47 replies to this topic

[Matei1986]

I saw that the latest update of the Seestar app introduced EQ Mode. Does anyone know exactly what this feature does? Is it a software mode that improves tracking through digital adjustments, or does it require an external equatorial mount? If an additional device is needed, are there any recommendations for a compatible mount with the Seestar S50?

[Tom K]

https://h5.seestar.com/course/159727

 

 

[Hikescdnrckys]

I saw that the latest update of the Seestar app introduced EQ Mode. Does anyone know exactly what this feature does? Is it a software mode that improves tracking through digital adjustments, or does it require an external equatorial mount? If an additional device is needed, are there any recommendations for a compatible mount with the Seestar S50?

It is a software and firmware update that allows the Seestar to be mounted on a equatorial wedge and to be operated as if it were mounted equatorially. You will need to purchase a wedge (Skywatcher is the one most folks have purchased). You may also have to purchase or McGuyver a tightening knob to replace the one on the Skywatcher wedge as it's too short and interferes with the rotation of the Seestar.

 

The advantages are no more field rotation, and potentially longer exposures without star trails, although the current version is still set for 10s, 20s, or 30s.

 

Apparently it is very easy to set up.

[Tom K]

I got an M8x1.25x90mm bolt from my local Home Depot and 3D printed a knob for it to replace the SkyWatcher bolt for the dovetail.  it does not have a ton of clearance, but clearance is clearance.

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[carver2011]

Good idea Tom K. Did you make the center of gravity plate, or buy it? 

Thanks

  Ed

 

[CA Curtis 17]

For anyone who is not clear on what hardware is needed for the EQ mode and the different options available I put together a video to help explain all of this.  I also included some tips on good practices and show how to do a rough pre-align during the day so that the fine tuning at night with the Seestar App goes more quickly.  You can find that video here https://www.youtube....h?v=qw826i4D5OQ

 

Unfortunately for me, I have clouds the next 2 nights so I won't be able to test out the EQ mode fully until Sunday night.  But good luck to everyone else.  This is a very exciting update.

 

Best Regards,

Curtis

[Eldobs]

Does anyone know what the EQ head is that is used in the Seestar tutorial video?

[Tom K]

The plate I used was from printables:

 

https://www.printables.com/model/1180078-zwo-seestar-s30-s50-equatorial-eq-wedge-adapter-ad

 

I am using the SeeStar tripod which requires the "coupler" version so you also need this coupler:

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPSHMLJR?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

 

Add some 3/8x16 bolts and away you go!

 

EDIT: I fixed the links

Edited by Tom K, 21 March 2025 - 12:26 PM.

[Eldobs]

I was wondering about the EQ head shown in the tutorial from ZWO. Hopefully, looking for something that doesn't require 3D printing.

Edited by Eldobs, 21 March 2025 - 12:17 PM.

[CA Curtis 17]

I was wondering about the EQ head shown in the tutorial from ZWO. Hopefully, looking for something that doesn't require 3D printing.

I took a look to see what brand of tilt/pan head it is but could not tell.  There are lots of them out there.  In the video I linked above, I checked out 3 different versions of tilt/pan heads so you can get some ideas of what would suit your needs from that.   Of course, since the EQ mode wasn't available when I shot the video I could only show how they work, measure the lowest latitude they could achieve and give my overall impressions of their quality and suitability.

 

Best Regards,

Curtis

[Eldobs]

Thanks, Curtis. I'll take a peek at your video.

-Barb

[Tom K]

Apart from the SkyWatcher wedge, if I were to do something different I would make sure it is not a ball head.   You will be making fine adjustments in altitude and azimuth and a ball head will complicate that significantly.  

[cgseife]

Looking forward to trying it out... does anyone know its limits when tracking targets in the southern sky? There will have to be a blind spot circling the point antipodal to Polaris, but how big is that blind spot? I hope it can get to the entire sky at my latitude (41N), but I could imagine that the blind spot might be big enough to preclude tracking some part of the southern sky. Anyone know?

[WillR]

I just opened the app and connected to the Seestar. It says that my firmware is up to date and is version 4.02. No EQ mode however.

 

What is the number of the most current update with the EQ mode?

