Alpaca Benro Polaris Driver v2.0

A project in Sydney, AU by David Morrison
000days 
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Funding Successful

Delivering a new App and Driver to take the Benro Polaris to the next level.
Backers: 107
Average Pledge Per Backer: $110 AUD

Funded: $11,725 AUD of $2,000 AUD
Dates: Oct 20th -> Nov 19th (31 days)
Project By: David Morrison
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$11,725 AUD

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Last Updated: November 20 @ 00:04 -0500 GMT

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Latest News

ADVANCED: Setting Overrides, Kalman Filtering and PWM

November 18th - via: kickstarter.com
In this video, we explore how the Alpaca V2.0 improves the accuracy and precision of the Benro Polaris mount. The topics are advanced and entirely optional. They are intended for users who want to understand more about how the Driver works or are... (Read More)

ADVANCED: Calibrating Speed Control for your Polaris

November 16th - via: kickstarter.com
In this video, we guide you through the motor speed calibration process for the Alpaca Driver. This advanced (but optional!) feature is ideal for users who want to achieve maximum accuracy and performance with the V2 Driver.  What’s Covered: ... (Read More)

PREVIEW: Tracking Orbitals including Planets, Moons, Satellites, Space Stations, Rocket Bodies and more

November 14th - via: kickstarter.com
In this deep-dive video, we explore the revolutionary orbital tracking capabilities of the Alpaca V2.0 Driver, now supporting full ASCOM tracking rates for dynamic celestial targets. Whether you're imaging the Moon, chasing satellites, or slewing to... (Read More)

PREVIEW: Equipment Safety - Home, Park and Motor Angle Limits

November 11th - via: kickstarter.com
In this video, we explore the new safety features introduced in the Alpaca v2.0 driver for the Benro Polaris mount. After a hard-earned lesson involving snapped cables and a tightly wound mount, we walk through the updated Home and Park functions,... (Read More)

UPDATE: Beta 4 Release Announcement

November 11th - via: kickstarter.com
We’re entering the final phase of Beta testing for Alpaca Pilot V2.0. Following the strong response to Beta 3, we've seen a significant increase in community engagement, bringing in valuable feedback and refinement ideas from early testers. That... (Read More)

PREVIEW: Multi-Point Alignment and Tripod Tilt

November 9th - via: kickstarter.com
This video explores the Multi-Point Alignment feature in the Alpaca v2.0 driver for the Benro Polaris mount. We demonstrate how to enable multi-point alignment and review the configuration of plate solving in NINA. You'll learn how to build a... (Read More)

RESULTS: Pulse Guiding a Potential Game Changer

November 5th - via: kickstarter.com
As promised, here are some early results from V2.0 pulse guiding beta tests. On Tuesday night this week, a high-pressure system cleared the skies above Eastern Australia, breaking a fortnight of cloudy nights. This was the exact day that my ToupTek... (Read More)

PREVIEW: Rotator Framing in Nina and Stellarium

November 3rd - via: kickstarter.com
Learn how to use the Alpaca Rotator with NINA and Stellarium to frame deep sky objects with precision and plan mosaics like a pro. In this video, we walk through equipment setup, rotator control, and how to match framing across platforms using the... (Read More)

UPDATE: Beta3 is Live and Ready for Community Testing

November 2nd - via: kickstarter.com
V2.0 is moving forward, and we’re deep into Beta testing. We have completed Beta1 and Beta2 testing over the last few weeks and gathered more valuable feedback from early testers. That input led to further key improvements across performance,... (Read More)

RESULTS: Cloudy Nights and Early Outcomes

November 1st - via: kickstarter.com
One ongoing challenge during our Beta program is the scarcity of clear nights for reliable plate-solving and deep-sky imaging. Fortunately, our global network of Beta testers helps mitigate this, as there’s likely somewhere with clear skies. If you... (Read More)

PREVIEW: Starting and Using Alpaca Pilot

October 29th - via: kickstarter.com
In this video, “Starting and Using Alpaca Pilot,” we take a hands-on look at how to get the Alpaca Pilot app up and running. Whether you're launching it from N.I.N.A.’s Equipment Setup or directly through a browser using your Alpaca Drivers’... (Read More)

CONCEPTS: Background resources for learning Alpaca

October 27th - via: kickstarter.com
Learning to use the Alpaca Driver and Other Applications with the Polaris can be a steep learning curve, and it’s not for everyone. But if you're up for the challenge, Alpaca V1 is a great place to begin. The Beginner’s Guide walks through... (Read More)

UPDATE: Beta Testing Program Underway

October 26th - via: kickstarter.com
V2.0 is moving forward, and we’re already deep into Beta testing. After completing Alpha trials, we launched Beta1 last week and gathered valuable feedback from early testers. That input led to several key improvements across performance,... (Read More)

PREVIEW: Alpha Demonstration of V2.0

October 24th - via: kickstarter.com
This video offers an early look at the latest features and enhancements coming with the Alpaca Benro Polaris Driver 2.0 release, with a hands-on walkthrough of its capabilities.   Live demonstration highlights: Alpaca Pilot App refinements —... (Read More)

UPDATE: Campaign goals met - we're underway!

October 24th - via: kickstarter.com
Just three hours after launching, our Kickstarter campaign reached its funding goal. I'm genuinely impressed by the enthusiasm and support this V2.0 project has received. To everyone who pledged: thank you. Your encouragement means the world. The... (Read More)

Podcast: Alpaca Benro Polaris V2.0 Overview

October 21st - via: kickstarter.com
Hi everyone, Many of you in the Polaris Camera Controller Global Group may have already caught the recent podcast summary, but for anyone who hasn’t, I wanted to share it here as well. I invited a couple of anonymous podcasters; you might be able... (Read More)

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