Instruction ManualforStar Tracker

PREFACE
Thank you for your purchase of a Vixe n POL ARIE U S t ar Tracke r.
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.

Re ad the instruc tion manual car e fully b e for e use and handle the produc t corr e c tly.
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CAUTIONHANDLING AND STORAGE

Do not use the product while traveling or walking, as injuries may
arise from stumbling, falling or collision with objects.

Do not leave the product inside a car in bright sunshine, or in hot
places. Keep any strong heat radiation sources away from theproduct.

Keep small caps, plastic bags or plastic packing materials awayfrom children. These may cause choking or suffocation.

When cleaning, do not use a solvent such as paint thinners. It may
cause deterioration.

Do not use the product in a wet environment. Do not operate theproduct with wet hands. This could damage the mount, result inelectrical shock or fire.

Do not expose the product to rain, water drops, dirt or sand.
Gently wipe the product with a damp cloth for cleaning.

Do not turn on the power switch of the product undercircumstances when internal condensation is suspected with theequipment. It may cause a failure by a short circuit.

For storage do not expose to direct sunlight and keep the productin a dry place.
Remove the batteries from the battery compartment if you don’t
use it for a long time.

Do not attempt to disassemble or alter any part of the equipmentthat 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.
Inser t the batteries in the correct direction.
malfunction.

It may cause a

Be careful not to drop the unit when handling.
damage or lead to injury.

This may cause

Vixen accepts no liability for damages if the camera mounted
comes out of order by contact in use.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTSPREFACE------------------------------------ P 2

CAUTION --------------------------------- P 3

Various Set tings on your Camera -------- P20

Legend on the Polar Alignment Reticle ------ P28

Basics -------------------------------------------- P20

Illumination ON and OFF ------------------------ P29

HANDLING AND STORAGE ------------ P 3

Example 1 --------------------------------------- P20

Adjusting the Brightness ------------------------ P29

Example 2 --------------------------------------- P21

Focusing on the Polar Alignment Reticle ---- P29

TABLE OF CONTENTS ------------------ P 4
BEFORE USE
Check Contents ------------------------------------- P 5
Consisting of : --------------------------------------- P 5
Basics of the POL ARIE U ------------------------ P 5
Name of Each Par t --------------------------------- P 6
Mode Change ---------------------------------------- P 8
Icons on the Mode Display ---------------------- P 9
Requirements and Useful Items -------------- P10

HOW TO USE

Focusing and Composing the shot ------- P21

Procedure of the Polar Alignment

Cameras without Live View feature --- P21(in the nor thern hemisphere) ------------- P30

Cameras with Live View function ------ P22

Polar Alignment ---------------------------------- P31

Photography Composition ---------------- P22

Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere --- P31

Set ting the Mode Display -------------------- P23

Polar Alignment in the Northern Hemisphere --- P41

Star-Scape Photography Mode --------- P23

About PF-L Assist App ----------------------- P54

Celestial Tracking Mode ------------------ P23

Using an optional Polarie Multi Mounting Block ---- P55

Solar Tracking Mode / Lunar Tracking Mode ---- P24

Using an optional Quick Release Panorama Clamp ---- P56

Difference from the diurnal motion of stars ------ P24
Custom Mode ---------------------------------- P24
Star t Shooting ----------------------------------- P24
IV Application ----------------------------------------- P25

SPECIFICATIONS ------------------------- P57
APPENDIX

I. About Power Source ---------------------------- P13

Using the Custom Mode and the External Setting ---- P25

Pinpoint star images at 1/2 star-scape mode ---- P58

Power Supply with AA Alkaline Batteries ------- P13

Cameras Available for the Shutter Release Control -- P25

Pinpoint star images at wide-field astrophotography mode

Power Supply with an External Mobile Battery------ P13

Flow of Operation ------------------------------ P26

subject to a polar alignment at an error of 2 degrees --- P59

II. Set ting Up the POL ARIE U ------------------- P14

Autoguider ----------------------------------------- P26

III. Practice (Taking Photography)-------------- P17

Reset ------------------------------------------------ P26

Procedure to star t up photographing: ---- P17

Using with an optional Polar Alignment Scope PF-LII ---- P27

Align to the Celestial Pole ------------------- P17

Components Guide ----------------------------- P27

Using a Star Map ------------------------------- P18
Locate Polaris from Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper --- P19

4

BEFORE USE

Check Contents

Basics of the POLARIE U

The POLARIE U box contains the items listed below. Check if all theitems are included in your box.

Stars appear to rotate around the celestial poles of the earth. This iscalled the diurnal motion of stars. It is because Earth makes one
rotation on its axis each day.
POLARIE U tracks with thediurnal motion of the stars toeliminate “star trailing” onphotographic images.

Sight tube finder

North Celestial Pole

ZenithPointer sticker for thetime-lapse direction scale----Polar Axis
North Celestial Pole

Allen wrench of
2.5mm on a side

HorizonNorth Pole

Allen wrench of 3mm on a side
POLARIE U star tracker

Consisting of:*Batteries are not included

South PolePOLARIE U star tracker*….1

EquatorSight tube finder ….1
Pointer sticker for the time-lapse direction scale ….1

Earth's Axis

What is a Tripod Panhead?

Allen wrench of 3mm on a side ….1

The panhead is the part of a tripod on which you mount a camera orother equipment to be combined with the camera for imaging. It
allows for changing the orientation of the camera freely.

Allen wrench of 2.5mm on a side ….1
Instruction manual for POLARIE U (This book) ….1

5

BEFORE USE

Name of Each Part
12.W i - F i Button
11.M ode Sel ec tor Button
2.Ac c es s or y Shoe

14.Si ght T ube Fi n d e r

9.Mod e Display
10.Sl i de Pow er Sw i tc h

6.Shutter Re mo t e Te rmi n a l
5.T r i pod Adapter

1 . C a m e r a Mo u n ti ng B l ock

1 3 . B u b b l e L e ve l

5.Tr ipod Adapter

3/8” T r i pod Soc k etBatter y
C om par tm ent
C c ov er

3/8” Tr i pod Soc k et

3 . T i m e - l a p s e D i recti on S ca l e

7. ExternalPower Supply
Port
8 . A u t o g u i d e r P o rt

4.Batter y
C om par tm ent

6( Show n w i thout the c ov er .)BEFORE USE
No. Item

Description

1.

Camera Mounting
BlockThis is used to install a ball head (UNC
1/4” tripod socket).

2.

Accessory Shoe

Attach the sight tube finder or any
instrument which fits an accessory shoe.
There is no electric contact.

3.

