{"id":2729,"date":"2025-10-26T19:34:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T00:34:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/?p=2729"},"modified":"2026-03-22T01:36:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T06:36:24","slug":"2729-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/2729-2\/","title":{"rendered":"SeeStar S50 EQ Mode"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2729\" class=\"elementor elementor-2729\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-36cc3c6a e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"36cc3c6a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-56ca6583 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"56ca6583\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Update firmware &amp; app, enable EQ mode<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure your Seestar S50 is running the latest firmware (the EQ mode functionality is part of a recent update) and your Seestar app is up to date. <a href=\"https:\/\/astroforumspace.com\/new-eq-mode-on-seestar-s30-s50-first-test-step-by-step-guide\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AstroForum Space+2Seestar+2<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>In the app navigate to: <em>Advanced Features \u2192 Mount Mode<\/em>, and select <strong>EQ Mode<\/strong> (rather than the default Alt-Az mode). <a href=\"https:\/\/astroforumspace.com\/new-eq-mode-on-seestar-s30-s50-first-test-step-by-step-guide\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AstroForum Space+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>The documentation from the manufacturer explains the process. <a href=\"https:\/\/store.seestar.com\/blogs\/tutorial\/equatorial-mode?srsltid=AfmBOoo0KqhssfzC1AzkKHes37Gpl3cgAK6vWWiRoOkcK0ToD60hoxhj&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seestar<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Physical mount setup (tripod + wedge)<\/h3>\n\n<p>Since EQ mode means your optical axis will track like an equatorial mount, you\u2019ll need a mount geometry suited to that. Key steps:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use a <strong>solid tripod<\/strong> (ideally a heavy duty one) or an equatorial wedge attached to your tripod. Many users caution the stock Seestar tripod may be marginal in EQ mode. <a href=\"https:\/\/bbs.zwoastro.com\/d\/21903-zwo-eq-mount-add-on-for-seestar-s50?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZWO User Forum+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Set up the tripod so one leg or reference direction is pointing roughly towards the celestial pole (in the Northern hemisphere this is roughly north \/ towards the star Polaris). <a href=\"https:\/\/solarchatforum.com\/viewtopic.php?t=48638&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SolarChat+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Attach the Seestar S50 so that its <strong>azimuth axis \/ polar alignment axis<\/strong> is effectively aligned to the celestial pole; you\u2019ll tilt the mount by an angle roughly equal to your local latitude (or depending on your wedge configuration, the complement of latitude) so the S50&#8217;s axis is aligned with Earth\u2019s rotational axis. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/seestar\/comments\/1hkr5t9\/current_process_for_running_the_s50_in_eq_mode\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reddit+2YouTube+2<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>One reddit user: &gt; \u201cWith the S50 off, face it so that the power button is facing west and the rotating arm is facing east. Tilt &#8230; the angle should be 90 minus your current latitude.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/seestar\/comments\/1hkr5t9\/current_process_for_running_the_s50_in_eq_mode\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reddit<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Another guide says set the wedge altitude to your latitude, place the Seestar on it with power-button facing up and telescope pointing north. <a href=\"https:\/\/astroforumspace.com\/new-eq-mode-on-seestar-s30-s50-first-test-step-by-step-guide\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AstroForum Space<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n<li>Leveling: There\u2019s some debate \u2014 a level base helps minimise cross-axis error, but polar alignment is ultimately what matters. <a href=\"https:\/\/bbs.zwoastro.com\/d\/22358-eq-mode?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZWO User Forum+1<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Initial alignment &amp; calibration via app<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn on the Seestar, open the arm, and allow the S50 to perform its horizontal calibration (the mechanical\/optical system expects being level or known orientation). One user: &gt; \u201cOnce it completes successfully, you\u2019re in EQ mode.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/seestar\/comments\/1hkr5t9\/current_process_for_running_the_s50_in_eq_mode\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reddit<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>In the app go to Polar-Align routine: it may provide a \u201cGet Polar Align Deviation\u201d function (or similar) which tells you how far off you are from perfect polar alignment. Use the altitude and azimuth controls on your wedge\/tripod head to reduce the deviation until within acceptable tolerance (green or minimal). <a href=\"https:\/\/astroforumspace.com\/new-eq-mode-on-seestar-s30-s50-first-test-step-by-step-guide\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AstroForum Space+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>Sync on a star (or perform the Seestar\u2019s horizon\/sky calibration) if required; some users mention this step is necessary to \u201clet it know where it is pointing\u201d. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudynights.com\/topic\/908788-seestar-in-equatorial-mode\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cloudy Nights+1<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Set operation mode &amp; imaging parameters<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>With EQ mode engaged, you\u2019ll now benefit from longer exposures and better tracking \u2013 for example, one blog says exposures up to ~30 s are feasible compared to ~10 s in Alt-Az mode. <a href=\"https:\/\/astroforumspace.com\/new-eq-mode-on-seestar-s30-s50-first-test-step-by-step-guide\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AstroForum Space+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li>In the Seestar app, switch the mount mode to EQ, select your target as usual, focus and start imaging\/stacking.