) is provided on the bottom of the POLARIE U. It is compatible with attachment plates of the standard thin type.
Connects a remote shutter release.
Connects an external power supply. USB TypeC female 5pin DC4.4V to 5.25V.
General Standard autoguiders are available.
Shows mode icons of various tracking speeds. The selected mode icon is illuminated, and it will blink if the batteries are drained.

No. Item
10. Slide Power Switch

Description
The power turns OFF in the center position. Sliding the power switch to the right will turn ON and start tracking in the direction of the Northern hemisphere. Sliding to the left is in the direction of the Southern hemisphere. When you slide the power switch to one direction, each of the icons on the mode display will start illuminating one after another to show the direction by flow where you slide the power switch. It implies the direction of the rotation of the camera mounting block.

11. Mode Selector Button
12. Wi-Fi Button 13. Battery Level

The tracking modes change the icons to the next mode, every time the mode selector button is pressed. Pressing the selector button a little longer will alow you to adjust the brightness of the backlight illumination of the mode display window in 6 steps including OFF the light.
It allows you to operate the POLARIE U with Smartphones or other devices available with WiFi.
Used to place the POLARIE U in a horizontal position at timelapse photography,

14. Sight Tube Finder

In the Northern hemisphere, a rough polar alignment is possible with the sight tube finder by locating Polaris.

BEFORE USE
Mode Change
Settings on the Main Unit: 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. Pressing the mode selector button a little longer will allow you to change the intensity of the illumination in 6 steps. Finer brightness adjustments are possible with the use of a dedicated app for smartphones. The illumination will be turned off automatically after a certain interval of time. (The duration time is adjustable.) Pressing the mode selector button again will turn on the illumination.
Hibernating The mode and illumination start with the same settings you used last time.
Low Battery Alert If the batteries are exhausted, the icon you selected on the mode display will be blinking. (It will blink even if the illumination is OFF.)

POWER OFF

STAR-SCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY MODE CELESTIAL TRACKING MODE

Turn the slide power switch to N.

Press the mode button.

CUSTOM MODE

LUNAR TRACKING MODE
8

Press the mode button.
SOLAR TRACKING MODE

BEFORE USE
External Setting Mode The present settings such as the direction of rotation and speed should be confirmed on the screen of a smartphone. If this external setting mode is activated, the direction of rotation selected via your smartphone takes precedence to the direction (N or S) of the slide power switch. The settings of operation are available with an app exclusive to the
POLARIE U and a smartphone connected to WiFi. Start the setting operation with the app on the smartphone. Stop the setting operation with either the power switch on the main body or app on the smartphone. App is in communication.
Press the button. The WiFi icon turns on in blue. (Changing the settings is possible from the app.)

Icons on the Mode Display

Wi-Fi is ready.

Switching with the mode selector button:

1/2

Star-Scape Photography

Works at a half speed of the celestial tracking rate.

Celestial Tracking Works at celestial tracking rate.

Solar Tracking Works at the mean solar time.

Lunar Tracking Works at the meam Lunar time.

Press the button.
The WiFi icon turns on in red. (Checking with the smartphone if the WiFi signal is available.)
Disconnected.

Custom Mode
C (User Defined
Tracking Speed)

A speed arbitrarily defined by the user is memorized and is available for tracking. The setting is defaulted to 4 times of the celestial tracking rate. Smartphone or other wireless device and application software are required to change the settings.

Switching with the Wi-Fi button:

External Setting Mode

It allows the product to correspond to external controls. if this function is in operation, every setting in this mode takes precedence regardless of the other settings. Pressing the mode selector button will switch the display to the last used setting in the mode display. The setting mode can be changed while the WiFi icon is illuminated. Smartphone or other wireless device and application software are required to use this function.

Press the button.
The WiFi turns off (The WiFi signal stops.)
9

Wi-Fi Mode

Setting values of the userdefined tracking and the external setting can be changed while the icon is illuminated. The wireless function turns ON and OFF each time the WiFi button is pressed. Settings will be saved when the WiFi is tuned to OFF after the external setting is finished. Electricity consumption increase during WiFi communication an it is recommended to turn OFF the WiFi when not in use.

BEFORE USE
What are Wide-Field Astrophotography and Star-Scape Photography?
Wide-Field Astrophotography Photographing constellations and photographing the Milky Way in a wide field of view is called "Widefield astrophotography". Star-Scape Photography Adding ground lands capes intentionally to the widefield astrophotography is called "Starscape photography". It is typical to use a wideangle lens to create a photo composition that includes an entire constellation
Requirements and Useful Items
The table below shows equipment and items that might be necessary or useful for astrophotography with the POLARIE U star tracker.

Requirements and Useful Items

The table below shows equipment and items that might be necessary or useful for astrophotography with the POLARIE U star tracker.

Essential :

Needed subject to conditions :

Useful :

Necessity Item POLARIE U

AA Alkaline Batteries

Description
Star tracking equipment for astrophotography.
Four AA batteries are required. Alkaline batteries, NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries are recommended. Be sure to prepare spare batteries as the batteries are easy to be exhausted in a cold environment. *1

External batteries with a USB output (USB

TypeC: DC4.4V to 5.25V) are available.

USB External Battery

If this is the case, no AA batteries are needed. However, the AA batteries should be

held in the battery compartments as provision

for long hours astrophotography. *2

The tripod pan head with UNC 1/4" or 3/8" screw is required. Use a tripod with sturdy Camera Tripod legs to avoid unwanted camera shake or flexure in photographing.
10

BEFORE USE

Necessity Item Pan Head

Description
Generally, a pan head is preinstalled on a tripod you purchased. If your tripod has no pan head, you need one equipped with UNC 1/4" or 3/8" screw or a tripod head compatible with the Arcaswiss plate system. The sturdier the better.

Ball Head

It is used to install your camera on the camera mounting block of the POLARIE U. The ball head allows you to point a camera to your desired direction easily and quickly.

Polar Meter

It is a Polar alignment aid which is composed of a compass, an altitude meter, and a bubble level. It will be helpful in finding the direction of the celestial pole roughly if Polaris not seen from your location or you don`t know the location of Polaris. (in the northern hemisphere)

Polar

It allows for a more accurate polar alignment.