Time -lapse
Direction Scale

Usable for checking the span of a
tur ning angle in 5 de gr ees inc r ement s
w h e n t h e P O L A RIE U i s u s e d f o r
t i m e - l a p s e p h o t o gr a p hy.
A pointers tic ker for p ointing the dir e c tion s c ale
is sup plie d to s tic k on the si de of thec amer a m ounting bl o c k if ne c es s ar y.

4.

Battery
Compartment

Four (4) AA batteries are required. Set
two pieces each of AA Alkaline batteries
to the two compartments on both sides of
the POLARE U.

5.

Tripod Adapter

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 platesof the standard thin type.

6.

Shutter Remote
Terminal

Connects a remote shutter release.

7.

External Power
Supply Port

Connects an external power supply. USB
Type-C female 5Pin DC4.4V to 5.25V.

8.

Autoguider Port

General standard
availa ble.

9.

Mode Display

Shows mode icons of various tracking speeds.
The selected mode icon is illuminated, and it
will blink if the batteries are drained.

a u t o g ui d e r s

No. Item

are7

Description

10. Slide Power
SwitchThe power turns OFF in the center
position. Sliding the power switch to theright will turn ON and start tracking in the
direction of the Nor thern hemisphere.
Sliding to the left is in the direction of theSouthern hemisphere.
When you slide the power switch to one
direction, each of the icons on the mode
display will star t illuminating one after
another to show the direction by flowwhere you slide the power switch. It
implies the direction of the rotation of thecamera mounting block.

11. Mode Selector
ButtonThe tracking modes change the icons to thenext mode, every time the mode selector
button is pressed. Pressing the selector
button a little longer will allow you to adjust
the brightness of the backlight illuminationof the mode display window in 6 steps
including OFF the light.

12. Wi-Fi Button

It all ows you to op er a te the POL ARIEU with Smar t phones or other dev ic es
availa ble with W i -Fi.

13. Bubble Level

Used to place the POLARIE U in a horizontal
position at time-lapse photography.

14. Sight Tube Finder

In the Nor ther n hemis pher e, a r oughp olar ali gnment is p os sible with thesi ght tub e fin der by l o c a ting Polar is.

BEFORE USE

Mode Change
Settings on the Main Unit:
Mode Display Illumination

POWER OFFSTAR-SCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY MODE

CELESTIAL TRACKING MODE

The illumination of the mode display on
the POLARIE U right after turning ON thepower switch is always ON at point ofpurchase.

Pressing the mode selector

button a little longer will allow you tochange the intensity of the illumination in
6 steps.
Finerbrightness

adjustmentsarepossible with the use of a dedicated app
for smartphones. The illumination will beTurn the silde power switch to N.

Press the mode button.

Press the mode button.

Press the mode button

Press the mode button

Press the mode button

LUNAR TRACKING MODE

SOLAR TRACKING MODE

turned off automatically after a certain
interval of time. (The duration time isadjustable.) Pressing the mode selector
button again will turn on the illumination.

Hibernating
The mode and illumination start with thesame settings you used last time.

Low Battery Alert
If the batteries are exhausted, the icon
you selected on the mode display will beblinking. (It will blink even if the illumination is OFF.)CUSTOM MODE

8

BEFORE USE

Icons on the Mode Display
External Setting Mode

The present settings such as the direction ofrotation and speed should be confirmed on
the screen of a smartphone. If this externalsetting mode is activated, the direction ofrotation selected via your smartphone takes
precedence to the direction (N or S) of the slide
power switch. The settings of operation areavailable with an app exclusive to the
POLARIE U and a smartphone
connected to Wi-Fi.
Start the setting operation withthe app on the smartphone.
Stop the setting operation witheither the power switch on themain body or app on thesmartphone.

App is incommunication.

Press the button.
The Wi-Fi icon turns on in blue.
(Changing the settings is possible from the app.)

Wi-Fi is ready.

Switching with the mode selector button:
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.

Custom Mode
(User Defined
Tracking Speed)

Press the button.
The Wi-Fi icon turns on in red.
(Checking with the smartphone
if the Wi-Fi signal is available.)

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

Switching with the Wi-Fi button:

External SettingMode

It allows the product to correspond to external
controls. If this function is in operation, every
setting in this mode takes precedence regardlessof the other settings. Pressing the mode selector
button will switch the display to the last usedsetting in the mode display. The setting mode canbe changed while the Wi-Fi icon is illuminated.
Smartphone or other wireless device and application software are required to use this function.

Wi-Fi Mode

Setting values of the user-defined tracking andthe external setting can be changed while the icon
is illuminated. The wireless function turns ON and
OFF each time the Wi-Fi button is pressed.
Settings will be saved when the Wi-Fi is turned to
OFF after the external setting is finished. Electricity consumption increases during Wi-Fi communication and it is recommended to turn OFF the
Wi-Fi when not in use.

Disconnected.

Press the button.
The Wi-Fi icon turns off(The Wi-Fi signal stops.)

9

BEFORE USE

Requirements and Useful Items
What are Wide -Field Astrophotography andStar-Scape Photography?

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

Wide -Field Astrophotography

Essential : ◎Photographing constellations and photographing the Milk y Way in
a wide field of view is called “ Wide-field astrophotography”.

Needed subject to conditions : ○Necessity Item

Star-Scape Photography

A d d i n g gr o un d l a n d s c a p e s i n t e n t i o n a l l y t o t h e w i d e - f i e l d
a s t r o p h o t o gr a p hy i s c a ll e d “ S t a r- s c a p e p h o t o gr a p hy ”. I t i s
t y pic al to us e a wi de -angle lens to c r ea te a photo c omp osition
tha t inc ludes an entir e c ons tella tion.

◎◎

Requirements and Useful Items◎

10

Description

POLARIE UStar tracking equipment for astrophotography.

AA Alkaline
Batteries

Four AA batteries are required. A lk aline
ba t ter ies, Ni - MH or Ni - C d rechargeable
batteries are recommended. Be sure toprepare spare batteries as the batteries
are easy to be exhausted in a cold
environment. *1

USB External
BatteryE x ternal bat teries with a USB output(USB Type - C: DC4.4V to 5.25V ) areavaila ble. If this is the c a s e, n o A A
bat teries are needed. However, the A A
bat teries should be held in the bat ter yc ompar tments as provision for longhours astrophotography. *2

Camera Tripod

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

The table below shows equipment and items that might benecessar y or useful for astrophotography with the POL ARIE U star
tracker.

