iOptron SkyHunter Portable AZ/EQ GoTo System with iPolar - SHEQA
| Article number: | SHEQA |
| Availability: | More on the Way to us |
| Delivery time: | More on the Way to Us |
The iOptron SkyHunter Portable AZ/EQ GoTo System with iPolar is a high-versatility mount designed for both alt-azimuth and equatorial tracking, now enhanced with the integrated iPolar electronic polar-alignment system. The addition of iPolar makes this mount exceptionally user-friendly for astronomy enthusiasts who wish to switch quickly between modes and set up accurate tracking with minimal alignment effort. This system supports automatic GoTo object locating, dual-axis drive with encoders, and the flexibility of field deployment or backyard observatories.
Key Specs and Features
- Dual-mode functionality: Altazimuth mode for casual observing and Equatorial mode for more precise tracking and astrophotography
- Integrated iPolar electronic polar-alignment module: Allows rapid alignment to the celestial pole by camera-based referencing, reducing setup time and increasing accuracy
- GoTo capability: Automatic pointing and locating of thousands of celestial targets via hand controller or compatible software
- Payload capacity: Designed to support small to moderate optical tubes, camera lenses with imaging accessories, or compact telescopes when correctly balanced
- Portable design: Lightweight and compact mount for travel, remote observing sites, star parties or backyard use
- Power flexibility: DC power operation (battery pack or mains adapter) to allow hours of continuous use in the field
- Tracking modes: Sidereal rate and optionally solar/lunar or other tracking rates suitable for visual or imaging use
- Adjustable mount head and tripod interface: Allows positioning for a variety of observing conditions and setups
Use Cases
- Casual visual astronomy: Set up quickly in altazimuth mode for easy star hopping and GoTo object finding
- Entry-level astrophotography: Use equatorial mode after aligning with iPolar to mount a small telescope or camera lens for deep-sky or wide-field imaging
- Field and travel observing: Lightweight and compact enough for vacations, remote locations, or outreach events
- Educational/outreach use: The iPolar integration simplifies alignment for beginners and makes setting up demonstrations with the mount straightforward