Alignment

Attach to the POLARIE U with a dedicated

Scope PF-L II bracket.

A digital SLR camera *3 with a wideangel

lens, standard lens or telephoto lens

DSLR Camera according to your preference. The lens with

with Lens

manual focus setting for infinity is preferable.

Remember to bring the battery for the

camera and storage media with you, also.

Necessity Item Lens Shade

Shutter Release

Description
Useful to avoid unwanted stray light and to reduce the condensation of dew on the front surface of your camera lens.
Used to avoid shaking the camera and to control shutter exposure times. *4 Optionally available genuine parts are preferable.

Timer or Stopwatch

Used to measure the shutter exposure times.

Used to stop moving the focus ring of a camera lens with a weak adhesive tape after focusing the camera lens to infinity. Adhesive Tape However, some autofocus lenses are unable to control a position of focusing manually. Check your camera lens before use.

Dew Heater

Used to prevent the lens surface from dew condensation during photograpgy.

Planisphere, Star Chart

Useful for checking the row of stars in constellations and the direction of stars.

Flashlight or Head Lamp

Useful for reading star charts, setting up and dismantling the equipment. Highly recommended to use red color light to accomodate your visibility to a dark site.

BEFORE USE

Requirements and Useful Items

Necessity Item Outfit for Cold
Weather

Description Take measures against cold weather.

Shroud, Plastic bags

Useful to protect equipment from sudden rain.

*1: Working duration differs depending on types and the state of the batteries used and photographing condition.
*2: Commercially available USB mobile batteries are recommended. Be sure to use a power cable that is applicable to USB TypeC. Low power consumption of the POLARIE U may cause a stop of power supply as a result of a malfunction. Check the instruction manual for the USB mobile battery.

*3: Make sure that your camera has functions that satisfy the following specifications.

· A bulb shutter mechanism (B) is needed for long exposures. If it is not available on your camera, both an ISO speed setting faster than 1600 and a shutter time setting longer than 15 seconds are required, or a function that shutter exposure times are controlled.

· A remote shutter release is available as optional.

· Standard or wideangle photography lens are recommended as it makes tracking of celestial objects easier.

· Usable in manual focus, or possible to disable autofocusing and focus to infinity. The autofocus rarely works correctly in nightsky scenes.

· DSLR cameras with an optical viewfinder (with ground glass focusing screen) or "Live Focus" are preferable.

*4: For long exposure photography, it is much convenient to use remote shutter releases which are not only controlling exposure times manually but also setting up exposure times. Most infraredtype remote shutter releases are not available for controlling exposure times, and they are not recommended as the infrared rays affect imaging sensors.
12

HOW TO USE

I. About Power Source

Your POLARIE U works with 4 pieces of AA batteries or a USB external power source (USB TypeC output plug: DC4.5V to 5.25V). · It is recommended to use AA Alkaline batteries, AA NiMH or NiCd rechargeable batteries. · It is recommended to use USB mobile batteries available commercially. Be sure to use a power cable that is applicable to USB TypeC. Low power
consumption of the PORARIE U may cause a stop of power supply as a result of a malfunction

Power Supply with AA Alkaline Batteries

Power Supply with an External Mobile Battery

1Open the battery compartment cover by pushing down on the tab of the cover. There are two battery compartments on either side face of the POLARIE U unit if viewed from the camera mounting block.

Push down on the tab to lift the cover up.

Use a USB external power supply with a USB TypeC plug (DC4.4V to 5.25V). Connect the USB plug as shown in the image.

USB TypeC

2Insert two of each of AA alkaline batteries in the correct direction.

External power supply port
If you connect the external power supply with the batteries inserted, the external power supply takes precedence over the batteries due to its higher voltage.

3Replace the battery compartment cover so that the tab on the cover fits in place. 13

HOW TO USE
II. Setting Up the POLARIE U
The manual explains the usage of the POLARIE U with a camera tripod and a ball head, which are sold separately, by way of example. Please be sure to read the instruction manuals associated with the equipment used.
There are two ball heads used in this manual; one for the tripod head and another for a camera. One ball head attached to the tripod head is called as Ball head 1 in this manual. Another ball head for the camera is called Ball head 2 as a matter of convenience.

1Set up the tripod where you photograph. Place the tripod on solid ground so that the tripod is stable. Adjust the height of the tripod as you need arises and adjust the tripod legs to be level on the ground.

Leglock lever

Be sure to fully extend the tripod legs outward.

Level

For usage of the tripod, see instructions for your tripod

Fully apart from each other.
14

HOW TO USE

2Install the POLARIE U to the ball head 1 attached on the tripod head as shown in the figure

3Loosen the two thumbscrews and remove the camera mounting block from the POLARIE U

Thumbscrew

Camera mounting block

Ball head 1 Lock disc

1/4" camera screw

Thumbscrew

The POLARIE U is available for either a tripod with 1/4" or 3/8" screw. A conversion adapter for 1/4" screw is preinstalled to one of the tripodscrew sockets at Vixen's factory. If you use a tripod with a 3/8" screw, remove the conversion adapter for 1/4" in advance.

4Attach the ball head 2 onto the camera mounting block. Push out the screw on the center of the disk of the camera mounting block from the back.

While keeping the screw in place, insert the tip of the screw into the screw

hole of the ball head 2 and thread the screw by turning the mounting

block clockwise. Make sure that the ball head 2 is

Ball head 2

attached to the mounting block

firmly.

3/8" screw

3/8" to 1/4" screw adapter
15

Push out the screw

1/4" camera screw

Camera mounting block

Camera mounting
block
Turn the camera mounting block while pushing out the screw.

HOW TO USE

5The manual explains the usage of the POLARIE U with a camera tripod and a ball head, which are sold separately, by way of example.

Please be sure to read the instruction

manuals associated with the

Thumbscrew

equipment used.

IIII.. SSeettttiinngg UUpp tthhee PPOLARRIEE UU Install a cable releasse if the need arises and finish the setting.
Make sure that the camera fixes on the ball head tightly.

Thumbscrew

6Mount your camera on the ball head 2. Attach the camera onto the ball head 2 with the camera screw accompanied by the ball head.