△

Useful : △BEFORE USE

Necessity Item◎◎

Pan Head

Ball Head

Description
Generally, a pan head is pre-installed on a
tripod you purchased. If your tripod has nopan head, you need one equipped with UNC
1/4” or 3/8” screw or a tripod head compatible
with the Arca-swiss plate system. The sturdier
the better.
It is used to install your camera on thecamera 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 iscomposed of a compass, an altitude meter,
and a bubble level. It will be helpful infinding the direction of the celestial poleroughly if Polaris not seen from your locationor you don’t know the location of Polaris. (inthe northern hemisphere)

△

Polar
Alignment
Scope PF-L II

It allows for a more accurate polaralignment. Attach to the POLARIE U with adedicated bracket.

DSLR Camera
with Lens

A digital SLR camera*3 with a wide-angellens, standard lens or telephoto lensaccording to your preference. The lens withmanual focus setting for infinity is preferable.
Remember to bring the battery for thecamera and storage media with you, also.

◎

Necessity Item△

Lens Shade

Useful to avoid unwanted stray light andto reduce the condensation of dew on
the front surface of your camera lens.

○Shutter
ReleaseUsed to avoid shaking the camera and tocontrol shut ter exposure times. *4
Optionally available genuine par ts are
preferable.

△

Timer or
Stopwatch

Used to measure the shutter exposure
times.

△

Adhesive Tape

Used to stop moving the focus ring of acamera lens with a weak adhesive tape after
focusing the camera lens to infinity.
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 photography.

△

Planisphere,
Star Chart

Useful for checking the row of stars inconstellations and the direction of stars.

Flashlight or
Head Lamp

Useful for reading star char ts, setting
up and dismantling the equipment.
Highly recommended to use red color
light to accommodate your visibilit yt o a d a r k s i t e.

◎

11

Description

BEFORE USE

Requirements and Useful Items
Necessity Item

*1: Working duration differs depending on types and the state of the batteries
used and photographing condition.

Description△

Outfit for Cold
Take measures against cold weather.
Weather△

Shroud,Plastic bags

*2: Commercially available USB mobile batteries are recommended. Be
sure to use a power cable that is applicable to USB Type-C. Low power
consumption of the PORARIE U may cause a stop of power supply as aresult of a malfunction. Check the instruction manual for the USB mobile
battery.

Useful to protect equipment from sudden rain.

*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 notavailable on your camera, both an ISO speed setting faster than 1600
and a shutter time setting longer than 15 seconds are required, or afunction that shutter exposure times are controlled.
• A remote shutter release is available as optional.
• Standard or wide-angle photography lens are recommended as it makes
tracking of celestial objects easier.
• Usable in manual focus, or possible to disable autofocusing and focus toinfinity. The autofocus rarely works correctly in night-sky 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 infrared-type 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 SourceYour 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.
• It is recommended to use USB mobile batteries available commercially. Be sure to use a power cable that is applicable to USB Type-C. Low power
consumption of the PORARIE U may cause a stop of power supply as a result of a malfunction.

1

Power Supply with AA Alkaline Batteries

Power Supply with an External Mobile Battery

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

Use a USB external power supply
with a USB Type-C plug (DC4.4V to
5.25V). Connect the USB plug asshown in the image.

Push down on the tab tolift the cover up.

USB Type-C

External power supply port

23Insert two of each of AA alkaline
batteries in the correct direction.

Replace the battery compartment
cover so that the tab on the coverfits in place.

If you connect the external power supply with the batteries inserted,the external power supply takes precedence over the batteries due toits higher voltage.

13

HOW TO USE

II. Setting Up the POLARIE U

1

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.

Set up the tripod where you photograph.

Place the tripod onsolid ground so that the tripod is stable. Adjust the height of the
tripod as you need arises andadjust the tripod legs to be level

Leg-lock leveron the ground.

There are two ball heads used in thismanual; one for the tripod head andanother for a camera.

One ball headattached to the tripod head is called asBall head 1 in this manual.

Anotherball head for the camera is called Ballhead 2 as a matter of convenience.

Be sure to fully ex tend the tripod
legs out ward.

水平と
Level
なるように

For usage of the trip od, see
instructions for your tripod.

三脚を完全に開く

Fully apart from each other.

14

HOW TO USE

2

3

Install the POL ARIE U to the ball head 1 at tached on the tripod
head as shown in the figure

Loosen the t wo thumbscrews and remove the camera mounting
block from the POL ARIE U

Camera mounting blockThumbscrew

Ball head 1

Thumbscrew
1/4” camera
screw

Lock disc4

The POLARIE U is available for either a tripod with 1/4” or 3/8”

screw. A conversion adapter for 1/4” screw is pre-installed to one of

the tripod-screw sockets at Vixen’s factory. If you use a tripod with a

Attach the ball head 2 onto the camera mounting block. Push out thescrew on the center of the disk of the camera mounting block from theback. While keeping the screw in place, insert the tip of the screw into thescrew hole of the ball head 2 and thread the screw by turning the mounting

3/8” screw, remove the conversion adapter forblock clockwise.

1/4” in advance.

Make sure that theBall head 2ball head 2 is attached to the mounting
block firmly.

1/4” camera
screw
3/8” screw

Push out the screw

3/8” to 1/4”
screw adapter

Camera mounting block

15

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

HOW TO USE

5

II. Setting Up the POLARIE U
The manual explains the usage of the POL ARIE U with a camera

Install a cable release if the need arises and finish the set ting.

tripod and a ball head, which are sold separately, by way of

example. Please be sure to read the

instruc tion manuals as sociatedMake sure that the camera fixes
on the ball head tightly.

Thumbscrew

with the equipment used.

Lock discThumbscrew

Lock lever
Thumbscrew(on the camera mounting block)Finish6

Mount your camera on the ball head 2. Attach the camera onto theball 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 thecameramounting

tightened securely.

block

are

Lock disc

Ball head 2

16

HOW TO USE

III. Practice (Taking Photography)
Procedure to start up photographing:
Align to thecelestial pole

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

Align to the Celestial Pole
Set up the POLARIE U so that it turns

P17~19to follow the diurnal motion of stars.

Direction of North celestial pole

To do this, the rotational axis of the

Diurnal motion of stars

POLARIE U must be set to be parallelto the axis of the diurnal motion of

Setting yourcameraSet exposure, ISO, shutter speed
and so on.

Focus andphotography
composition

Focus the object and determine thephotography composition.

P20~21stars.

The process is called polaralignment.
The process of the polar alignment
differs between the northern hemisphereP21~22and the southern hemisphere. The polaralignment in the northern hemisphereis explained as an example here.

Setting the
POLARIE U

Set a mode of operation.

P23~24
Rotation axis of POLARIE U

I n case of the polar alignment inPhotographyth e so uth ern h em i s p h ere, u se a
Start Imaging.

P24

conspicuous pattern of 3 stars inth e co n stel l ati o n Octa n s .

It i srecommended to use an o ptional
Polar alignment sco pe PF-LI I .

17

Set up in thenorthern hemisphere.

