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Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker

Vixen

Regular price
Price: $619.99 USD
Regular price
List Price: $649.99 USD
Sale price
Price: $619.99 USD
You save: $30.00 (5%)
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Availability: Pre-order

Estimated Arrival: Between Jan 25 and Feb 08. United States

Ships within 4-7 days

  • Description
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Price Match
  • Warranty
  • Reviews
  • Product Q&A
  • Manuals

Description

The POLARIE U is an ultra-compact automatic star tracking device that can be easily transported.

In addition to the functions of conventional star trackers, which track a camera for long exposures, accurately tracking the regular movement of celestial objects, the POLARIE U has a speed adjustment function, which allows it to be used as a panning mount too for time-lapse photography.

Using a smartphone, you can control the shutter release intervals of the images. Through the communication between the smartphone and the POLARIE U Star Tracker, you can control the exposures and take beautiful, sharp pictures of the stars and the Milky Way without getting any star trailing.

The Star Tracker is very small and lightweight, making it ideal for mobile use or air travel.

The Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker in detail:

Star-scape photography (stars and landscape).
A silhouetted landscape on earth is photographed together with the starry sky. The beauty of a landscape and the starry sky can be shown together on one photo. POLARIE U opens up a wonderful foreign world of star-scape photography and makes this possible for both beginners and advanced photographers.
Conventional telescopic astrophotography photographs a relatively narrow area of the sky. Star-scape photography mainly uses a wide-angle lens and takes impressive photos in which stars, and other celestial targets such as the majestic Milky Way and landscapes are combined. The possibilities of the compositions are endless and a completely new kind of landscape photography opens up.

Weight reduction of more than 20% and improved load capacity.
The structure of the original POLARIE has been completely changed. The distance between the two bearings that support the rotating shaft is about four times the distance of the previous model. This leads to a higher load capacity despite the weight reduction of 20%. The maximum load capacity is 2.5 kg (approx. 2.5 kg at 10 cm from the center of rotation) when used for wide-field astrophotography. The maximum load capacity is increased to 6.5 kg (approx. 2.5 kg at 10 cm from the center of rotation) when a POLARIE Multi mounting block (optional) and a dovetail slide rail DD (optional) are combined. In addition, used in vertical configuration, the POLARIE U can reach a load capacity of 10 kg (approx. 10 kg 10 cm from the center of rotation) for time-lapse photography and is therefore suitable for heavy camera equipment.

Settings via Smartphone
Communication between tracker and smartphone via the Vixen Polarie U App enables various settings via smartphones or tablet. For star/landscape photography, the speed is selected in user-defined mode, and for time-lapse photography, settings for interval time, exposure, and rotation speed can also be easily programmed.

Five different speeds:
Star-scape photography (half star speed). This setting is intended for displaying a landscape together with the starry sky. The stars are not tracked exactly, but slower in order not to blur the landscape in the foreground. This way you get beautiful images of the landscape and the starry sky.

Wide Field Astrophotography (Star Speed)
When this mode is selected, the POLARIE U follows the stars at the same speed as the daily movement of the stars. In this mode, widefield long-time exposures of comets, nebulae, star clusters and the Milky Way are made and tracked precisely.

Solar Tracking (solar speed)
For recording solar eclipses over a long period of time.

Moon Tracking (moon speed)
For recording lunar eclipses over a long period of time.

Custom Mode
This allows you to set the POLARIE U to the desired tracking speed. The initial setting is four times the star speed. If you want to change the setting for a different speed, a smartphone or other wifi device and application software are required.

Shoot-Move-Shoot Mode
It is possible to stop the movement of the camera during the exposure and restart it after the end of the exposure. It is also equipped with a camera connector (shutter release) that controls the camera shutter during shooting with SMS or interval shooting. If the camera in use is connected with the cable release, the settings can be easily adjusted using a smartphone. A Wi-Fi connection is required when using this feature. An additional cable is required to connect the camera and POLARIE U together.