Hold the camera securely while threading it to avoid dropping it.

Hold the camera securely.

Make sure that both the moveable

portions on the ball head 2 and

the camera mounting block are tightened securely

Lock disc

Lock disc
Lock lever
Thumbscrew (on the camera mounting block)

Ball head 2
16

Finish

HOW TO USE
III. Practice (Taking Photography) Procedure to start up photographing:

Align to the celestial pole

Set up the POLARIE U so that the rotational axis of the POLARIE U is parallel to that of earth.

P17~19

Setting your camera

Set exposure, ISO, shutter speed and so on.

P20~21

Focus and photography compsition

Focus the object and determine the photography composition.

P21~22

Setting the POLARIE U

Set a mode of operation.

P23~24

Photography

Start Imaging.

P24

Align to the Celestial Pole
Set up the POLARIE U so that it turns to follow the diurnal motion of stars. To do this, the rotational axis of the POLARIE U must be set to be parallel to the axis of the diurnal motion of stars. The process is called polar alignment.

Direction of North celestial pole Diurnal motion of stars

The process of the polar alignment differs between the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. The polar alignment in the northern hemisphere is explained as an example here.

Rotation axis of POLARIE U
In case of the polar alignment in the southern hemisphere, use a conspicuous pattern of 3 stars in the constellation Octans. It is recommended to use an optional Polar alignment scope PFLII.

Set up in the northern hemisphere.

HOW TO USE

Using a Star Map

You can use a star map and the sight tube finder to locate Polaris so that you can align the POLARIE U to the north celestial pole. You will be able to find Polaris without difficulty if you know the position of the constellations Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper (part of Ursa Major).

1Attach the sight tube finder onto the accessory shoe of the POLARIE U.

Planisphere Sight tube finder

2Find Polaris using the star map which is commercially available on the market.

3Set up the POLARIE U in a location where Polaris is visible from the sight tube finder. As Polaris is in the north, it is useful to have a compass for checking the direction.

Direction of Polaris
Look through the sight tube finder.

4Look through the sight tube finder to see if Polaris is seen somewhere in the field of view, and then center Polaris in the field of view by adjusting the orientation of the tripod.
Polaris is a conspicuous 2grade star as no bright stars are seen around.

Sight hall
Adjust so that Polaris is seen in the center of the sight hall.

HOW TO USE
Locate Polaris from Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper
The constellations Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper are groups of noticeable stars near Polaris. You will be able to locate Polaris and align the POLARIE U through the sight tube finder if you know the position of these constellations.
1Find Polaris using the guide map on this page. You will find it easier with the help of a compass since Polaris is in the north.

Big Dipper

Extends 5 times

Polaris

Cassiopeia Extends 5 times

2Turn the POLARIE U toward Polaris and look though the sight tube finder. Confirm that Polaris is seen somewhere in the field of view. The sight tube finder may be blocked by the camera body that is mounted on the ball head 2. If this is the case, loosen the lock knob of the ball head 2 and turn the camera body to clear the sight.
Lock lever

[Direction 1] Locate the two stars that form the outer edge of the "dipper" in the Big Dipper. Draw an imaginary line straight through the two stars of the dipper edge and you will see Polaris ahead.
[Direction 2] Cassiopeia looks like the letter "W" or the letter "M" depending on when you observe it. Draw imaginary lines from the stars that form the outer edge of the letter "W" so that the two lines intersect. Next, draw another imaginary line from the center of the "W" through the cross point of your first line. Then, extend it straight through by about 5 times to get Polaris.
19

HOW TO USE
Various Settings on your Camera
Determine shooting mode, exposure, and aperture (Fnumber). 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
Shutter Speed: Select B (Bulb) setting. Set the exposure shutter speed to be more than 15 seconds if the B setting is not available on your camera.
Aperture (F-number): Set the aperture to be open fully or smaller by one step. The aperture value influences image quality and depth of field and usually, it should be set according to your purpose of photographing. Since the amount of light of stars is smaller, setting the aperture larger is effective to take in as much light as possible.
ISO Speed: Set ISO speed higher than ISO400. Too high an ISO speed may cause deterioration of image quality due to an increase in thermal noise. It is recommended that you take shots in different ISO speeds to determine the image you prefer.
Exposure. There is no recommended exposure time for everyone as it depends on your purpose of photographing.
The followings are examples of settings on your camera, which differ according to the camera and photographic lens used.

Example 1
Photographic Lens: 24mm focal length (Wide lens), F1.4 Camera: DSLR camera (applicable up to ISO3200) POLARIE U Mode: Celestial tracking Purpose of Photographing: Constellations

Item

Setting

Comment

Shutter Speed Bulb (B)

It allows for long exposure.

Aperture (F-Number)

F2.8

A good compromise between fast photographic speed and image quality.

ISO speed Exposure

ISO400

To get higher sensitivity without image deterioration. *

10 minutes To get accumulation of light from dark stars.

*It is subjective views and it may differ according to the highest ISO speed of your camera.

HOW TO USE
Example 2
Photographic Lens: 14mm focal length (Ultra-wide lens), F2.8 Camera: DSLR camera (applicable up to ISO256000) POLARIE U Mode: Star-scape astrophotography Purpose of Photographing: Milky Way and terrestrial foreground

Item

Setting

Comment

Shutter Speed Bulb (B)

It allows for long exposure.

Aperture (F-Number)
ISO speed
Exposure

It allows for taking as much light as possible F2.8
within a short time.

ISO3200

To shorten exposure time within the limit of image deterioration.*

It is set so that both stars and terrestrial 60 seconds
foreground are as if they are stopped.

*It is subjective views and it may differ according to the highest ISO speed of your camera.

Focusing and Composing the shot
The object of imaging in widefield astrophotography and that in starscape photography are the light of stars which are so faint that autofocus systems may hardly function properly on many cameras. For this reason, it is necessary to focus your camera on an object manually. Set the focus to infinity as the light of the stars comes from infinite space.

