iOptron Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube™
The SmartStar™-E comes with our patented Alt-Azimuth Mount, 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. 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.
Read Sky & Telescopes' Test Report: "'iOptron's Capable Cube" (pdf)
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-E GO TO AltAzi 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 a larger LCD screen with more lines of content compared with the competition. Using the easy-to-use hand controller and its large LCD screen, 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 5 different drive speeds, keeping the object within the telescope’s viewfinder for as long as you wish.
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 5,000 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.
Features
- Heavy duty stainless steel tripod
- Alt-Azimuth Mount– The Cube™-- The only mount of its kind for ultimate rotation
- Includes the GoToNovaTM Controller. The most intuitive controller on the market.
- 5000 object database plus 256 user-defined objects
- The largest LCD screen on the market with 4 lines and 21-character Hand Control with backlit LED buttons.
- Drive motor with 5-speed setting for precise tracking
- Dual-axis Servomotor
- Standard-equipment AC connection (Optional DC adaptor available)
- GPS-compatible with optional GPS Module
- Payload: 7-11 lbs, depending on tubes and attachments
