An ideal choice for astronomical viewing and astrophotography, the iOptron SmartStar Cube-A MC90 90mm f/13.3 Maksutov-Cassegrain GoTo GPS Telescope is for users who want a compact and powerful observation platform that is able to make detailed views of the Moon and planets with the ability to reach outside our solar system. The Maksutov-Cassegrain design uses a front corrector plate with a convex meniscus lens to correct off-axis aberrations, like comas, and chromatic aberration to produce images with true-color rendition. The nature of the lens results in a smaller secondary mirror—limiting obstruction and increasing contrast, while eliminating the need for periodic collimation. The Maksutov optical path results in a slower focal ratio and narrower field of view versus a similar Schmidt, but for many the optical benefits are worth it.
The Cube-A mount is a functional, flexible, motorized, and computer-controlled unit that sports a compact design—measuring a mere 8x5x5" and weighing just 3 pounds. The dual-axis servomotors are built into a small single unit whose unique design eliminates "dead spots," enabling users to point their telescope to any point above the horizon without the risk of blocking the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. The unique design of the mount and tripod allows it to sit level for alt-az use or, employing the integrated wedge, locked into position for use as an equatorial mount. Integrated into the mount is a 32-channel GPS module that automatically sends date/time/location to the GoTo Nova hand controller to eliminate the need for the user to manually enter the information.
The brain of this observation system is the GoTo Nova 8401 computer controller. This handheld unit features a 130,000+ object database with 256 user-defined objects for your favorite celestial or terrestrial bodies. This fully GoTo-capable unit has multiple alignment procedures that assist in initial setup and automatic tracking for fast-moving near-space objects such as the Moon and planets and slower moving deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
- 90mm aperture
- f/13.3 focal ratio
- 1200mm focal length
- Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design
- Front convex meniscus lens corrects spherical and chromatic aberrations and comas (off-axis aberrations) across the entire field of view
- Smaller secondary mirror versus Schmidt-Cassegrains reduces obstructions and increases contrast
- Multi-coated optics improve light transmission, color rendition, and contrast
- 1.29 arcsecond resolution
- Internal flip mirror for dual viewing: Find, center, and focus a target object visually with an eyepiece, then photograph it with a camera without changing gear
- Internal focusing system
- Vixen-style dovetail plate
- GoTo accuracy: 1 arcminute
- Easy-to-navigate menu-driven interface
- Automatic GoTo and tracking
- Alignment procedures: Alt-az: One-star, Two-star; EQ: One-star, Two-star, Three-star
- Anti-backlash compensation to eliminate the play between gears
- Periodic Error Correction (PEC) helps to correct errors in tracking over prolonged periods
- Slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x (1°/sec), 512x (2°/sec), Max (4°/sec)
- Four tracking speeds: Celestial, Solar, Lunar, User defined
- Large 8-line, 21-character LCD screen with backlit LED buttons
- USB port for computer/ASCOM connectivity to use planetarium computer software or firmware updates via the Internet
- Supports autoguiding through ASCOM protocol; optional equipment required
- Supports compatible electronic focusers
- Works in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres
- Database:
- Objects include galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and the planets
- 256 user-defined objects
- 60 deep-sky objects with their common names
- Messier catalog
- NGC catalog
- IC catalog
- UGC catalog
- MCG catalog
- Caldwell catalog
- Abell catalog
- Herschel catalog
- 190 comets
- 4096 asteroids
- Stars: Named stars, double stars, GCVS variable stars, SAO catalog
- 88 modern constellations and their common names
- Motorized dual-function mount
- Set up as standard alt-az mount
- Integrated wedge and counterweight to convert mount to a German equatorial
- Compact design: 8.75x5x5", 3.6 pounds
- Dual-axis 12 VDC servomotor
- Digital optical encoders increase tracking accuracy
- Zero "dead spots": Many other mounts block the OTA at certain points of rotation
- 7-pound payload capacity
- Vixen-style dovetail saddle
- Operating temperature: 32 to 104°F
- Integrated bubble level
- 32-channel GPS module for accurate date/time/location information without user input
- Runs on included 100-240 VAC adapter or eight user-supplied AA batteries
- Visual back:
- 1.25" to accept common eyepieces and accessories
- Eyepieces:
- Accept most 1.25" astronomical filters
- 25mm focal length yields 48x
- 10mm focal length produces 120x
- Diagonal:
- 1.25" snout and holder
- 45° angle puts head in comfortable viewing position
- Erecting prism corrects image for easy use on land
- Finderscope:
- Red dot produces a simple aiming point for faster alignment and easier manual star-hopping navigation
- Wide field of view makes finding alignment stars simple
- Tripod:
- Stainless steel
- 1.25" (3.2cm) leg diameter
- Min height: 27.5" (69.9cm)
- Max height: 42.75" (108.6cm)
- Accessory tray
- Spiked feet for sure footing on soft ground
- Includes equatorial wedge for when mount is in EQ mode