Cameras without Live View feature
Focus on the star while looking through the viewfinder of the camera. If the camera is out of focus, the star is seen as a blurred disc of light or the star is not visible on the focusing screen. If you turn the focusing ring in the direction of reaching in focus, the blurred disc will contract to become a point of light. If this is the case, the star is in focus. It is hard to determine the focal point in this way and you will need patience. It is recommended to locate the focal point by checking the focus with the LCD monitor before you start photographing if you use the DSLR camera. It is very difficult to focus on a dark star. It is recommended to choose a bright starlike 1stmagnitude to make focus.

Out of focus

In focus

ISO/1600
21

WB+/-

ISO/1600

WB+/-

HOW TO USE

Cameras with Live View function

Focus on the star by magnifying the star image with the Live View function while watching the screen of the LCD monitor on your camera. If the camera is out of focus, the star is seen as a blurred disc of light or the star is not visible on the focusing screen. If you turn the focusing ring in the direction of reaching in focus, the blurred disc will contract to become a point of light. If this is the case, the star is in focus.

Live View without magnification. WB+/- 115 ISO/1600

Magnifying the star images under out of focus.

Magnifying the star images under in focus.

Photography Composition
Determine the photography composition. If you plan to take starscape photography, a sightseeing guidebook may be of help to find a scenic spot in advance.
It will be hard to recognize stars if you look through the viewfinder in the nighttime. This makes it difficult to confirm the state of focus and the composition. If you have a DSLR camera, you will be able to recognize the state of focus and the composition by raising the ISO speed, even to the maximum, for a test shooting.
If you have a film camera, the sight from the camera`s viewfinder is too dark to recognize the stars. It is advisable to exchange the focusing screen for one with better visibility. A commercially available Eye Magnifier will facilitate your precise focusing.

X10

1" 32

WB+/- 115 ISO/1600

1" 32

WB+/- 115 ISO/1600

Note: The star image may go out of focus by malfunction of the camera's autofocus function if you press the shutter release after you focus on the star. To avoid this, make sure that the autofocus function is set to OFF.
It is recommended to hold the focus ring with weak adhesive tape so that you could avoid turning the focus ring accidentally.
22

HOW TO USE

Setting the Mode Display
Turn ON the POLARIE U and select your desired setting mode according to your purpose of photography.
Confirm the direction of the tracking. Move the slide power switch to the N side to use the POLARIE U in the northern hemisphere. Moving the slide power switch to the S side for use in the southern hemisphere. The tracking direction is perceptible with your eye as it is indicated through the direction of light flow with the illumination of the icons on the mode display right after you turn ON the slide power switch. Depending on the setting, the direction of light flow with the illumination of the icons may not correspond with the position of the slide power switch while the external setting mode is used.
Fixed-Tripod Astrophotography

Simple starscape astrophotography using a camera on a tripod. Star trails will occur as exposure lengthens.

Stars trail.

1/2 Star-Scape Photography 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 move less as

compared with images taken by widefield astrophotography at a given

exposure time. Shooting at half the

speed of the star's diurnal motion

increases exposure time twice.

Short exposure will allow you to take

images with no trails of stars.

Short exposure time prevents star trailing.

Celestial Tracking 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 move less as compared with images taken by widefield astrophotography at a given exposure time. Shooting at half the speed of the star's diurnal motion increases exposure time twice. Short exposure will allow you to take images with no trails of stars.
No star trailing.

No trailing objects on the ground

Blurred terrestrial objects.

HOW TO USE
Solar Tracking Mode/ Lunar Tracking Mode
Since the sun and moon appear to move across the sky at a different speed than the stars, the POLARIE U includes Solar and Lunar rates option. (Remember that the solar tracking rate is slower than sidereal time, and the solar tracking rate is faster than the lunar rate.) These rates are useful especially during an eclipse, allowing the user to maintain constant tracking on the sun or moon for long hours.

C Custom Mode
This mode is for timelapse photography and it allows you to enter your desired tracking speed (up to ten times of the sidereal rate is recommended) into the PORARIE U. Your tracking speed setting is saved. The initial setting is four times of the sidereal rate. If you change the setting for a different speed, a smartphone or other wireless device and application software are needed.

Difference from the diurnal motion of stars
The position of the same star you see in the same time moves toward west everyday and returns to the same position in one year. Since the star sets earlier than the sun sets, the duirnal motion of the star appears to be fast by one more rotation than that of the sun in a year.
Because one year is 365.25 days (0.25 day is for compensating leap year), speed of the stars based on the speed of the sun is 1 + (1/365.25) = 1.0027 rotation per day.

Star Shooting
Start shooting with releasing the shutter on the camera.
If the camera has an image stabilization function, make sure that the function is turned OFF before you start photographing. It is recommended to use a shutter release cable to avoid shaking.

The position of the moon you see in the same time moves toward east everyday and returns to almost the same position in 29.5 days. Since the moon sets later than the sun sets, the rotation of the moon appears to be slow by one less rotation in 29.5 days than that of the sun. So, speed of the moon based on the speed of the sun is 1 (1/29.5) = 0.966 rotation per day.

Therefore, difference of the speed is 1.0027 0.966 = 0.0367 rotation per day (one rotation = 24 hours). In one hour, its difference comes to (360/24) x 0.0367 = 0.55 degrees. This is nearly the same as the moon's angular diameter (about 0.50 egrees).
24

HOW TO USE
V. Application
Using the Custom Mode and the External Setting
The POLARIE U allows you to set, optionally, the tracking speed and the status of movements with the use of a communication terminal device (like a smartphone) that works on WEB and WiFi environment. Also, the POLARIE U provides a shutter release terminal controlling the shutter of a camera. If your camera has the bulb setting and a wired shutter release terminal, it will allow you to set and control interval photographing.
Complex timelapse photography settings are available with a smartphone, by easily linking the motion of the POLARIE U with the shutter release control. It is necessary to download the application software to set the motion of the POLARIE U with your smartphone.
Note:
You need application software for POLARIE U in addition to a smartphone or communication terminal device that works on WiFi to use the custom mode, external setting and shutter release control. Please read instructions for the usage of the application software.
Get the app and customize settings on your POLARIE U!
htt ps://www.vixen .co.j p The free download POLARIE U app is available for iPhone and Android.