HOW TO USE
Using a Star Map

4

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

Look through the sight tube finder tosee if Polaris is seen somewhere inable to find Polaris without difficulty if you know

Polaris in the field of view by

the Big Dipper (part of Ursa Major).

tripod.

adjusting the orientation of thethe position of the constellations Cassiopeia and1
2
3

Attach the sight tube finder onto theaccessory shoe of the POLARIE U.

Planisphere

Polaris is a conspicuous 2-grade

Sight
素通しファインダー
tube finderstar as no bright stars are seenaround.

Find Polaris using the star map

which is commercially available on
the market.

Set up the POLARIE U in a location
where Polaris is visible from theSight hallthe field of view, and then center

Direction of Polarissight tube finder. As Polaris is in thenorth, it is useful to have a compass
for checking the direction.

Look through thesight tube finder.

18

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

HOW TO USE
Locate Polaris from Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper
The constellations Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper are groups ofnoticeable stars near Polaris. You will be able to locate Polaris and alignthe POLARIE U through the sight tube finder if you know the position ofthese constellations.

12Turn 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 ismounted on the ball head 2. If this is the case, loosen the lock knob ofFind Polaris using the guide map on this page. You will find it easier

the ball head 2 and turn the camera body to clear the sight.

with the help of a compass since Polaris is in the north.
Big Dipper

Polaris

Ex

te

nd

t
s5

im

es

Cassiopeia
E x te n d

s 5 ti m

es

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 thedipper 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 outeredge of the letter “W” so that the two lines intersect. Next, draw anotherimaginary line from the center of the “W” through the cross point of yourfirst 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 (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.)

Example 1

Basics
Shutter Speed: Select B (Bulb) setting.

Photographic Lens: 24mm focal length (Wide lens), F1.4

Set the exposure shutter speed to be more than 15 seconds if the B

Camera: DSLR camera (applicable up to ISO3200)

setting is not available on your camera.

POLARIE U Mode: Celestial tracking

Purpose of Photographing: Constellations

Aperture (F-number): Set the aperture to be open fully or smaller by

Item

one step.

Setting

Comment

The aperture value influences image quality and depth of field andShutter speed Bulb (B)It allows for long exposure.

Since the amount of light of stars is smaller, setting the aperture larger is

Aperture(F-number)

F2.8

A good compromise between fast
photographic speed and image quality.

ISO speed

ISO400To get higher sensitivity without image
deterioration. *Exposure

10 minutes

To get accumulation of light from dark stars.

usually, it should be set according to your purpose of photographing.
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 toan increase in thermal noise. It is recommended that you take shots in*It is subjective views and it may differ according to the highest ISO

different ISO speeds to determine the image you prefer.

speed of your camera.

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.

20

HOW TO USE
Focusing and Composing the shot

Example 2

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 liglt of stars which are so faint that

Camera: DSLR camera (applicable up to ISO256000)

autofocus systems may hardly function properly on many cameras. For

POLARIE U Mode: Star-scape astrophotography

this reason, it is necessary to focus your camera on an object manually.

Purpose of Photographing: Milky Way and terrestrial foreground

Item

Setting

Set the focus to infinity as the light of the stars comes from infinite space.

Cameras without Live View feature

Comment

Shutter speed Bulb (B)It allows for long exposure.

Focus on the star while looking through the viewfinder of the camera. If

Aperture(F-number)

F2.8

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

star is not visible on the focusing screen. If you turn the focusing ring inISO spee

ISO3200

To shorten exposure time within thelimit of image deterioration. *Exposure

60 seconds

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

the camera is out of focus, the star is seen as a blurred disc of light or thethe direction of reaching in focus, the blurred disc will contract to become apoint 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 subjective views and it may differ according to the highest ISO

It is recommended to choose abright star-like 1st-magnitude to make focus.

speed of your camera.

Out of focus

ISO/1600

21

In focus

WB+/-

ISO/1600WB+/-HOW TO USE
Cameras with Live View function
Focus on the star by magnifying thestar image with the Live View

Photography Composition

Live View without magnification.

Determine the photography composition. If you plan to take star-scapephotography, a sightseeing guidebook may be of help to find a scenic

function while watching the screen

spot in advance.

of the LCD monitor on your camera.
If the camera is out of focus, theIt will be hard to recognize stars if you look through the viewfinder in thestar is seen as a blurred disc ofnight-time. This makes it difficult to confirm the state of focus and thelight or the star is not visible on thefocusing screen.

composition. If you have a DSLR camera, you will be able to recognize

If you turn thethe state of focus and the composition by raising the ISO speed, even to

WB+/-［115］ISO/1600

focusing ring in the direction of

the maximum, for a test shooting.

reaching in focus, the blurred disc will contract to become a point of light.
If this is the case, the star is in focus.
Magnifying the star images
under out of focus.

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

Magnifying the star images
under in focus.

screen for one with better visibility.

A commercially available Eye

Magnifier will facilitate your precise focusing.

X10
1" 32

WB+/- ［115］ISO/1600

X10
1" 32

WB+/-［115］ISO/1600

Note: The star image may go out of focus by malfunction of thecamera’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 thatyou could avoid turning the focus ring accidentally.

22

HOW TO USE

Setting the Mode Display

Star-Scape Photography Mode
If this mode is selected, the POLARIE U tracks stars at half the speed ofTurn ON the POLARIE U and select your desired setting mode according

the diurnal motion of the stars.

to your purpose of photography.

Confirm the direction of the tracking.

exposure time. Shooting at half theMove the slide power switch to the N

speed of the star’s diurnal motion

side to use the POLARIE U in thenorthern hemisphere.

The terrestrial objects move less ascompared with images taken by wide-field astrophotography at a given

increases

Moving theexposuretime

twice.

Short exposure will allow you toslride power switch to the S side fortake images with no trails of stars.

use in the southern hemisphere. The

tracking direction is perceptible with

Short exposure
time prevents
star trailing.

your eye as it is indicated through thedirection

of

light

flow

with

the

illumination of the icons on the mode

display right after you turn ON the slide power switch.

Celestial Tracking Mode

Depending on the setting, the direction of light flow with the illumination of

If this mode is selected, the POLARIE U follows stars at the same speed

the icons may not correspond with the position of the slide power switch

as the diurnal motion of the stars.

while the external setting mode is used.

Fixed-Tripod Astrophotography

and star clusters. This allows for avoiding elongated star images , but
images of the terrestrial objects are

Simple star-scape astrophotography

moved as trailed in long exposure.

us in g a c a m er a o n a t r ip o d.
Startrailswill

ex p osur e lengthens.

oc curas

It is suitable for capturing

constellations, the Milky Way or faint celestial objects such as nebulaeStars trail.

