P r i m a L u c e L a b S . p . A .
E A G L E C O R E U s e r M a n u a l
Step 2: align the mount to the stars
Let's move on the alignment of the mount on the stars, which is fundamental when using a computerized mount
with automatic Goto feature. This step is needed to align the mount to the objects in the sky (depending on the
date, time and place from which we photograph) and allow us to automatically point to one of the many objects in
the sky in the mount database. As with polar alignment, each mount has a different procedure so please read the
manual that came with the mount.
Generally, after turning on the mount, you will be asked for the date, time and place of observation. Then you will
be prompted to align to the stars and, using the "Acquisition" tab and activating the "Start focus loop" feature (or
“Preview” if you use SESTO SENSO), you can use EAGLE CORE to see the image in real time on your
smartphone or tablet and check the alignment to the stars.
By observing the real time image in your smartphone or tablet,
you can set the telescope focus and align the mount.
Step 3: point the object to record
Now you can point the object you want to photograph. If you are using a computerized mount, you can point the
object using the arrow keys on the mount handpad or you can connect mount’s handmade to one of the USB ports
of the EAGLE CORE and control the mount with SkySafari PLUS or PRO (as previously described). As for step 2,
each mount has a different procedure so please read the manual that came with the mount itself.
If the object to be photographed is weak (such as a nebula, a galaxy or a stellar cluster), before pointing it we
recommend that you point a bright star to focus (step 4).
Step 4: focus DSLR or mirrorless camera
After pointing the telescope or telephoto lens to a bright object (such as a star, planet or moon), select the
"Acquisition" tab of the EAGLE CORE App. Then set a relatively short exposition time (for example 1 second), high
camera ISO sensitivity (eg 1600 or 3200 ISO) and click "Start focus loop" to make the camera shut in loop mode.
Use the telescope focuser or the manual focus of the telephoto lens to adjust the focus as long as you see the
stars as points on the screen of your control device. For precision focus you can also zoom in on the display of
your smartphone or tablet, and then fine-tune the focus. When the star appears perfectly in focus, click on the
"Stop focus loop" button.
If instead you use SESTO SENSO, press the "Preview" button to preview the first image. Then move the focuser
with the appropriate buttons (or with the slider) and EAGLE CORE will automatically perform a new image.
Images displayed on your smartphone or tablet have the maximum resolution of your camera to allow you to focus
more accurately. During the focusing process, EAGLE CORE does not save any image on the camera memory
card.
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