<\/li>\n\n<li>Because you\u2019re doing astrophotography (and you already do stacking, calibration frames etc) you might want to integrate the Seestar\u2019s output into your normal workflow: darks\/flats if supported, and watch for field rotation (should be minimal if polar alignment is good).<\/li>\n\n<li>Monitor star roundness: if stars elongate or show odd drift, polar alignment or mount stability are likely the issue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Optimise and troubleshoot<\/h3>\n\n<p>Here are some tips especially relevant given your detail-oriented astrophotography style:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mount stability<\/strong>: Many users report that in EQ mode the tripod or wedge must be very stable. A lightweight tripod may allow micro-vibration or flex, harming long exposures. <a href=\"https:\/\/bbs.zwoastro.com\/d\/21903-zwo-eq-mount-add-on-for-seestar-s50?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZWO User Forum+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Polar alignment precision matters<\/strong>: Even small misalignment can lead to field rotation especially for exposures of tens of seconds. One user said they struggled until they aligned closely to Polaris. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cloudynights.com\/topic\/908788-seestar-in-equatorial-mode\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cloudy Nights+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Latitude setting\/detail<\/strong>: The tilt angle must be accurate for your location. Use a digital inclinometer if possible.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Firmware\/app quirks<\/strong>: Because EQ mode is a \u201cnewer\u201d feature for the Seestar, keep an eye out for firmware bugs, and ensure you\u2019re using recommended accessories (wedge, mount head).<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Imaging limits<\/strong>: Even with EQ mode the Seestar is still a compact smart telescope \u2014 your results will depend on sky conditions, optics, etc. One article notes the update is \u201cthe best update for this little scope\u201d but you still need good alignment. <a href=\"https:\/\/astroforumspace.com\/new-eq-mode-on-seestar-s30-s50-first-test-step-by-step-guide\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AstroForum Space+1<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Tripod leg orientation<\/strong>: Position one leg facing north (or referencing pole direction) helps when setting wedge\/alt\/az adjustments. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/seestar\/comments\/1ihknk4\/my_seestar_s50_eq_setup\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reddit<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Exposure testing<\/strong>: Start with moderate exposures (e.g., 20-30 seconds) and examine star shapes, then increase if all is good.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>App workflow<\/strong>: Spend some time with the Seestar app in daylight to familiarise yourself with the menus: \u201cMount mode\u201d, \u201cPolar Align\u201d, \u201cGet Polar Align Deviation\u201d, etc.<\/li>\n\n<li><strong>Accessories<\/strong>: Consider adding a rigid support or anti-vibration pad if the setup is lightweight. The user forums flag that the stock tripod may flex. <a href=\"https:\/\/bbs.zwoastro.com\/d\/21903-zwo-eq-mount-add-on-for-seestar-s50?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ZWO User Forum<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Example step sequence (for your location: Hazleton, PA ~ 40.9\u00b0 N)<\/h3>\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how you might apply this locally:<\/p>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose a stable tripod and optionally an equatorial wedge. Ensure the tripod is placed in a clear area with good sky view and minimal vibration (e.g., less ground movement).<\/li>\n\n<li>Orient one leg or a reference towards true north (use a compass or smartphone app and correct for magnetic variation).<\/li>\n\n<li>Mount the Seestar S50. Tilt the mount to an angle \u2248 your latitude (~40.9\u00b0). For example, set wedge altitude to ~40.9\u00b0 (or based on wedge instructions).<\/li>\n\n<li>Attach S50 so its optical axis\/power-button orientation matches instructions (e.g., power button facing up, front aimed north).<\/li>\n\n<li>Power on the S50 in still daylight if possible. Open the arm. In the app select EQ mode.<\/li>\n\n<li>Run \u201cGet Polar Align Deviation\u201d. Adjust altitude and azimuth bolts until deviation is minimised (green or acceptable).<\/li>\n\n<li>Once aligned, pick your first target (for example one of your favourite Messier objects) and start with ~20-30 s exposures, stack, evaluate star roundness.<\/li>\n\n<li>If stars appear elongated, revisit alignment adjustments or check mount rigidity.<\/li>\n\n<li>Save your alignment so next nights you set up faster.<\/li>\n\n<li>For your outreach\/imaging workflow (since you often produce high-resolution, educational prints), consider capturing more frames now that tracking is better, then stack and process in your usual pipeline (e.g., your PixInsight or equivalent workflow).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n<p>https:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=eYZKh6DGlOk%3Frel%3D0%26playsinline%3D1%26origin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fchatgpt.com%26enablejsapi%3D1%26widgetid%3D1%26forigin%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fchatgpt.com%252Fc%252F68fe16f0-3d60-8326-9567-65837082b62c%26aoriginsup%3D1%26vf%3D1<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eYZKh6DGlOk<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n<p>The above tutorial video gives real-time visuals of the EQ mode setup, which can be very helpful.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Update firmware &amp; app, enable EQ mode 2. Physical mount setup (tripod + wedge) Since EQ mode means your optical axis will track like an equatorial mount, you\u2019ll need [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":2780,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2729"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2751,"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2729\/revisions\/2751"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2780"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ghaas.org\/Home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}