No star trailing.

Blurred terrestrial objects.

No trailing objects on the ground

23

HOW TO USE
Solar Tracking Mode /Custom Mode

Lunar Tracking Mode

Since the sun and moon appear to move across the sky at a different

This mode is for time-lapse photography and it allows you to enter

option. (Remember that the solar tracking rate is slower than sidereal

recommended) into the PORARIE U. Your tracking speed setting is

speed than the stars, the POLARIE U includes Solar and Lunar rates

your desired tracking speed (up to ten times of the sidereal rate istime, and the solar tracking rate is faster than the lunar rate.) These

saved.

rates are useful especially during an eclipse, allowing the user to

The initial setting is four times of the sidereal rate.

If youchange the setting for a different speed, a smartphone or othermaintain constant tracking on the sun or moon for long hours.

wireless device and application software are needed.

Start Shooting

Difference from the diurnal motion of stars
The position of the same star you see in the same time moves toward

Start shooting with releasing the shutter on the camera.

the star sets earlier than the sun sets, the duirnal motion of the star

If the camera has an image stabilization function, make sure that thewest everyday and returns to the same position in one year.

Since

function is turned OFF before you star t photographing.

appears to be fast by one more rotation than that of the sun in a year.

recommended to use a shutter release cable to avoid shaking.

Because one year is 365.25 days (0.25 day is for compensating leapyear), speed of the stars based on the speed of the sun is 1 +(1/365.25) = 1.0027 rotation per day.

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 thesun.

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 comesto (360/24) x 0.0367 = 0.55 degrees. This is nearly the same as themoon’s angular diameter (about 0.50 egrees).

24

It is

HOW TO USE

IV. Application
Cameras Available for the Shutter Release Control

Using the Custom Mode and the External Setting

Cameras with a 2.5mm 3-pole stereo mini-jack are available to the shutter

The POLARIE U allows you to set, optionally, the tracking speed andthe status of movements with the use of a communication terminal

release control.

If your camera is different from the above-mentioned

Also, the POLARIE U provides a shutter release terminal controlling

conversion adapter. The shutter release terminal is essential for the camera

device (like a smartphone) that works on WEB and Wi-Fi environment.

specification, it may be connectable with the use of a commercially available

the shutter of a camera. If your camera has the bulb setting and ayou use.

wired shutter release terminal, it will allow you to set and control

interval photographing.

Complex time-lapse photography settings are available with a

Shutter Release Cable

smartphone, by easily linking the motion of the POLARIE U with the

Shutter Release Cable: 2.5mm 3-pole stereo mini-plug

shutter release control.

Press the shutter button halfway

It is necessary to download the application software to set the motionof the POLARIE U with your smartphone.

CommonNote:
You need application software for POLARIE U in addition to a

Press the shutter button down completely

smartphone or communication terminal device that works on Wi-Fi 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!

Shut ter r em o te ter mina l

htt ps://www.vixen .co. j p
The free download POLARIE U app is available
for iPhone andAndroid.

25

HOW TO USE

Flow of Operation
Install the app

Autoguider
The POL ARIE U provides an autoguider por t and it can be used

Install the application software into yoursmartphone.

with commercially available autoguiders.

The pin assignment of the autoguider por t is shown below.

Forthe usage of the autoguider, read instructions for the autoguider.

Wi-Fi connection

Connect the POLARIE U with the
Smartphone via Wi-Fi.

Launch the app

Tap the icon to launch the app.

Autoguider port

6

Ra−

Link the POLARIE U

Link the POLARIE U with the app.

Reset
Setting and
Photographing

In the state of turning OFF the

Setting the motion of the POLARIE U totake photographs.

power, moving the slide powerswitch to N or S direction whilepressing both the mode selec tor

and Wi-Fi but tons simultaneously

will return the POLARIE U to theinitialsettingatVixen’sfactory.

Please remember that settings madeby smartphones will be initialized, too.

26

NC

1

NC

Ra+ GND NC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

Rea d the ins tr uc tion manual for the p olar ali gnment s c op e

increase the accuracy of the polar alignment setting more than using thePF- LII als o.

sight tube finder. An optional arm bracket (sold separately) is required toattach the polar alignment scope PF-LII onto the POLARIE U.
Additionally, it is necessary to use a tripod with fine-motion adjustments

to ensure precise polar alignment. A Polar fine adjustment unit DX (soldPush ON-OFF switch

separately) unit and an APP-TL130 tripod (sold separately) are shown in

Brightness adjustment dial

this manual as an example.

Battery
cover

Polar alignment sc ope P F - LII

Objective lens(Inside)A rm bracket

Polar scope tube

Scale reticle (Inside)
Polar fine adjust ment unit DX

Knurled focusing ring (Eyepiece)

A P P -T L 3 0 tripod

27

HOW TO USE
Legend on the Polar Alignment Reticle

In t he N or t her n
Hemis pher e

In t he Sout her n
Hemis pher e

Na me

C ons tella t i on

POL ARIS

Li t t le B ear

δUMi

Li t t le B ear

51C epC epheusUs ef ul gui din g s t ar s a n d c ons tella t i ons“ W ” s ha p e

Ca s s i o p eia

B i g Dip p er

B i g B ear

σOct

O c t ans

τOct

O c t ans

χOct

O c t ans

Us ef ul gui din g s t ar s a n d c ons tella t i ons
Sout her n Cr o s s

Cr ux

αEr i

Er i danus

M ea nin g of numb er s
15 – t he year 2 015
4 0 – t he year 2 0 4 0
T he p o s i t i on s c ales on t he r et i c le ar e 5 -year in c r ement s.

28

HOW TO USE
Basic operation
Illumination ON and OFF

Focusing on the Polar Alignment Reticle

There is a push switch on the top ofYou

the brightness adjustment dial of thealignment reticle by turning thepolar alignment scope. Pushing theeyepiece of the polar alignment

switchscope. While holding the body of

will

illuminate

the

polar

alignment reticle in red light.

c an

focus

on

the

p olarThe

the polar alignment scope on one

red light becomes dimmer graduallyhand, turn the eyepiece par t withafter a certain interval of illumination

the other hand.

(about one or two minutes) and turns
off automatically.

Push switch

Eyepiece focus ring

Adjusting the Brightness
The brightness of the red light forthe polar alignment reticle can bevaried in 8 steps by turning thebrightness adjustment dial on thepolar alignment scope.

Brightness adjustment dial

29

HOW TO USE
Procedure of the Polar Alignment (in the northern hemisphere)
Attaching polar alignment scope PF-LII mounted on
the arm bracket to the POLARIE U

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

1

Setting the polar alignment scope PF-LII at your convenient position for

2

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

3Polar aligning the POLARIE U.

use. Tighten the fixing knob securely.