Cameras Available for the Shutter Release Control
Cameras with a 2.5mm 3pole stereo minijack are available to the shutter release control. If your camera is different from the above mentioned specification, it may be connectable with the use of a commercially available conversion adapter. The shutter release terminal is essential for the camera you use.
Shutter Release Cable Shutter Release Cable: 2.5mm 3pole stereo miniplug Press the shutter button halfway Common
Press the shutter button down completely
Shutter remote terminal

HOW TO USE
Flow of Operation

Install the app

Install the application software into your smartphone.

Wi-Fi Connection

Connect the POLARIE U with the Smartphone via WiFi.

Autoguider
The POLARIE U provides an autoguider port and it can be used with commercially available autoguiders. The pin assignment of the autoguider port is shown below. For the usage of the autoguider, read instructions for the autoguider
Autoguider port

Launch the app

Tap the icon to launch the app.

Link the POLARIE U Link the POLARIE U with the app.

Setting and Photographing

Setting the motion of the POLARIE U to take photographs.

6
Ra NC NC Ra+ GND NC
Reset
In the state of turning OFF the power, moving the slide power switch to N or S direction while pressing both the mode selector and WiFi 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.

HOW TO USE
Using with an optional polar Alignment Scope PF-LII
The optional polar alignment scope PFLII (sold separately) will help you increase the accuracy of the polar alignment setting more than using the sight tube finder. An optional arm bracket (sold separately) is required to attach the polar alignment scope PFLII onto the POLARIE U. Additionally, it is necessary to use a tripod with finemotion adjustments to ensure precise polar alignment. A Polar fine adjustment unit DX (sold separately) unit and an APPTL130 tripod (sold separately) are shown in this manual as an example.
Polar alignment scope PFLII
Arm bracket

Components Guide
Read the instruction manual for the polar alignment scope PFLII also.

Push ONOFF switch

Brightness adjustment dial

Battery cover

Objective lens (Inside)
Polar scope tube

Polar fine adjustment unit DX
APPTL30 tripod
27

Scale reticle (Inside) Knurled focusing ring (Eyepiece)

HOW TO USE
Legend on the Polar Alignment Reticle

In the Northern Hemisphere
In the Southern Hemisphere

Name

Constellation

POLARIS

Little Bear

UMi

Little Bear

51Cep

Cepheus

Useful guiding stars and constellations

"W" shape

Cassiopeia

Big Dipper

Big Bear

Oc t

Octans

Oc t

Octans

Oc t

Octans

Useful guiding stars and constellations

Southern Cross

Crux

Er i

Eridanus

Meaning of numbers 15 the year 2015 40 the year 2040 The position scales on the reticle are 5year increments.

HOW TO USE
Basic operation
Illumination ON and OFF
There is a push switch on the top of the brightness adjustment dial of the polar alignment scope. Pushing the switch will illuminate the polar alignment reticle in red light. The red light becomes dimmer gradually after a certain interval of illumination (about one or two minutes) and turns off automatically.

Push switch

Adjusting the Brightness
The brightness of the red light for the polar alignment reticle can be varied in 8 steps by turning the brightness adjustment dial on the polar alignment scope.

Focusing on the Polar Alignment Reticle
You can focus on the polar alignment reticle by turning the eyepiece of the polar alignment scope. While holding the body of the polar alignment scope on one hand, turn the eyepiece part with the other hand.
Eyepiece focus ring

Brightness adjustment dial
29

HOW TO USE
Procedure of the Polar Alignment (in the northern hemisphere)

Installing the polar alignment scope PF-LII to the arm bracket.

Attaching polar alignment scope PF-LII mounted on the arm bracket to the POLARIE U

Attaching polar alignment scope PF-LII mounted on the arm bracket to the POLARIE U.

Setting the polar alignment scope PFLII at your convenient position for use. Tighten the fixing knob securely.

3 Polar aligning the POLARIE U.

Installing the polar alignment scope PF-LII to the arm bracket

Thread the polar alignment scope into the threaded hole on the arm bracket

from the side which the fixing knob faces on as shown in the figure.

Screw into the arm bracket securely to

prevent it from becoming loose during

the operation.

Arm bracket

Fixing screw with knob

Polar alignment scope PFLII
30

HOW TO USE

Polar Alignment

The motordriven 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.
Polar Alignment in the Norther Hemisphere

The polar axis of the POLARIE U is aligned to the North Celestial Pole in the northern hemisphere. The polar alignment scope utilize 3 stars of Polaris,

Delta UMi and 51 Cep near the North Pole. Positions of the above stars are plotted on the reticle of the polar alignment scope. To locate the N.C.P., you

simply match the scale position on

the reticle with the designated 3

stars seen in the polar alignment scope. The patterns of the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are engraved on the reticle for use as a guidepost for the North Pole.

Perseus

Camelopardalis

Big Dipper

Ursa Major

Cassiopeia

Polaris(Alpha UMi)

51Cep N.C.P
Delta UMi

Ursa Minor

Cepheus
31

Draco

HOW TO USE
1Check 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

2Set up the POLARIE U mounted tripod on flat and hard ground where you can see Polaris in the sky. Point the rotational axis of the POLARIE U in the direction of north. Adjust the tripod legs so that the tripod is as level as possible.
32

(North celestial pole)
Northward

Polar axis

HOW TO USE
3While 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)

HOW TO USE

Field of view (of the polar alignment scope)

Eri (Achernar)

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 the field of view of the polar alignment scope.
Note:
The patterns of the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia on the reticle are positioned to correspond to the real sky. They are used as a guidepost to know the turning direction of the polar alignment scope's reticle. The locations of the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia on the reticle have no relation to the location of Polaris, Delta UMi and 51 Cep on the reticle. Now you are ready to adjust the orientation of the polar scope so that its position scales on the reticle come close to actual positions of Polaris, Delta UMi and 51 Cep.
34

HOW TO USE

4While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, 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.

(North celestial pole)

Set Polaris to the gap between the two segments of the lines marked 2014 and 2040 adjacent to a mark "POLARIS" as shown in the figure.
Polaris is relatively conspicuous in this area of the sky as it is a bright 2nd magnitude star adjacent to the north celestial pole.

