Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker is an ultra-compact and lightweight device designed for astrophotography and time-lapse photography. It accurately tracks celestial objects, allowing for long-exposure photographs of stars, nebulae, and the Milky Way without star trailing. Its portability makes it ideal for travel. The POLARIE U features multiple tracking speeds, smartphone control for settings and shutter release, and an autoguiding port for enhanced precision.

This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your POLARIE U Star Tracker.

What's in the Box

• Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker unit
• Finder
• Allen wrench (3 mm indicator)
• Instruction manual

Setup

1. Powering the Device

The POLARIE U can be powered by four AA batteries or an external USB Type-C power source. Ensure batteries are inserted correctly, observing polarity, or connect a compatible USB power bank.

Image: The Vixen POLARIE U showing its battery compartment for four AA batteries and a USB Type-C port for external power. The device can operate for approximately 7 hours on batteries at 20°C with a 2.5kg load.

2. Mounting the POLARIE U

Attach the POLARIE U to a sturdy tripod. The device is designed to support a maximum load capacity of 2.5 kg for wide-field astrophotography. For heavier camera equipment or time-lapse photography, the load capacity can be increased to 10 kg when used with optional accessories like the POLARIE Multi mounting block and a dovetail slide rail DD in a vertical configuration.

Image: The Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker shown mounted on a tripod with a camera attached, illustrating its compact size and setup for astrophotography. The device measures 11.1cm x 7.2cm x 8.9cm and weighs approximately 575g.

3. Polar Alignment

Accurate polar alignment is crucial for effective tracking. Use the built-in compass for quick orientation. For precise alignment, especially for long-exposure photography or telephoto ranges, an optional polar finder telescope is recommended. The polar altimeter assists in achieving proper alignment with the celestial pole.

Operating Instructions

1. Smartphone Communication and App Control

The POLARIE U connects to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi. Download the Vixen Polarie U App to access various settings and control functions. This app allows you to customize tracking speeds, set interval times for time-lapse photography, and control the camera's shutter release.

Image: A smartphone displaying the Vixen Polarie U app interface, demonstrating control over shooting, interval photography, and time-lapse settings. The app enables customization of rotation speed and camera shutter release.

2. Tracking Modes

The POLARIE U offers five distinct tracking modes, selectable via the app:

• Star-scape Photography (Half Star Speed): This setting tracks stars at half the sidereal rate, allowing both the landscape and stars to be captured with minimal blurring of the foreground. This mode is suitable for compositions that include both terrestrial elements and the night sky.
• Wide Field Astrophotography (Star Speed): This mode tracks stars at the exact sidereal rate, ensuring pinpoint stars in long-exposure images of deep-sky objects such as nebulae, star clusters, and the Milky Way.
• Solar Tracking (Solar Speed): Designed for tracking the sun, useful for recording solar eclipses over extended periods.
• Moon Tracking (Moon Speed): For tracking the moon, suitable for capturing lunar eclipses or detailed lunar photography.
• Custom Mode: Allows users to set a desired tracking speed. The initial setting is four times the star speed. A smartphone and the app are required to modify this setting.

Image: An illustration depicting the five tracking modes of the Vixen POLARIE U: Moon, Sun, Star-scape (half star speed), Star tracking (sidereal speed), and Custom mode. It visually explains how stars and landscapes appear in Star-scape mode (stars appear stopped, landscape appears stopped) versus Star tracking mode (stars appear stopped, landscape appears blurred).

3. Shutter Release and Interval Shooting

The POLARIE U supports shutter release control via your smartphone. Connect your camera to the POLARIE U with an appropriate cable release. The "Shoot-Move-Shoot" mode allows the camera's movement to pause during exposure and resume afterward, which is beneficial for specific time-lapse sequences. Interval shooting settings can also be programmed through the app.

4. Autoguiding

The POLARIE U includes an ST4 autoguiding port (Right Ascension only). This allows you to connect commercially available autoguiders for even greater tracking accuracy, especially during very long exposures. This feature requires an additional guidescope or off-axis guider and an autoguiding camera.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Vixen POLARIE U Star Tracker, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the finish.
• Storage: Store the POLARIE U in a dry, dust-free environment when not in use. Remove batteries if storing for extended periods to prevent leakage.
• Handling: Handle the unit with care to avoid impacts or drops, which can affect its precision mechanisms.
• Battery Replacement: Replace AA batteries promptly when the power indicator shows low battery to maintain consistent performance.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your POLARIE U, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Device Not Powering On:
  • Check if AA batteries are inserted correctly and are not depleted.
  • Ensure the USB Type-C power cable is securely connected and the external power source is functional.
• Inaccurate Tracking:
  • Verify that polar alignment is accurate. Re-align the unit with the celestial pole.
  • Ensure the camera and lens are securely mounted and balanced.
  • Check that the correct tracking mode is selected for your target (e.g., Star Speed for deep-sky objects).
  • Confirm that the total load does not exceed the maximum recommended capacity for the chosen configuration.
• Smartphone App Connectivity Issues:
  • Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your smartphone and the POLARIE U.
  • Restart both the POLARIE U and your smartphone.
  • Make sure you are within range of the POLARIE U's Wi-Fi signal.
• Camera Shutter Not Releasing:
  • Verify that the camera is properly connected to the POLARIE U with a compatible cable release.
  • Check camera settings to ensure it is ready to receive external shutter commands.
  • Confirm settings within the Vixen Polarie U App for shutter control.

If problems persist, consult the Vixen support website or contact customer service.

Specifications

Image: A comparison table showing specifications for the Vixen Polarie and Polarie U models, highlighting improvements in weight, load capacity, size, number of modes, and app compatibility for the Polarie U.

Warranty Information

Vixen Co., Ltd. provides the following limited warranties for the POLARIE U Star Tracker:

• Electronic Parts: Limited One Year Warranty from the date of purchase.
• Mechanical Parts: Limited Two Year Warranty from the date of purchase.

Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. It does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, or natural disasters.

Support

For further assistance, technical support, or to inquire about optional accessories, please visit the official Vixen Optics website or contact their customer service department.

Vixen Optics Official Website: www.vixenoptics.com