PolarShift
ENFRESDE

Coming soon to the Mac App Store.

PoleMaster on Apple silicon Mac.

Use your QHYCCD PoleMaster on an Apple silicon Mac to measure the mount’s right ascension axis and align it with the celestial pole, without the QHY SDK or PoleMaster application.

See how it worksCheck compatibility
PolarShift live adjustment screen with a simulated star field, the measured RA axis and the celestial pole.
Measured RA axis
Celestial pole

Simulation in PolarShift. Adjust altitude and azimuth to bring the two markers together.

Workflow

How alignment works

Keep the camera fixed to the mount and record several positions as you rotate the right ascension axis.

  1. 1

    Connect the camera

    Connect the PoleMaster by USB. Exposure and gain adjust automatically by default; manual controls are available.

  2. 2

    Record several RA positions

    Rotate only the right ascension axis. Wait for the field to settle, then capture each position with the button and, if needed, the countdown.

    PolarShift showing a recorded PoleMaster star field and the next RA-position action.
    Recorded PoleMaster image replayed in simulation.
  3. 3

    Measure the mechanical axis

    After the fifth pose, PolarShift identifies the stars and calculates the RA axis and celestial pole. Return the RA axis to its starting position before starting live guidance.

    PolarShift showing a completed calibration and the button to start live guidance.
    Completed calibration in simulation using recorded PoleMaster images.
  4. 4

    Adjust altitude and azimuth

    Turn the mount’s altitude and azimuth controls while watching the remaining angular offset.

In the field

Read the offset on the live image

The measured axis and celestial pole are overlaid on the image. The angular offset updates as you adjust the mount.

Automatic star-field tracking

The application matches multiple stars between captures. No star has to be selected by hand.

Manual capture with countdown

Capture each stable RA position with the button. Use the countdown to move away from the mount before the exposure.

Display controls for dark sites

Night vision, contrast, shadows, zoom and panning improve readability without changing raw images or calculated positions.

Compatibility

System requirements

Use a PoleMaster camera connected by USB to an Apple silicon Mac.

MacApple siliconmacOS 14 or later · Apple M1 or later
CameraQHYCCD PoleMasterUSB connection
NetworkWorks offlineNative USB acquisition and alignment
InterfaceEnglish, French, German and SpanishSelect from the top menu

FAQ

Using PolarShift

How many RA positions are required?

Use 4 to 6 stable positions to measure the common rotation centre; 5 are recommended.

Does it require the QHY SDK or PoleMaster application?

No. PolarShift uses its own native USB driver and communicates directly with the PoleMaster.

Does alignment require an internet connection?

No. Image acquisition, measurement and guidance run locally on the Mac.

How are RA positions captured?

Capture 4 to 6 distinct positions manually; 5 are recommended. The countdown gives you time to move away from the mount before each exposure.

Do zoom and contrast affect the result?

No. Display adjustments affect only the rendered preview. Raw pixels, star positions and calibration measurements remain unchanged.

Does PolarShift work in both hemispheres?

PolarShift provides alignment modes for both hemispheres. Select your observing hemisphere before capture.