Altitude adjustment screws

Azimuth adjustment screws

Set Polaris to the gap.
35

HOW TO USE
5As Polaris shifts to the designated position on the reticle, both Delta UMi and 51 Cep 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 Delta UMi and 51 Cep come to the closest to actual Delta UMi and 51 Cep respectively.
The numbers 15 and 40 on the position scales for Delta UMi and 51 Cep show the years 2014 and 2040 respectively.

Delta UMi

51 Cep
36

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.PP

Since there is no mark that points at the North Celestial Pole, you need to match the polar axis of your POLARIE U with the N.C.P using the conspicuous polar star and two stars in the same area of the sky. As an illustration here, Polaris is set to the edge of the line on the side of 2014, and both Delta UMI and 51 Cep are to set to the middle of the curved lines of the position scale at the protruded edge on the side of 15 respectively. (In case of the year 2014)

Turn the polar scope body so that Delta UMi comes near to the location of the year 2014 on the scale. And then, Polaris will get out of position from the gap between the lines.
Adjust the redlight illumination to be dimmer if the reticle is too bright to see the 5th magnitude Delta UMi.

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 from 2014 to 2040 by precession

The movement of Delta UMi from 2014 to 2040 by precession

The locations of Sigma, Tau and Chi Octantis on the position scales change year by year due to precession of the Earth. You need to compensate the locations of the 3 stars on the position scales yearly.
38

The movement of 51 Cep from 2014 to 2040 by precession

HOW TO USE

6While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, turn 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.

(North celestial pole)

Altitude adjustment screws

Azimuth adjustment screws

Set Polaris to an approximate position that is corresponding to the year of your observation.

Correcting the position of Polaris in the altitude and azimuth directions with the finder adjustment bolts.
Correcting the position of Delta UMi and 51 Cep with a rotation of the polar scope
39

HOW TO USE

7Repeat 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.
Delta UMI

Center of polar scope´s field of view (Center of the rotational axis of the Polarie)

Polaris

As an illustration here, Polaris is set to the edge of the line on the side of 2014, and both Delta UMI and 51 Cep are set to the middle of the curved lines of the position scale at the protruded edge on the side of 15 respectively. (In case of the year 2014)
51 Cep
40

N.C.P

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 PFL utilizes 3 stars of Sigma Octantis, Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis near the South Pole. Positions of these stars are plotted on the reticle of the polar scope. To locate the S.C.P, you simply match each of the position scale on the reticle with the designated 3 stars caught by the polar scope. Also, the patterns of the Southern Cross and Alpha Eridani are engraved on the reticle for use as a guidepost for the South Pole.

Pavo

Triangulum Australe

Circinus

Tucana

Octans

Apus

Small Magellanic Cloud

Eri
(Achernar)

Hydrus

Octant 3 star

Oct

S.C.P

Oct

Musca

Centaurus Crux

Eridanus

Mensa

Chamaeleon

Reticulum Horologium

Volans
Large Magellanic Cloud
41

Carina

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.
1Check your observing site with a compass, a GPS system or a map in advance to confirm that Octans, the Southern Cross and Alpha Erinadi can be seen from your observing location on the date of observation.
42

HOW TO USE
2Set up the POLARIE U mounted tripod on flat and hard ground where you can see Octans in the sky. Point the rotational axis of the POLARIE U in the direction of south. Adjust the tripod legs so that the tripod is as level as possible.

(South celestial pole)
Southward

Polar axis

When you use the POLARIE U in the southern hemisphere, you should set up it as accurately as possible. Near the south celestial pole, there is no bright star such as Polaris adjacent to the north celestial pole, it will be not easy for you to set up the POLARIE U quickly by a sight. First, it is recommended to be familiar with the direction of Octans and the location of its three stars for polar alignment. When you use a magnetic compass for the polar alignment, it is recommended that you consider the influence of the magnetic declination of magnetic compasses. Using an electronic compass like a GPS or your smartphone`s positioning app will be a good solution.
You may obtain information on the magnetic declination of your location from the following URL: MagneticDeckination.com (http://magneticdeclination.com/).
43

HOW TO USE
3While 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)

HOW TO USE

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 the engraved constellations on the reticle matches the constellations in the real sky.
Note:
Both the Southern Cross and Alpha Eridani on the reticle are positioned to correspond to the real sky. They are used as a guidepost to know the turning direction of the polar alignment scope's reticle. The locations of the Southern Cross and Alpha Eridani on the reticle have no relation to the locations of the Octantis stars on the reticle.
45

HOW TO USE
4While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, adjust the orientation of the POLARIE U in altitude 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 " Oct" as shown in the figure.

S.C.P

O ct

Azimuth adjustment knob S.C.P

Altitude adjustment knob
46

HOW TO USE
5As 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 Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis respectively.
The numbers 15 and 40 on the position scales for Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis show the years 2014 and 2040 respectively.

Chi Octantis

Tau Octantis
47

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.PP

(CCeenntteerroof fthpeorloatar tsiocnoapl eax'sisfoi ef ltdheoPf ovliaerwie)
Since there is no mark that points at the South Celestial Pole, you need to match the polar axis of the POLARIE U with the S.C.P using the relatively dim Octantis stars in the neighborhood.
As an illustration here, Sigma Octantis is set to the edge of the line on the side of 2014, and both Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis are to set to the middle of the curved lines of the position scale at the protruded edge on the side of 15 respectively. (In case of the year 2014)

(CCeenntteerroof fthpeorloatar tsiocnoapl eax'sisfoi ef ltdheoPf ovliaerwie)
Turn the polar scope body so that Tau Octantis comes near to the location of the year 2014 on the scale. And then, Sigma Octantis will get out of position from the gap between the lines. Adjust the redlight illumination to be dimmer if the reticle is too bright to see the 5th magnitude Tau Octantis.
48

HOW TO USE
The movement of Sigma Octantis from 2014 to 2040 by precession
The locations of Sigma, Tau and Chi Octantis on the position scales change year by year due to precession of the Earth. You need to compensate the locations of the 3 stars on the position scales yearly.
49

The movement of Tau Octantis from 2014 to 2040 by precession

The movement of Chi Octantis from 2014 to 2040 by precession

HOW TO USE

6While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, turn 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

S.C.P

Azimuth adjustment knob

S.C.P Altitude adjustment knob

Set Sigma Octantis to an approximate position that is corresponding to the year of your observation.
Correcting the position of Sigma Octantis in the altitude and azimuth directions with the fine adjustment bolts Correcting the position of Tau and Chi Octantis with a rotation of the polar scope
50

HOW TO USE
7Repeat 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 Tau Octantis

Sigma Octantis
S.C.P
As an illustration here, Sigma Octantis is set to the edge of the line on the side of 2014, and both Tau and Chi Octantis are set to the middle of the curved lines of the position scale at the protruded edge on the side of 15 respectively. (In case of the year 2014)
51

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.