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

Fixing screw with knob

T hr ea d the p olar ali gnment s c op e into the thr ea de d hole on thear m br a c ket fr om the si de whi c h the fi xing k n ob fa c es on a s
shown in the fi gur e.
the

arm

bracketSc r ew intos e c ur e l ytopr event it fr om b e c oming l o os e

Arm bracket

dur ing the op er a tion.

Polar alignment scope PF-LII

30

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 thecamera 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 Northern Hemisphere
The polar a xis of the POL ARIE U is aligned to the Nor th Celestial Pole in the nor thern hemisphere. The polar alignment scope utilize 3stars of Polaris, Delta UMi and 51 Cep near the Nor th Pole. Positions of the above stars are plot ted on the reticle of the polar alignment

scope.

To locate the N.C.P.,

you simply match the scale

position on the reticle with thedesignated 3 stars seen in thepolar alignment scope.

PerseusBig Dipper

The

Ursa Major

pat terns of the Big Dipper andCamelopardalis

Cassiopeia are engraved ontheretic le

for

us e

as

guidepost for the Nor th Pole.

a

Cassiopeia

51Cep
Polaris(Alpha UMi)

N.C.P
Delta UMi

Ursa Minor

Draco
Cepheus31

HOW TO USE

1Check your obser ving site with a compass, a GPS system or a map in advance to confirm that Polaris, the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia canbe seen from your obser ving location on the date of obser vation.

2

Set up the POL ARIE U mounted tripod on flat and hard ground where you can see Polaris in
the sk y.

Point the rotational a xis of the POL ARIE U in the direction of nor th.

Adjust the(North celestial pole)★

tripod legs so that the tripod is as level as possible.

No

rth

wa

rd

Polar axis

32

HOW TO USE

3While looking into the polar alignment scope, turn the polar alignment scope body so thatthe engraved Big Dipper (or Cassiopeia) on the reticle matches the Big Dipper (or★(North(North celestial pole)Cassiopeia) in the real sk y.

33

HOW TO USE

αEri (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 theorientation of the engraved constellations on thereticle matches the constellations in the real sk y.

The real stars of the Big Dipper (or Cassiopeia) are notvisible 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
While looking into the eyepiece of the polar★ (North celestial pole)(North celestial pole)★(Norths c op e, a d jus t the or ient a tion of the POL ARIE U
in the al titude an d a zimuth dir e c tions (by using
the Polar ie fine a d jus tment uni t her e) s o tha t
Po l a r i s

comes

as

close

as

possibletothedesi gna te d p osition on the r etic le.

Azimuth adjustment screw
Altitude adjustment screws

Set Polar is to the ga p b et ween the t wo s e gment s of the lines
mar ke d 2 014 an d 2 0 4 0 a d ja c ent to a mar k “ POL ARIS” a s
shown in the fi gur e.

２０４０
２０１４
ＰＯＬＡＲＩＳ

4Polar is is r ela ti vel y c ons pic uous in this ar ea of the s k y a s it
is a br i ght 2n d ma gnitude s t ar a d ja c ent to the n or th c eles tial
p ole.

Set Polar is t o t he ga p.

35

Ｐ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

Del t a UMi

position scales respectively. While looking into the eyepieceof the polar scope, turn the polar scope body so that each of
the position scale for Delta UMi and 51 Cep come to theclosest 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.

51 C e p

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.P

N.C.P

Since there is no mark that points at the North Celestial Pole, you need toTurn the polar scope body so that Delta UMi comes near to the location ofconspicuous polar star and two stars in the same area of the sky.

the gap between the lines.

the year 2014 on the scale. And then, Polaris will get out of position fromma t c h t he p olar a x is of your POL ARIE U w i t h t he N.C.P us in g t he

As an illustration here, Polaris is set to the edge of the line on the side of

Adjust the red-light illumination to be dimmer if the reticle is too bright to2014, and both Delta UMI and 51 Cep are to set to the middle of the curved

see the 5th magnitude Delta UMi.

lines of the p osition s c ale at the pr otr ude d e d ge on the si de of 15
respectively. (In case of the year 2014)37

HOW TO USE
f 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 scaleon the reticle.
The movement of Polarisfrom 2014 to 2040 by precession

The movement of Delta UMi
from 2014 to 2040 by precession★

★

The movement of 51 Cepfrom 2014 to 2040 by precession

The locations of Polaris, Delta UMi★

and 51 Cep on the position scaleschange year by year due to precession of
the Ear th.

You need to compensate thelocations of the 3 stars on the position scales
yearly.

38

HOW TO USE
While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope,turn the altitude and azimuth fine adjustment bolts★ (North celestial pole)(North celestial pole)★(Northof the Polarie fine adjustment unit so that Polaris
comes to the gap between the two segments of thelines marked 2014 and 2040.

Azimuth adjustment screw
Altitude adjustment screws

２０４０
２０１４
ＰＯＬＡＲＩＳ

6

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

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

39

HOW TO USE

7

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 bothsides to finish the polar alignment.

Center of polar scope’s field of view
(Center of the rotationa l axis of the Polarie)

Delta UMI
PolarisAs 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 cur ved lines of the position scale at the protruded
edge on the side of 15 respectively.
(In case of the year 2014)

N.C.P

51 Cep40

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. 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 withthe 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
TucanaApus

OctansαβCentaurus

Octant 3 star
Small Magellanic Cloud

αEri(Achernar)

↓

τOct

χOct

σOct

S.C.P

Chamaeleon

Mensa

Eridanus

Crux

Musca

HydrusVolansHorologium

Reticulum

CarinaLarge Magellanic Cloud41

HOW TO USE
HOW TO USEHOW TO USE
O c t ans is a c ons tella tion l o c a te d near the s outh c eles tial p ole an d it c an b e us e d to ali gn the PPL ARIE U in the s outher n hemis pher e.
Unlike Polar is whi c h is a br i ght 2n d ma gni tude s t ar a d ja c ent to the n or th c eles tial p ole, O c t ans is ma de up of dar k s t ar s a b out 5th
ma gnitude on aver a ge. T he near es t s t ar to the s outh c eles tial p ole is Si gma O c t antis, whi c h is one of four s t ar s for ming a tr a p ezoi din O c t ans, v isible a t 5.5th ma gni tude.

1

C h e c k y o ur o b s e r v i n g s i t e w i t h a c o m p a s s , a GP S s y s t e m o r a m a p i n a d v a n c e t o c o n f i r m t h a t O c t a n s , t h e S o u t h e r n C r o s s a n d
A lpha Er ina di c an b e s een fr om your ob s er v ing l o c a tion on the da te of ob s er va tion.

