FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Shipping:Using the Nyx Tracker:
- How does aligning with the laser work?
- Does the motor vibrate and interfere with imaging at all?
- What is periodic error and how does the Nyx Tracker perform?
- Will I be able to take pictures at 300 mm focal length using the Nyx Tracker?
- How must the Nyx Tracker be oriented when using?
- Is it possible to attach a scope or reticle if I am in an area where I can't use the laser?
If you have a question that you don't see answered here, on the Tips & Tutorials page, or on the product page, don't hesitate to email us!
How quickly do you ship?
To manage order volume with our small team, Nyx Tech only ships twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays. Shipping times will depend on the service selected and your shipping location. Please note that delivery times listed on the checkout page are estimates, not guarantees.
Do you deliver internationally?
Due to the rising costs of shipping and the increasing manpower required to resolve shipping issues, we no longer ship to any countries other than the USA and Canada. Exceptions may be made on occasion, reach out via email if you would like to inquire.
For all international shipments, we recommend customers contact their nation's authorities for regulations, duties, and other taxes that may be levied on imported products as we have no way to anticipate or monitor this.
How long until my order arrives?
Domestic USPS First Class orders usually arrive within 3-4 business days after shipping, but may take up to 10 at times of high postal volume (holidays) and other extenuating circumstances (weather, strikes, pandemic disruption, etc). USPS Priority is generally 2-3. Note that delivery times are subject to many factors - for more details please visit USPS.com.
USPS International shipments to Canada usually arrive within 10 business days after shipment. UPS Worldwide Expedited in 3-4.
How does aligning with the laser work?
The 5 mW green laser illuminates all the particles in the air in its path, creating what looks like a light saber in the sky. This light saber is essentially a bore sight made of green photons that is infinite in length. Where this boresight "ends," or appears to point, is the position in the sky to which the tracker is aligned.
By standing anywhere near the laser, you're looking down the boresight, since the distance between you and the axis of the laser is negligible compared to the length of the boresight. No matter where you are standing, so long as you can see the laser boresight, you can see where the tracker is aligned.
Does the motor vibrate and interfere with imaging at all?
The motor produces very small vibrations as it turns, but the impact to imaging is nonexistent. It is literally in the noise - periodic error and stability are orders of magnitude larger contributors to tracking error.
What is periodic error and how does the Nyx Tracker perform?
Periodic error is the amount of pointing variation over the course of a tracker's rotational cycle, due mainly to fabrication tolerance variations in the driving mechanism. Depending on the driving mechanism, this cycle can be 2 minutes or half an hour. After alignment and stability, periodic error is the largest source of error in a tracking mount.
Periodic error is most easily measured by intentionally misaligning the tracker and exposing for many tracking cycles, then measuring the pixels between the peaks and valleys of the resulting sinusoidal path. The Nyx Tracker's tracking cycle is approximately 2 minutes with an average periodic error of 115 arcseconds. This table shows how this performance compares to other popular trackers on the market.
Nyx Tracker Periodic Error
Will I be able to take pictures at 300 mm focal length using the Nyx Tracker?
The Nyx Tracker is designed for widefield astrophotography. Deep Sky imaging requires a heavier, more expensive tracking mount to be successful. I recommend users stick to less than 50 mm with the Nyx Tracker until you've gained experience. With good alignment and skill you can get useful exposures out to 100 mm, but if you're aiming for anything above above that, you'll want to invest in a more expensive mount. The Star Adventurer (~$350 for the astro package) is a popular one I recommend. But if widefield is what you're after, the Nyx Tracker will serve you well.
How must the Nyx Tracker be oriented when using?
There is no required orientation of the tracker itself, so long as the laser is pointed at the celestial pole! However, the better balanced the tracker is, the more stable it will be. Some examples of Nyx Tracker setups I have used for imaging and testing are seen below.
Is it possible to attach a scope or reticle if I am in an area where I can't use the laser?
Yes! If imaging in the vicinity of an airport or at a star party where others are imaging, you shouldn't use the laser. You can buy the Nyx Finderscope if you plan to image under these conditions.
How do I initiate a refund?
Email us at info@nyxtech.us. You can review the return policy here.
How do I contact Nyx Tech?
Email us at info@nyxtech.us.