Octans

Small Magellanic Cloud

3 12

Octant 3 star

3
1

Hydrus

S.C.P

Centaurus

80° 70°

Mensa

Chamaeleon

Musca

Crux

Large Magellanic Cloud

Volans

Carina

Note: The orientation of Octans changes depending on the season of the year.
52

HOW TO USE
1. 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.
2. Directing to Octans using the arrangement of stars in the Southern Cross (Crux) as pointers
Draw an imaginary line straight through the two stars (Alpha and Beta Crux) of the Southern Cross making the vertical line of the cross toward Small Magellanic Cloud. You will find the four stars of Octans at a place about 4.5 times extended from the span of the two stars.
3. Directing to Octans using Small Magellanic Cloud, beta Hydrus, and Gamma Octantis as pointers
If you cast your eyes toward Crux from Small Magellanic Cloud, you will see Beta Hydrus. Going southward from Beta Hydrus will find you Gamma Octans which consists of a row of three stars. Continue your eyes by the same distance toward the Southern Cross and you will find the four stars of Octans.
53

HOW TO USE
About PF-L Assist App
The PFL 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. The app displays the current night sky which can be seen in your location and it will guide you to match the orientation of the constellations on the reticle in the polar alignment scope with the constellations in the real sky when you set up the equatorial mount. You can easily locate the constellations necessary for polar alignment if they are hidden by trees or building, or when the night sky is affected by city lights, or when you set up your telescope at dusk.
PF-L Assist
For details of the app, visit out web site at: https: //www.vixen.co.jp
The free download PF-L Assist app is available for iPhone, Android and Kindle fire.
54

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.

1Loosen the two thumbs crews and remove the camera mounting block from the POLARIE U. Thumbscrew

3Place the multi mounting block over the POLARIE U so that the protruded portion of the POLARIE U faces the bottom of the multi mounting block as shown in the figure. Attach the multi mounting block to the POLARIE U and tighten the three setscrews securely.

2.5mm Allen wrench

Thumbscrew

Camera mounting block

Setscrew

2Loosen the three setscrews on the side of the multi mounting block with the supplied Allen wrench of 2. 5 mm.

Setscrew

2.5mm Allen wrench

4Now, ready to install the Dovetail slide bar DD or other accessory plates according to your needs.

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.

1Loosen the two thumbscrews and remove the camera mounting block from the POLARIE U. Thumbscrew

3Replace with the clamp disc (lower portion of the Quick release panorama clamp) and tighten it securely with two M6 cap screws.

Clamp disc

5mm Allen wrench

Thumbscrew

Camera mounting block

2Loosen three screws in the center hollow of the protruded portion of the POLARIE U with the supplied Allen wrench of 2.5mm to remove the part of the protruded portion. Two M6 cap screws appear. 2.5mm Allen wrench

4Attach the plate holder (upper portion of the Quick release panorama clamp) to the clamp disc.

5Now, ready to install a Quick release angle plate or another plate according to your needs.

M6 cap screw hole

Plate holder

Specifications

Model

POLARIE U Star Tracker

Wheel and worm gears full circle micro movement, R.A. Slow Motion Control
58.4mm in diameter, 144tooth, made of Aluminum alloy

External Power Supply Port Power Source

USB TypeC AA batteries x 4: Alkaline, NiMH rechargeable, NiCd

Worm Gear Shaft

9.8mm in diameter, made of brass

rechargeable

R.A. Axis

40mm in diameter, made of aluminum alloy

External power supply: Available with USB TypeC

Number of Bearings Drive

2 pieces Pulse Motor

Working Voltage /

AA batteries: DC 4.8V to 6.0V, Max. 0.6A (at 2.5kg

Electricity Consumption loading weight)

Maximum Loading Capacity

For photography with celestial tracking rate Standard: 2.5kg / 5.5 lbs., Upgraded: 6.5 kg / 14 lbs.,

External power supply: DC 4.4V to 5.25V, Max. 0.3A (at 2.5kg loading weight)

(Including the camera mounting block)

Timelapse: 10kg / 22 lbs., at the distance of 10cm from the rotation axis.

Working Duration

About 7 hours at 20 degree C (68F) temperature, with the use of Alkaline batterie.

Tracking Rates Sight Tube Finder

Celestial, 0.5X Celestial, Solar, Lunar, Nothern hemisphere, southern hemisphere) (Remote settings are available with a Smartphone.)
It is used in the northern hemisphere to guide the unit to Polaris. 8.9 degrees field of view with no magnification. (Fits in the accessory shoe.)

Wi-Fi Operating Environment for Application Software

Application software that works on smartphones is required.
OS: Android 4.4 and over or iOS 9.9 and over*, WiFi: IEEE 802.11b/g, Data Encryption Method: WPA2PSK *Be sure to confirm the operation of the application, as some smartphones do not meet the requirements.

Polar Scope Leveling Tripod Adapter Block

Polar alignment scope PFLII is optional. Polar scope arm bracket sold seperately is needed. Bubble level for timelapse photography. 3/8inch camera screw sockets (2 places) with a conversion adapter for 1/4" screw, compatible with attachment plates of the standard thin type.

Operating Temperature Dimensions Weight Optional Accessories

0 degree to 40 degree C (104F) 88.5mm x 72mm x 110.5mm 575 g / 1.26 lbs. (without batteries) Polar alignment scope PFLII, Polar scope arm bracket, Polar fine adjustment unit DX, Polar meter

2.5mm female jack for tripolar stereo mini plug

Shutter Release Terminal Pinout: Full Shutter release, half shutter and common, in

order from center to outward

Autoguider Port

6pole 6wired modular jack (for an external autoguider)

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 widefield 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. Adding landscape or architectural objects in the foreground will make your photos more impressive.