42

HOW TO USE

2

Set up the POL ARIE U m ounte d tr ip o d on fla t an d har d gr oun d wher e you c an s ee
O c t ans in the s k y. Point the r ot a tional a xis of the POL ARIE U in the dir e c tion of s outh.

(South celestial pole)★

A d jus t the tr ip o d le gs s o tha t the tr ip o d is a s level a s p os sible.

So

ut

hw

ar

d

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 ofmagnetic 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: Magnetic-Deckination.com(http://magnetic-declination.com/).

43

HOW TO USE

3

W hile l o ok ing into the p olar s c op e, tur n the p olar s c op e b o d y s o tha t the engr ave dSouther n Cr os s (or A lpha Er i dani) on the r etic le ma tc hes the Souther n Cr os s (or A lphaEr i dani) in the r eal s k y.

★(South(South celestial pole)

44

HOW TO USE

αEri (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 scope body so that the orientationof the engraved constellations on the reticle
matches the constellations in the real sk y.

Turn the polar scope body so that the orientation of theengraved constellations on the reticle matches theconstellations in the real sk y.

注意
N ote
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 haveno 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★ S.C.P

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 “σ Oct” as shown in the figure.
σO ct

２
０
１４
σ ２０
Ｏ
ｃｔ ４０

A zimuth adjustment knob

★ S.C.P

Altitude adjustment knob

46

HOW TO USE

5As Sigma Octantis shifts to the designated position on thereticle, both Tau Octantis and Chi Octantis come close to theirown designated position scales respectively.

While looking

into the eyepiece of the polar scope, turn the polar scope bodyso that each of the position scale for Tau Octantis and Chi

Chi O c t a nt i s

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.

Ta u O cta n ti s

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.P

S.C.P

Ce
w
vie )
(C n t eo f la rie
en r o f
d
l
t er
o
e
p
o f th o l a r s c o p e ’ s f i the Pe r o t a ti o n a l a x is o f

Ce
w
vie )
(C n t eo f la rie
en r o f
d
l
t er
o
e
p
o f th o l a r s c o p e ’ s f i the Pe r o t a ti o n a l a x is o f

Since there is no mark that points at the South Celestial Pole, you needto match the polar axis of the POLARIE U with the S.C.P using therelatively dim Octantis stars in the neighborhood.

Turn the polar scope body so that Tau Octantis comes near to thelocation of the year 2014 on the scale. And then, Sigma Octantis
will get out of position from the gap bet ween the lines.

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 tothe 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)

Adjust the red-light illumination to be dimmer if the reticle is toobright to see the 5th magnitude Tau Octantis.

48

HOW TO USE
The movement of Sigma Octantis
from 2014 to 2040 by precession

The movement of Tau Octantis
from 2014 to 2040 by precession★
★

The movement of Chi Octantis
from 2014 to 2040 by precession

T he lo c ations of Sigma, Tau andChi O c t antis on the p osition s c ales★

c hange year by year due to pr e c es sionof the Ear th.

You nee d to c omp ens ate thelo c ations of the 3 s t ar s on the p osition s c ales
yearly.

49

HOW TO USE

6While looking into the eyepiece of the polar scope, ★ S.C.P★ S.C.P

turn the altitude and azimuth fine adjustment boltsof the Polarie fine adjustment unit so that Sigma
Octantis comes to the gap between the twosegments of the lines marked 2014 and 2040.

Altitude adjustment knob
A zimuth adjustment knob

Set Sigma Octantis to an approximate position t that is corresponding to
the year of your observation.

Correcting the position of Sigma Octantis in the altitude and azi muthd irections with the fine ad justment bolts
Correcting the position of Tau and Chi Octantis with a rotation of thepolar sco pe

50

HOW TO USE

7

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

S.C.P
A s an illus tration her e, Sigma O c t antis
is s et to the e dge of the line on the sideof 2 014, and b oth Tau and Chi O c t antis ar e s etto the middle of the c ur ve d lines of the p osition

Tau Octantis

s c ale at the pr otr ude d e dge on the side of 15 r es p e c ti vely.
(In c a s e of the year 2 014)

51

HOW TO USE
Tips on Finding Oc t ans
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 fourstars forming a trapezoid in Octans, visible at 5.5th magnitude. There are a few methods to locate inconspicuous Octans using the surrounding stars.

α

OctansSmall Magellanic Cloudβ

Hydrus3 γγ1 2
1

Octant 3 star
υ
χ

β

γ3
τ

σ

1

＋
↑
S.C.P

Centaurus

2
80
°

β

Chamaeleon

Musca

γ
δ

Mensa
70

Crux

°

CarinaLarge Magellanic Cloudα

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

52

HOW TO USE.Dir e c ting to Oc t ans using Small M age llanic Cloud and the S othe rn Cross (Crux) as pointe rs
Draw an imaginary line between the center of Small Magellanic Cloud and Beta Crux and d ivide it at a ratio of one to two. You willfind the four stars of Octans at the d ivide.

. Directing to Octans using the arrangement of stars in the Southern Cross (Crux) as pointers
Draw an imaginary line straight through the two stars (Al pha and Beta Crux) of the Southern Cross making the vertical line of thecross toward Small Magellanic Cloud . You will find the four stars of Octans at a place about 4.5 times extended from the span of thetwo stars.

.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 Hyd rus. Going southward from Beta Hyd rus will findyou Gamma Octans which consists of a row of three stars. Continue your eyes by the same d istance toward the Southern Cross andyou will find the four stars of Octans.

53

HOW TO USE
About PF - L Assist App
The PF-L Assist app helps you to align a Vixen equatorial mount (incl. POL ARIE and POL ARIEU star trackers) to the nor th celestial pole or south celestial pole by making the R.A. a xis of theequatorial mount parallel to ear th’s rotational a xis.
The app displays the current night sk y 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 theconstellations in the real sk y when you set up the equatorial mount. You can easily locate theconstellations necessar y for polar alignment if they are hidden by trees or building, or when thenight sk y is af fected by cit y lights, or when you set up your telescope at dusk.

PF-L Assist

For details of the app, visit our web site at:
h t t p s: / / w w w.v i xe n .c o. jp .

The fre e 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 at tachable to the POL ARIE U.

With the use of a Dovetail slide bar DD and aCounter weight 1kg, the POL ARIE U can mount the equipment up to 6.5kg (without the counter weight).

At tach the Polarie multi mounting

block with the following procedure.

1

Loosenthet wo

t h um b s c r e w s

andremovethe3cameram ounting bl o c k fr om the POL ARIE U.
Thumbscrew

Pla c e the mul ti m ounting bl o c k over the POL ARIE U s o tha t
the pr otr ude d p or tion of the POL ARIE U fa c es the b ot tom of
the mul ti m ounting bl o c k a s shown in the fi gur e.

