iOptron SkyTracker User Manual

3
1. SkyTracker
TM
Camera Mount Overview
Thank you for choosing the new iOptron SkyTracker
TM
camera mount for astrophotography.
This portable mount makes it easy to take long exposures of the night sky without streaking or star
trailing.
The SkyTracker
TM
mount is simple to set up. Just attach the unit to a camera tripod with 3/8”
thread. Then slide and lock your digital camera into the saddle. Align SkyTracker
TM
mount to the Pole
Star through the polar sight hole on the mount, or using an iOptron AccuAlign
TM
dark field illuminated
polar scope, with built in latitude and azimuth adjusters. Then turn on the motor and it keeps your
camera tracking at the same speed the earth rotates! The unique DC servo motor keeps your camera
in motion to avoid star trails and allows you to take long exposures for beautiful images of the night
sky.
Features:
 Attaches to a camera tripod with 3/8” thread
 Accepts cameras weighing up to 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
 Auto-tracking for smooth camera motion perfect for long-term exposures
 Cast aluminum body with plastic spray finish
 Built in latitude and azimuth adjusters for easy polar alignment
 Built in compass
 Reversible mounting post for both 3/8” and 1/4” threaded ball head mounting
 Includes iOptron AccuAlign
TM
dark-field illuminated polar scope (#3302B and #3302W
only)
 Operation in both Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere (N/S switch)
 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
 Up to 24 hours of operation on 4 AA batteries
 Padded carry bag included
 Optional ball heads available separately (#3305)
 Optional AC/DC adapter (#8417)
 Optional tripod (#3101)
2. SkyTracker
TM
Camera Mount Assembly
2.1. Introduction
You have just purchased a tracking camera mount that is capable of taking you to a new level
of astrophotography. When aligned the polar axis of the SkyTracker
TM
camera mount with the celestial
North Pole (CNP), or celestial South Pole (CSP), the mount will provide rotation matching the celestial
sphere rotation around the Earth. Since all celestial objects appear to rotate around the CNP, or CSP,
the polar axis allows the mount to rotate with the celestial sphere and provide accurate tracking for
visual observations and astrophotography.
The AccuAlign
TM
polar scope, along with the Quick Polar Alignment procedure, will provide an
easy and accurate polar alignment for the mount.
The SkyTracker mount is a totally new camera mount for astrophotography. The following
sections of this manual provide the detailed steps required to successfully set up and operate the
SkyTracker
TM
mount.

iOptron SkyTracker Specifications

General

Mount	Ultra compact EQ
Body material	Cast aluminum
Worm wheel	Φ80mm, 156 teeth aluminum alloy
Worm gear	Φ11mm, brass
Bearing	4 pieces
Motor drive	DC servo
Payload (MAX)	6.6 lbs (3kg)
Tracking	R.A. automatic
Tracking speed	1X Cel, 1/2 Cel, N/S
Duration of operation	24 hours at 20ºC
Latitude adjustment range	0º ~ 70º
Operation Temperature	-10~40ºC
Polar sight hole	~ 8.5º FOV
Polar scope	6º FOV with dark field illuminated (optional for #3301)
Built in accessory	Compass
Warranty	One year limited
Power consumption	DC 4.8 ~ 6V, 0.06A at Max load
Power requirement	4 AA batteries, or External DC 9 ~12V, 500mA
Base connect	3/8” threaded socket

Weight and Dimensions

Mount weight	2.4 lbs (1.1kg) w/o battery
Dimensions	153 x 104 x 58 mm