Need Help!

[zoom_one]

Good Day All,

I'm having an issue, probably user error, with star trails and my HEQ5 tracking. Polar alignment is completed through Sharp Cap with an 'Excellent" rating. The mount is then put back in the home position manually from the previous 90 degree rotation instructed in Sharp Cap. I then I take a 15 second exposure while in the home position to check my tracking. The stars are giving me bad trails that are mostly going down, or all over the place.

Am I missing a something here? The mount is on and everything is connected through APT. I have not connected PHD2 up to this point. I also had not completed a star alignment as I just wanted to check my tracking pointed North.

I feel like I'm missing something very simple that I cannot figure out. Any help for a total newbie is greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Gear:

Nikon D5600
WO RedCat51
WO Uniguide 32
HEQ-5 Pro
Pegasus Pocket Powerbox
Kendrick Dew Heaters

Software:

APT, DSS, SharpCap Pro, PHD2, PS

[Lady Fraktor]

Most mounts need a alignment initiated for them to track, if you have not done this the mount is stationary waiting for input.

[AstroBee]

Indeed, as Lady Fraktor says, do a 2 or 3 star alignment first, then check tracking.

[Larry 1969]

Did you get this sorted out?
It may be that tracking is disabled after a manual movement.
I don't do star alignments. I just plate solve and sync to the solved coordinates.
You can turn tracking on in EQmod or click "unpark" in APT.

Larry