iOptron SkyHunterTM Portable EQ/AZ GOTO System w/Precision AZ Base with iPolar
| Article number: | SHEQAP |
| Availability: | More on the Way to us |
| Delivery time: | More on the Way to Us |
The iOptron SkyHunter™ Portable EQ/AZ GoTo System with Precision AZ Base and iPolar is a compact and versatile mount designed to provide full GoTo tracking in both alt-azimuth (AZ) and equatorial (EQ) modes, making it ideal for both visual observing and astrophotography in a travel-friendly form. The included Precision AZ/EQ base enhances mechanical alignment and stability, while the iPolar electronic polar-alignment module simplifies and accelerates polar setup for EQ tracking. Despite its modest size and weight, the system delivers a capable payload capacity and advanced features that allow for precision tracking of celestial objects in both hemispheres.
Key Specs and Features
- Payload capacity (balanced): approximately 7 lbs (≈ 3.2 kg) in either AZ or EQ mode.
- Mount weight: about 2.9 lbs (≈ 1.3 kg) including the internal rechargeable battery.
- Mount construction: Dual-axis DC servomotors with optical encoders and synchronous belt transmission.
- Tracking modes include sidereal (1×), half-sidereal (½×), solar, and lunar, and operate in both northern and southern hemispheres.
- Built-in WiFi adapter and USB port for connectivity with smartphones, tablets or computers; compatible with ASCOM/INDI and control apps.
- iPolar electronic polar-alignment scope incorporated for rapid alignment in EQ mode.
- Precision AZ/EQ base: CNC-machined all-metal construction, altitude adjustment 0°-90°, azimuth fine adjustment ±5°, built-in bubble level.
- Counterweight shaft and counterweight provided in kit form.
- Operable from an internal rechargeable Li-Poly battery with up to ~10 hours run time under typical temperature conditions.
Use Cases
- Lightweight travel or field observatory set-ups where portability and automation matter.
- Visual observing sessions using AZ mode for quick setup and sweeping the night sky.
- Entry-level astrophotography: using EQ mode after polar alignment with the iPolar for shorter-exposure deep sky or time-lapse work.
- Outreach or educational astronomy situations, where ease of setup, portability, and versatility (AZ and EQ) are advantageous.
- Users upgrading from purely manual mounts who want GoTo functionality in a compact package.