Introducing our SmartStar™-A-R80 Entry Level refracting telescope system. Designed with the latest technology the 80 mm lens is crafted with a fluorite based, low dispersion glass that is ground and polished to exact specifications. The precision design is excellent for viewing bright stars, planets and their moons, as well as for bird watching and other land objects. Two eye pieces come standard to allow for flexibility in viewing either a wider field or a single focused object.
Dual Mount: Alt-Azimuth & German Equatorial – The Cube™
The SmartStar™-A-R80 refractor telescope 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.
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 50,000 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:
Recommended Usage
Astrophotography , Viewing the Moon , Viewing the Planets
Battery
8 x AA
Features
Alt-Az Mount , Equatorial Mount , GoTo , GPS
Brand
iOptron
GPS
Yes
GoTo
Yes
Good for Astrophotography
Yes
Telescopes Series
iOptron SmartStar Refractor Telescopes
Optical Design
Refractor
Aperture
80mm
Focal Length
400mm
Focal Ratio
f/5.0
Mount Design
Single Fork Arm
Battery Included
No
Eyepiece 1
10mm
Eyepiece 2
25mm
Highest Useful Magnification
150x
Limiting Magnitude
11.3
Resolution
1.4
User Level
For the Beginner
Color:
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 8 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
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Reviewed by 8 customers
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Comments about iOptron SmartStar A R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope - EQ Wedge Mount:
The system is easy to set up. Tracking is OK, but it's hard to tell if apparent tracking error is due to alignment. I would have liked a better way to determine how well the mount is aligned. The 80 mm refractor is about what I expected for an inexpensive telescope... best used at low magnification. The 25 mm and 10 mm eyepieces are a good selection. The mount is as stable as one could reasonably expect. I have not used the mount in equatorial mode yet. The system is a good value for the cost.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about iOptron SmartStar A R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope - EQ Wedge Mount:
What they said is what I got !! I wish I could say that about every website and advertiser.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about iOptron SmartStar A R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope - EQ Wedge Mount:
Follow the quick start guide for success. Could be better quality with focusing controls
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about iOptron SmartStar A R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope - EQ Wedge Mount:
For a long time I have wanted a GoTo mount but they were all too expensive or just junk. iOptron has created a quality mount that doesn't break the bank. The 80mm refractor is a surprisingly good scope. It focuses the stars to nice sharp pinpoints and gives great views of the Moon. The mount very easy to setup and use. It seems to be pretty accurate as all the stars I viewed were right in the field every time. I haven't tried the equitorial mode yet as I have the "A" model which can to both AltAz and Eq modes. You need to download the full manual from the iOptron website, but I had no trouble setting up the telescope with the quick start Guide. I have also used HNSky, Stellerium and Cartes du Ciel to control the scope mount. This works really well, you click on the star on the laptop and it commands the telescope to site on that object. You can do this using the hand controller, but it is MUCH easier with the PC. Again, you have to download the Scope drivers from iOptron to control the scope from any of these programs. So far, I am very pleased with this purchase.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about iOptron SmartStar A R80 GoTo GPS Refractor Telescope - EQ Wedge Mount:
1963 I got a 4in reflector Dynascope as first time scope. It was thrilling to see Saturn and Jupiter. I built my own mount. It was exciting
to learn the sky. With this A-R80 it has been
excitement all over again to see things I had not
seen before. Optics are clear and quality, good
field of view and resolve. Once aligned it was wonderful to select an object and have it come into view. It is just as fun to scout around. Several times while viewing, a satelite would
cross the field. It is wheting my interest for
another scope of larger aperature and accessories.
One of my projects is to look for young groups that would like to learn the sky and teach astronomy. My first scope close focused to about
50ft. This one has done well half the distance where I can look at the birds in the feeder and
nesting box. Makes it close up fun.
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Q1: Can I see the images on my computer so I can save them and show to my science class?
A: You would not be able to connect this scope to a computer without using a CCD Imager. This would allow you to take pictures using your scope while connected to a laptop computer.
Q2: How difficult is the initial alignment on this scope?
A: Fairly easy to say the least, you'll turn on your scope and it will walk you through the alignment process.
Q3: How much does this telescope weigh?
A: The iOptron SmartStar A R80 weighs 14.5lbs.
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