PHD2

The software automates the tracking of a guide star, allowing users to focus on deep‑sky imaging or spectroscopy while it handles the guiding process. A setup wizard guides beginners through initial configuration with a few clicks, and the program includes extensive equipment support, smart calibration that adapts to pier side and pointing location, and default settings that work out of the box. It also offers tools for drift alignment, comet tracking, and proactive advisory messages to improve guiding quality.

For more experienced users, the application provides multiple guiding algorithms per telescope axis, a Guiding Assistant for assessing mount performance, and extensive visualization tools for fine‑tuning and review. It manages dark‑frame libraries and bad‑pixel maps automatically, supports adaptive optics, rotators, and rapid switching between imaging configurations, and offers automation interfaces for third‑party imaging applications.

Documentation is built in, with a searchable help file and downloadable manual, and a community Google group is available for troubleshooting, bug reports, and feature discussions.