Calculating true north from rotation of equatorial mount
Assume:
Equatorial mount is properly alligned
equatorial mount is moved continuously in equatorial axis at 15’’/s (clock drive)
One could calculate “true north” from rotation
Fredrik, thanks for this idea.
Quick note: I implemented something like this in my new app "SkEye Cam". It uses plate solving to figure out precise orientation, and then with RA axis rotation, the app can guide polar alignment itself.
The app uses plate solving to provide PushTo guidance as well.
The camera is much more reliable than IMU sensors, so I guess this idea is not that relevant anymore. Hence, closing.
Link to new app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lavadip.skeyecam
best,
Harshad
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Frederik commented
I made a document to collect some information about calculations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VdWHTCmYTN2NQE5beBFMGzLV5oMS_yppqwdV6KnN9dE/edit?usp=drivesdk
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Frederik commented
I’m not 100% Sure but:
By calculating the Rotation of the Gravity Vector in phone coordinates. One can find the RA axis of the telescope in phone coordinates.
No magnetic field needed.