iOptron SkyGuider PRO - Next Generation Camera Tracker - with iPolar

iOptron SkyGuider PRO - Next Generation Camera Tracker

Introducing The SkyGuider Pro - iOptron?s next generation camera tracking device! Leading the camera tracker market for nearly four years, iOptron´s SkyGuider Pro pushes closer to perfection.

The redesigned SkyGuider Pro mount head is more compact, small enough to fit on your palm, better precision, silent tracking, built-in rechargeable power source, ST-4 guiding port and camera trigger port. The DEC mounting bracket allows you to balance a heavy camera and/or lens better, or even mount a light telescope. The optional 8408 hand controller allows you to slew the mount, adjust the guiding rate, change the mount settings and control the camera trigger.

iOptron iPolar - Electronic Polar Finder ScopeThe electronic polar finder replaces the optical polar alignment scope. The image is produced via a small lens that projects the sky region onto a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor. Intelligent software then evaluates it and displays the polar region on the screen of your laptop or PC, for example.

The SkyGuider Pro features four tracking rates, 1X or sidereal, 1/2X for sky and landscape combined, solar and lunar. All 4 tracking rates work in both northern and southern hemispheres. iOptron has also added a quick slew mode with both forward and reverse to help quickly reframing your image without disrupting the cameras position.

iOptron has made big improvements on the SkyGuider Pro´s removable alt-azimuth base, which features a precision bubble level, degree markings for the altitude and a built in post for the azimuth control. You can also mount the SkyGuider Pro head (without the base) directly to any standard photographic tripod with 1/4" or 3/8" threads.

The DEC mounting bracket package, which includes DEC mounting bracket, counterweight shaft, counterweight and Vixen-type dovetail saddle, makes the SkyGuide Pro mount suitable for a heavier camera/lens system, even a lightweight telescope.

The SkyGuider Pro is certainly a must have tool for any photographer interested in astroscape or wide field astrophotography.

Video Tutorial

The manufacturer has made a video introduction and tutorial, it can be found here at YouTube.

Features and advantages

All metal mechanical structure

Attaches to a camera tripod with 3/8" or 1/4" threads

Payload 11 lbs (5 kg) (balanced, with DEC mounting bracket, exclude CW)

Silent tracking for smooth camera motion, perfect for long-term exposures

Detachable alt-az base with fine latitude and azimuth adjusters for easy polar alignment

eleczronic polar scope iPolar

4 tracking speeds (1X, 1/2X, solar and lunar). 1X celestial tracking for imaging the sky and stars; 1/2X tracking speed for imaging both the starry night and the landscapes at the same time

Operation in both northern and southern hemisphere

Quick slew (144X) for camera framing adjustment

Built-in rechargeable battery for up to 20 hours of operation (20°C)

Built-in ST-4 autoguiding port

HBX port for external hand controller

Micro USB port for power, charging and firmware upgrade

Built-in shutter triggering port

Padded carry bag included

DEC mounting bracket

Counterweight and CW shaft

Vixen dovetail saddle for scope mounting

Optional ball heads available separately (#3305A)

Optional tripod (#3221)

Optional Go2Nova® 8408 hand controller (#8408)

Optional DSLR camera shutter trigger cable

Replaceable Battery

The battery installed in the Skyguider and Skytracker mounts is robust and durable, but like any battery, it loses some of its original capacity after a certain time.

If the remaining capacity is no longer sufficient for your application, you can replace the battery yourself with little effort. You can find the right replacement battery under "Recommended accessories".

Downloads

The manufacturer has manuals, software and drivers available for download, you can get them here.

SkyGuider Pro camera mount

Alt-azimuth base (installed)

iPolar

Micro USB charging cable

Padded carry bag

DEC mounting bracket

Counterweight shaft

Counterweight 1.35 kg

Vixen-type dovetail saddle

Note: Hand controller and matching cable are not in the scope of delivery, they can be found in the accessories section.

Question:
How can I reduce the play in the axles of the SkyGuider Pro?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
iOptron offers a tutorial how you can reduce the play:
skyguider-pro-play.pdf