Autoguider port

Commercially available autoguiders can be used with the POLARIE U (Usable only in R.A.).  An important new feature over the original Polarie - attach a small Guidescope, or Off Axis Guider and autoguiding camera to your main camera and use the standard ST-4 protocol port to guide the Polarie U in Right Ascension, ensuring absolute accuracy of tracking (requires additional separate computer, or standalone guider). 

POLARIE is a new and unique camera accessory for photographing the night sky, with perfectly point-like stars being tracked. Using the simplest solution, it makes the experience of photographing the night sky more accessible for everyone. The multi-functional mode dial is adjustable for sky- and landscape-, moon-, sun- and star-tracking. Polar altimeter for a fast focus. Also included: USB connection for external power supply and a built-in compass for quick orientation. Available as optional extra accessories are a polar finder telescope for exact alignment with the celestial pole for long-exposure photography including into the telephoto range, and a tripod.


Features :

  • POLARIE U Star Tracker for sharp sky images
  • Small and lightweight tracking, perfect for travel
  • Five different speeds for tracking and ST4 Autoguiding port (RA only)
  • Excellent for timelapse shots
  • Shutter release possible via a Smartphone
  • Built-in bubble level and directional scale for time lapse
  • Upgrade up to 6.5 kg load capacity possible with optional accessories


Specification :

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 9.8mm in diameter, made of brass
R.A. axis (Polar axis) 40mm in diameter, made of aluminum alloy
Number of bearings 2 pieces
Drive Pulse motor drive
Locading capacity 2.5 kg(5.5 lbs): Standard / 6.5 kg(14 lbs): Upgraded / 10 kg(22 lbs): Time-lapse
Tracking rates Celestial speed, 0.5x celestial, solar, lunar, available in N and S hemispheres (Remote setting is possible with a smartphone.)
Sight tube finder It is used in the northern hemisphere to guide the unit to Polaris. 8.9 degrees field of view with no magnification.
Polar scope Optionally available Polar alignment scope PF-L II is usable. Polar scope arm bracket sold separately is needed.
Leveling Bubble level is provided for time-lapse photography.
Tripod adapter block 3/8" camera screw sockets (2 places) with a conversion adaper for 1/4" screw, compatible with attachment plates of the standard thin type.
Shutter release terminal 2.5mm female jack for tripolar stereo mini plug, Pin assignment: On order of full shutter, half shautter and common, from center to outward
Autoguider Port 6-pole 6-wired modular jack (for an external autoguider)
External Power Supply Port USB Type-C
Power Source 4 x AA alkaline batteries, Ni-MH or Ni-Cd rechargeable batteries, USB Type-C external power batteries
Working Voltage / Electricity Consumption AA batteries: DC 4.8V to 6.0V, Max. 0.6A (at 2.5kg/5.5 lbs. loading weight)External power supply: DC 4.4V to 5.25V, Max. 0.3A (at 2.5kg/5.5 lbs. loading weight)
Working Duration About 7 hours at 20 degrees C (68 F) temperature, with use of Alkaline batteries (at 2.5kg/5.5 lbs loading weight).
Wi-Fi Application software for POLARIE U and a smartphone or communication terminal device that works on Wi-Fi are needed./td>
Operating Environment for Application Software OS: Android 4.4 and over or iOS 9.9 and over* Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g, Data Encryption Method: WPA2-PSK, *IBe sure to confirm the operation of the application, as some smartphones do not meet the requirements.
Operating Temperature 0 degree to 40 degrees C (104 F)
Dimensions 88.5mm x 72mm x 110.5mm
Weight 575 g / 1.26 lbs. (without batteries)




Shipping & Returns

Order Shipment:

If your order is in stock and we process the charges to your credit card, it will ship within five business days from the date of your order. We will send you tracking information within 24 hours of your order leaving the warehouse to the e-mail address you provided when checking out. If you do not receive tracking information from us within six business days of your order, feel free to follow up with us at shipping@telescopewolves.com.

