12/2/2023 0 Comments Ioptron mini tower pro review![]() ![]() It has a built-in WiFi adapter so that it can be controlled remotely using ASCOM, iOptron CommanderTM or Sky-Safari – a beautiful program!Īll parts of the mount except for the tripod fit within a compact aluminium flight case so the mount is very portable making it a superb ‘pick up and go’ package, ideal if you want to get away from the lights of your town and set up in a dark sky location. It incorporates a built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery for up to 10 hours use in the field and, pleasingly, uses a belt drive for smooth tracking and very quiet operation. The user need only confirm a bright object is in the centre of the view, to activate tracking and GOTO functionality.” Automatically the mount slews the instrument to an easily identifiable bright object in the night sky. Utilizing the on board 32 channel GPS receiver and built-in position and angular detection sensors the AZ mount Pro calculates its global position as well as the telescope orientation. Using its built-in precision level indicator, the operator simply levels the mount and turns on the power this capable computerized alt-azimuth telescope mount takes it from there. “The term used to describe iOptron new AZ Mount Pro’s simple set up routine is called ‘level and go’. As will be described later, the older lower cost versions are easy and simple to set up but their new mount makes this even easier as iOptron describe: ![]() The levelling of the head is a two step process: first, using a spirit level, the top of the tripod or Mini Pier is levelled by adjusting the tripod legs, then, using the three adjustable length pillars on which the head is seated, the head is finely adjusted using the incorporated bubble level. It can be equipped with a second vixen dovetail mount which can be purchased for £69 so that two telescopes (the second up 10 lbs weight) can be mounted together. The iOptron AZ Mount Pro GOTO mount has a carrying capacity of 33 pounds using the supplied counterweight. I have written an extensive article on this: Astrophotography using an Alt/Az mount.Ī good feature of using an Alt/Az mount is that they do not suffer from ‘meridian flips’ as do many equatorial mounts but, on the other hand, cannot really be used to image objects at elevations greater that ~60 degrees. It is too often said that one cannot use an Alt/Az mount for astrophotoraphy – but this is not true providing steps are taken to eliminate the effects of Frame Rotation. The very early ones may have a problem (solvable) with their GPS modules giving the wrong date as described in the specific article in the digest. I have also included details about the earlier MiniTowers in case one comes upon them second hand. These can be obtained from a number of UK suppliers. It can also be purchased with a ‘Tri Pier’ for £1,698. The head alone can be purchased for ~£1,065. IOptron now only produce the AZ Mount Pro GOTO mount at ~£1,398 with a 1.75 inch tripod. ![]()
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