iOptron SmartStar-A Cube with GPS GoTo Telescope Alt-Azimuth-EQ Wedge Mount

iOptron Dual Mount: Alt-Azimuth & German Equatorial – The Cube™

The SmartStar™-A comes with our patented Dual Mount: Alt-Azimuth & German Equatorial, a.k.a. The Cube™. This compact mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit which is universally compatible with all telescopes using a dove-tail connection. The mount can be level for Alt-Azimuth or locked into position for German Equatorial. In addition, there are no "dead spots" – so you can point your telescope to ANYWHERE above the horizon, whereas, other mounts block the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. This mount also comes standard with AC connection. An optional DC adaptor is available so you can plug your telescope motor into your car if you're camping or at any remote location.

Compatible with most tubes on the market

• Schmidt-Cassegrains 8" and below
• Maksutov-Cassegrains 150mm and below
• Newtonian reflectors (if more than 40" may block tripod at certain spots)
• Refractors (not more than 4.0”)

OTA's with dovetail connection and a weight limit of less than 11 lbs. (including finder scope and camera) are compatible with the SmartStarTM-A GPS AltAzi-EQ Dual Mount. (If you do not have a dovetail connection -- attach your OTA using mounting rings and dovetail available at your local telescope store or the OTA manufacturer). Contact iOptron for expert’s advice on compatibility issues.

The most easy to understand controller on the market

The GoToNovaTM Controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories better organized. It also has the largest LCD screen on the market with 8 lines of content compared with others that only have 2 lines. Using the easy-to-use hand controller, you can easily set up your telescope and select where you want to go.

More precise speed control for viewing objects

The control system also allows you to slew the telescope at 9 different drive speeds, keeping the object within the telescope's viewfinder for as long as you wish.
USB Port

The 8402 hand controller comes with a USB port that tremendously expands the functionalities of the already powerful system. With the USB2COM driver installed, the USB port works as an RS232 serial port. It supports firmware upgrades and computer control. With ASCOM protocol, you can control your telescope with most ASCOM compatible software. This enables you to utilize the CPU, large screen, and disk space of your PC/laptop. With a wide selection of software, your star gazing experience will never be the same again.

Simply a better tripod

Made of 1-inch heavy-duty stainless steel the SmartStar™ Tripod is sturdy yet elegant, and gives the user unparalleled stability during operation. Solid construction joints keep your mount locked securely. With an all-metal support system your valuable telescope will keep still even on a windy night.

GoToNovaTM Computerized Control System

The revolutionary GoToNovaTM computerized control system is by far the most technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today. With a database of 80,000 celestial objects, including all of the most famous galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, not to mention the planets, you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a button.

32-Channel GPS Module

All A-series telescopes come standard with a 32-channel GPS module for fully automated operation and alignment. Simply turn on the GoToNovaTM Controller and the GPS module will automatically synchronize your telescope location and time with the GoToNovaTM computerized control system. View celestial objects without having to manually punch in the date, time, latitude or longitude.

Features:

• Heavy duty stainless steel tripod
• AltAzi-Equatorial Dual Mount– The Cube™-- The only mount of its kind for ultimate rotation
• Includes the GoToNovaTM Controller. The most intuitive controller on the market.
• 80,000 object database plus 256 user-defined objects
• The largest LCD screen on the market with 8 lines and 21-character Hand Control with backlit LED buttons.
• USB Port for PC Laptop control and firmware upgrades (ASCOM protocol)
• Drive motor with 9-speed setting for precise tracking
• Dual-axis Servomotor
• Standard-equipment AC connection (Optional DC adaptor available)
• 32-Channel GPS
• Payload: 7-11 lbs, depending on tubes and attachments