Cancellations & Refunds:

All orders canceled after 48 hours are subject to a $20 administration fee, whether or not your order has shipped. If your order has shipped, you (the buyer) will also be responsible for actual return shipping charges. Refunds will only be issued to the original credit card that you use when placing your order.

Damages:

Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you notice any damage you should make note of it when signing for delivery. If your item(s) do arrive damaged, please send photos to shipping@telescopewolves.com and we will process an insurance claim on your behalf.

Price Match

We want you to spend your time focusing on the stars, not on the price.

If you find another online store that offers a lower price than us within six months of your purchase date please let us know and we will refund your original payment for the difference. We want you to feel confident that you are getting the absolute best price for the product you are ordering. If you find that our own website has a lower price for the same item you have ordered within six months of your purchase date, we will refund the difference as well.

To request your partial refund simply e-mail us a link to the same product on our website, or on our competitors website within six months from the date of your order and we will process the credit accordingly.

Our 100% Price Guarantee has some limitations:

  • You must purchase the item from our website before requesting your Price Match Guarantee
  • Promotions such as rebates and buy one, get one free offers are not eligible
  • The item must be in stock on the competitors website
  • The competitor must be an online store, they may not have a retail location
  • The website can not be a discounter or auction website (ie; eBay, overstock, etc..)
  • The competitor must be an Authorized Retailer of the product in question
  • The Price Match Guarantee includes the item price and the shipping charges, it excludes sales tax

Not convinced yet? Check out all our amazing products here!

Warranty

Our Promise

We know you'll like the products we offer as much as we do- that's a Telescope Wolves Guarantee. In fact, if for any reason there is an issue with your products, please contact us upon receipt of your order with your order number and concern, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you from there.

Telescope Wolves will be happy to refund you the difference in price:
  • if you find another online store that offers a lower price than us within six months of your purchase date, OR
  • if you find that our own website has a lower price for the same item you have ordered within six months of your purchase date

Please consult our Price Match Guarantee for further details. 

Product Warranty Policies

We also offer warranties from each of our partners (to ensure that you enjoy the products as much as we do).

Vixen's Warranty :

Vixen warranties its products to be free from initial defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period based on part type:

  • Vixen Electronic Parts: Limited One Year Warranty
  • Vixen Mechanical Parts: Limited Two Year Warranty

Interested? Shop for all of Vixen's products here

Bresser's Warranty :

Bresser offers a limited USA one year warranty when product is registered within 60 days of purchase. Interested? Shop for all of Bresser's products here.

Explore Scientific's Warranty :

Explore Scientific offers a limited USA one year Warranty, which also converts to the Explore STAR Transferable Extended Life of the Product Warranty. Product must be registered within 60 days of purchase for this warranty to apply.

Interested? Shop for all of Explore Scientific's products here.

Daystar Filters's Warranty:

If used as directed, your DayStar filter is guaranteed for ten years. Should the filter become inoperative due to optical or mechanical failure, Daystar will repair the filter or replace it with an equivalent filter at no repair cost to the customer.

Under no circumstances shall a refund be issued:

  • due to application issues or the buyer's lack of skills in application of the product
    • Application of the DayStar product requires a degree of technical expertise specific to the exact product line, which is not common to other optical applications
  • if the product’s technical application procedures are NOT followed properly and poor results are yielded
    • Application procedures are posted on Daystar’s website and are stated in further detail in the client's operation manual
  • due to buyer’s remorse

Goods are warranted to be in operative, working condition as stated in specifications of product at the time of delivery. Should the goods not meet these specifications, Telescope Wolves will put a request in on your behalf to repair or replace the goods with items which meet stated specifications of product.

  • Goods shipped shall meet specifications stated by means of optical laboratory testing using independently verified spectrometer testing methods, visual inspection, and visual qualification of performance.

Interested? Shop for all of Daystar Filters's products here.

Hutech's Warranty:

Hutech offers a one year warranty on all its products.

Interested? Shop for all of Hutech's products here.

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