At t a c h the

mul ti m ounting bl o c k to the POL ARIE U an d ti ghten the thr ees et s c r ews s e c ur el y.
2.5mm Allen wrench

Thumbscrew

Cameramounting block
Setscrew2

L o os en the thr ee s et s c r ews on
the si de of the mul ti m ounting

Setscrewb l o c k w i t h t h e s up p li e d A ll e n

4

wr enc h of 2.5mm.

2.5mm Allen wrench55

N ow, r ea d y t o ins t all the D ovet a il sli de bar DD or ot her
a c c es s or y pla tes a c c or ding to your nee ds.

HOW TO USE
Using an optional Quick Re le ase Panorama Clamp
T he Q uic k r elea s e pan or ama c lamp (s ol d s epar a tel y) is a t t a c ha ble to the POL ARIE U. It is c ompa tible with a t t a c hment pla tes of thes t an dar d thin t y p e. At t a c h the Q uic k r elea s e pan or ama c lamp with the foll owing pr o c e dur e.

1

Thumbscrew

Thumbscrew

2

3

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

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

5mm Allen wrench

Cameramounting block4

Loosen 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 wrench5
M6 cap screw hole56

Attach the plate holder (upper
por tion of the Quick releasepanorama clamp) to the clamp
disc.
Now, ready to install a Quickrelease angle plate or anotherplate according to your needs.

Plate holder

S pec i f i cat i o n s
Model

POLARIE U Star Tracker

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

External Power Supply Port USB Type-C
Power Source

9.8mm in diameter, made of brass

AA batteries x 4: Alkaline, Ni-MH rechargeable,
Ni-Cd rechargeable

R.A. Axis

40mm in diameter, made of aluminum alloy

Number of Bearings

2 pieces

Working Voltage /Drive

Pulse Motor

Electricity Consumption

Maximum Loading

For photography with celestial tracking rate

CapacityStandard: 2.5 kg / 5.5 lbs., Upgraded: 6.5 kg / 14 lbs.,(Including the camera

Time-lapse: 10 kg / 22 lbs., at the distance of 10cm frommounting block)the rotation axis.

the use of Alkaline batterie.

Tracking Rates

Celestial, 0.5X Celestial, Solar, Lunar, Northern hemisphere, Wi-Fi

Application software that works on smartphones is required.

Southern hemisphere (Remote settings are available with a Smartphone.) Operating Environment

OS: Android 4.4 and over or iOS 9.9 and over*,Sight Tube Finder

It is used in the northern hemisphere to guide the unit toExternal power supply: Available with USB Type-C
A A bat teries: DC 4.8V to 6.0V, Ma x. 0.6A
(at 2.5kg loading weight)
External power supply: DC 4.4V to 5.25V, Max. 0.3A
(at 2.5kg loading weight)
Working Duration

for Application Software

Polaris. 8.9 degrees field of view with no magnification.

About 7 hours at 20 degree C (68F) temperature, with

Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g, Data Encryption Method: WPA2-PSK*Be sure to confirm the operation of the application, as(Fits in the accessory shoe.)some smartphones do not meet the requirements.

Polar Scope

Polar alignment scope PF-LII is optional. Polar scope

Operating Temperature

0 degree to 40 degree C (104F)

arm bracket sold separately is needed.

Dimensions

88.5mm x 72mm x 110.5mm

Leveling

Bubble level for time-lapse photography.

Weight575 g / 1.26 lbs. (without batteries)

Tripod Adapter Block3/8-inch camera screw sockets (2 places) with a

Optional Accessories

Polar alignment scope PF-LII, Polar scope arm bracket,

conversion adapter for 1/4” screw, compatible with

Polar fine adjustment unit DX, Polar meterattachment plates of the standard thin type.
Shutter Release Terminal 2.5mm female jack for tripolar stereo mini plug
Pinout: Full shutter release, half shutter and common, inorder from center to outward
Autoguider Port

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

57

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 ascompared with images taken by wide-field photography at a given exposure time. Short exposure times will allow you to take images with no startrails. Photography at half the speed of the star’s diurnal motion limits the movement seen in terrestrial objects. Adding landscape orarchitectural 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 star-scape mode.
Focal length ofphotographiclens(mm)
Separation from*1
the celestial equator[Diurnal Motion of Stars]
Large

Polaris

West

North

Small

East

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.

±20°

19 sec.

14 sec.

12 sec.

10 sec.

8 sec.

5 sec.

3 sec.

2 sec.

2 sec.

1 sec.

±30°

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.

±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.

±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 APS-C, 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 thespecifications 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.

58

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 darkskies 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 ofphotographiclens(mm)
Separation from*1
the celestial equator

Note

f=15mm f=20mm f=24mm f=28mm f=35mm f=50mm f=85mm f=100mm f=135mm f=135mm

0°(Celestial equator)

6 min.
52 sec.

5 min.
09 sec.

4 min.
17 sec.

3 min.
41 sec.

2 min.
56 sec.

2 min.
03 sec.

1 min.
12 sec.

1 min. 45.8 sec. 30.9 sec.
01 sec.

±10°

6 min.
58 sec.

5 min.
14 sec.

4 min.
21 sec.

3 min.
55 sec.

2 min.
59 sec.

2 min.
05 sec.

1 min.
13 sec.

1 min.
46.5 sec. 31.4 sec.
02 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.
1 min.
36 sec. 11.3 sec. 48.1 sec.

±60°

13 min.
45 sec.

10 min.
18 sec.

8 min.
35 sec.

7 min.
22 sec.

5 min.
53 sec.

4 min.
07 sec.

2 min.
25 sec.

2 min.
1 min.
03 sec. 31.6 sec.

±70°

20 min.
06 sec.

15 min.
04 sec.

12 min.
33 sec.

10 min.
46 sec.

8 min.
36 sec.

6 min.
01 sec.

3 min.
32 sec.

3 min.
00 sec.

±80°

39 min.
17 sec.

29 min.
41 sec.

24 min.
44 sec.

21 min.
12 sec.

16 min.
58 sec.

11 min.
52 sec.

6 min.
59 sec.

5 min.
4 min.
2 min.
56 sec. 23.9 sec. 58.1 sec.

1 min.
1.8 sec.

2 min.
1 min.
14 sec. 30.4 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 APS-C, 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 thespecifications 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.

59

ht t p s: / / w w w.vixe n.c o.jp

5-17-3 H i gash itokorozawa,Tokorozawa,Saitama 359-0021, JapanP h o n e +81-4-2944-4141(International)
F a x +81-4-2944-9722(International)

68キ-7-(8000391)-1S-176-(G)(M)