 

Edit: Never mind. I turned off the Seestar, went to the app store, searched for “Seestar”, and it gave me the option to update the app. Then I turned the Seestar back on and now it asked me if I wanted to update the firmware, which I did. It’s now 4.27.

 

I don’t remember having to do this extra step for earlier updates, my memory is the Seestar downloaded the updates automatically.

 

Now if I can just find the missing 3/8” screw for my Manfrotto tripod, I can try it out.

Edited by WillR, 21 March 2025 - 09:43 PM.

[rydberg]

The current app on the app store is version 2.40.  You may want to make sure you have that version installed.  Then, when you connect to the Seestar, you should be able to update the firmware.  Version 4.02 does not have eq mode.

[WillR]

The current app on the app store is version 2.40.  You may want to make sure you have that version installed.  Then, when you connect to the Seestar, you should be able to update the firmware.  Version 4.02 does not have eq mode.

Thanks. See my edited post above. Isn’t it 4.27 though? Where did you get 2.40?

[rydberg]

2.40 is the App version.  4.27 is the firmware.

[Tom K]

I will say that when I got started today with EQ mode and the SkyWatcher wedge I found that it appeared to "slip" on the smooth surface of the Skywatcher dovetail adapter.   I could not get it to find anything and I believe this was the cause.  The SeeStar uses its small contact surface for the RA axis to move around in Alt Az mode, but when it is on its side the forces downward are greatly reduced, leading to a challenge in maintaining enough friction.

 

I brought it into the garage and made some score marks on the surface of the dovetail adapter so the bottom of the SeeStar could get some grip on the adapter.  Those little burrs seemed to work and I am imaging M51 right now.  I am at ~33 degrees north so I would imagine that this issue will lessen as you go north.  If you are further south this could become an issue.

[CA Curtis 17]

I will say that when I got started today with EQ mode and the SkyWatcher wedge I found that it appeared to "slip" on the smooth surface of the Skywatcher dovetail adapter.   I could not get it to find anything and I believe this was the cause.  The SeeStar uses its small contact surface for the RA axis to move around in Alt Az mode, but when it is on its side the forces downward are greatly reduced, leading to a challenge in maintaining enough friction.

 

I brought it into the garage and made some score marks on the surface of the dovetail adapter so the bottom of the SeeStar could get some grip on the adapter.  Those little burrs seemed to work and I am imaging M51 right now.  I am at ~33 degrees north so I would imagine that this issue will lessen as you go north.  If you are further south this could become an issue.

Tom, why would it slip if you have it seated all the way down to engage the safety screw and then lock it tightly with the locking knob?  Doesn't sound like you had it tight.  But perhaps I misunderstand what you are trying to say.

[Tom K]

I left the the "safety" screw loose as it is well beyond the  outer diameter of the RA contact pad on the bottom of the SeeStar.   If I tighened the screw it could not rotate at all.

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[unimatrix0]

More info from Space Koala: 

https://youtu.be/6Nc...3SUxJStE8vT1BVO

[CA Curtis 17]

I left the the "safety" screw loose as it is well beyond the  outer diameter of the RA contact pad on the bottom of the SeeStar.   If I tighened the screw it could not rotate at all.

You can do any of the following to fix the "too long " screw problem.  Find a shorter replacement at the hardware store.  Put some washers on the opposite side to prevent the tip of the screw from protruding.  Or, use some lock tight to set it in place so it does not protrude.  You do no want the adapter plate to be loose.

 

Best Regards,

Curtis

[Tom K]

You can do any of the following to fix the "too long " screw problem.  Find a shorter replacement at the hardware store.  Put some washers on the opposite side to prevent the tip of the screw from protruding.  Or, use some lock tight to set it in place so it does not protrude.  You do no want the adapter plate to be loose.

 

Best Regards,

Curtis

Clearly the adapter plate needs to firmly engage the RA pad on the bottom of the SeeStar.  That tiny pad and the limited space for interaction with the dovetail adapter is certainly a weak point in this whole setup.   I only keep the safety screw to hold the Seestar while I tighten the dovetail.   I just backed it out so it is out of the way.  I suppose I could 3D print a little spacer so it can be tightly secured but not protrude.

 

The score marks performed well last night - I got 840 30 second subs on M51.

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[Tom K]

Fixed

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[Amazed]

When I started my S50 this evening it performed a firmware update