The table below shows recommended maximum shutter exposure times to hold pinpoint star images at starscape mode

Focal length of photographic
Stheepaceraletisotniaflreoqmuatorlens(mm*1)

f=15mm

f=20mm

f=24mm

f=28mm

f=35mm

f=50mm

f=85mm f=100mm f=135mm f=200mm

0°(Celestial Equator) 18 sec. 13 sec. 11 sec. 9 sec. 7 sec. 5 sec. 3 sec. 2 sec. 2 sec. 1 sec.

± 10°

18 sec. 13 sec. 11 sec. 9 sec. 7 sec. 5 sec. 3 sec. 2 sec. 2 sec. 1 sec.

[Diurnal Motion Stars] Large

± 20° ± 30°

19 sec. 14 sec. 12 sec. 10 sec. 8 sec. 5 sec. 3 sec. 2 sec. 2 sec. 1 sec. 21 sec. 15 sec. 13 sec. 11 sec. 9 sec. 6 sec. 3 sec. 3 sec. 3 sec. 1 sec.

± 40°

23 sec. 17 sec. 14 sec. 12 sec. 10 sec. 7 sec. 4 sec. 3 sec. 2 sec. 1 sec.

± 50°

28 sec. 21 sec. 17 sec. 15 sec. 12 sec. 8 sec. 5 sec. 4 sec. 3 sec. 2 sec.

Polaris

± 60°

36 sec. 27 sec. 22 sec. 19 sec. 15 sec. 10 sec. 6 sec. 5 sec. 4 sec. 2 sec.

± 70°

53 sec. 40 sec. 33 sec. 28 sec. 22 sec. 16 sec. 9 sec. 8 sec. 5 sec. 4 sec.

West

North

Small East

± 80°

105 sec. 78 sec. 65 sec. 56 sec. 45 sec. 31 sec. 18 sec. 15 sec. 11 sec. 7 sec.

Note: *1: The above focal lengths show actual focal lengths of your camera. It is not necessary to convert them to focal lengths in 35mm film format if APSC, 3/4 or another format is utilized for your camera. *2: The above exposure times are calculated on the assumption that the pixel size of an imaging device is 0.001mm. Allowable maximum exposure times will change according to the specifications of your camera
and lens. It is recommended you test your system to determine the best exposure time. *3: If you use a 35mm film format camera, the above exposure times will be extended by three times and more due to bigger grains of film.

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. It is possible to avoid star trails, but the terrestrial objects are trailed in long exposure.
The table below shows allowable maximum shutter exposure times to hold pinpoint star images subject to a polar alignment at an error of 2 degrees

Focal length of photographic
Stheepaceraletisotniaflreoqmuatorlens(mm*1)

f=15mm

0°(Celestial Equator)

6 min. 52 sec.

f=20mm
5 min. 09 sec.

f=24mm
4 min. 17 sec.

f=28mm
3 min. 41 sec.

f=35mm
2 min. 56 sec.

f=50mm
2 min. 03 sec.

f=85mm f=100mm f=135mm f=200mm

1 min. 12 sec.

1 min. 01 sec.

45,8 sec 30,9 sec.

± 10°

6 min. 58 sec.

5 min. 14 sec.

4 min. 21 sec.

3 min. 55 sec.

2 min. 59 sec.

2 min. 0,5 sec.

1 min. 13 sec.

1 min. 02 sec.

46,5 sec 31,4 sec.

± 20°

7 min. 19 sec.

5 min. 29 sec.

4 min. 34 sec.

3 min. 55 sec.

3 min. 08 sec.

2 min. 11 sec.

1 min. 17 sec.

1 min. 05 sec.

48,7 sec. 32,9 sec.

± 30°

7 min. 56 sec.

5 min. 57 sec.

4 min. 57 sec.

4 min. 15 sec.

3 min. 24 sec.

2 min. 22 sec.

1 min. 24 sec.

1 min. 11 sec.

52,9 sec. 35,7 sec.

± 40°

8 min. 58 sec.

6 min. 43 sec.

5 min. 36 sec.

4 min. 48 sec.

3 min. 50 sec.

2 min. 41 sec.

1 min. 35 sec.

1 min. 20 sec.

59,8 sec. 40,3 sec.

± 50°

10 min. 41 sec.

8 min. 01 sec.

6 min. 41 sec.

5 min. 43 sec.

4 min. 35 sec.

3 min. 12 sec.

1 min. 53 sec.

1 min. 36 sec.

1 min. 11,3 sec.

48,1 sec.

± 60°

13 min. 10 min. 8 min. 7 min. 5 min. 4 min. 2 min. 2 min. 1 min. 1 min. 45 sec. 18 sec. 35 sec. 22 sec. 53 sec. 07 sec. 25 sec. 0.3 sec. 31,6 sec. 1,8 sec.

± 70°

20 min. 15 min. 12 min. 10 min. 8 min. 6 min. 3 min. 3 min. 2 min. 1 min. 06 sec. 04 sec. 33 sec. 46 sec. 36 sec. 01 sec. 32 sec. 00 sec. 14 sec. 30,4 sec.

Note:

± 80°

39 min. 29 min. 24 min. 21 min. 16 min. 11 min. 6 min. 5 min. 4 min. 2 min. 17 sec. 41 sec. 44 sec. 12 sec. 58 sec. 52 sec. 59 sec. 56 sec. 23,9 sec. 58,1 sec.

*1: The above focal lengths show actual focal lengths of your camera. It is not necessary to convert them to focal lengths in 35mm film format if APSC, 3/4 or another format is utilized for your camera.

*2: The above exposure times are calculated on the assumption that the pixel size of an imaging device is 0.001mm. Allowable maximum exposure times will change according to the specifications of your camera

and lens. It is recommended you test your system to determine the best exposure time.

*3: If you use a 35mm film format camera, the above exposure times will be extended by three times and more due to bigger grains of film.

VIXEN European Distributor Bresser GmbH Gutenbergstrasse 2, D46414 Rhede, Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 2872 80 740

EMail: info@bresser.de www.bresser.de

References

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