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iOptron AZ Mount Pro GoTo Alt-Az Mount with LiteRoc Tripod

BH #IO8903 • MFR #8903
1 review
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iOptron AZ Mount Pro GoTo Alt-Az Mount with LiteRoc Tripod
Key Features
  • Motorized Computer-Controlled AZ Mount
  • Compact Design, 33+10 lb Payload
  • Go2Nova 8407 Hand Controller
  • Wireless Wi-Fi Connectivity and Control
iOptron's AZ Mount Pro Head combines multiple technologies to produce a mount that requires minimal input from the user while providing full GoTo capabilities. This technology is referred to as "Level and Go" by iOptron because that's about all you need to do. Using its built-in level indicator, you simply level the mount and turn on the power. Utilizing the onboard 32-channel GPS receiver and built-in position and angular detection sensors, the mount calculates its global position as well as the telescope orientation then automatically slews to an easily identifiable bright object in the night sky. All you need to do is confirm a bright object is in the center of the view, to activate tracking and GoTo functionality.
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iOptron 8903 Overview

iOptron's AZ Mount Pro Head combines multiple technologies to produce a mount that requires minimal input from the user while providing full GoTo capabilities. This technology is referred to as "Level and Go" by iOptron because that's about all you need to do. Using its built-in level indicator, you simply level the mount and turn on the power. Utilizing the onboard 32-channel GPS receiver and built-in position and angular detection sensors, the mount calculates its global position as well as the telescope orientation then automatically slews to an easily identifiable bright object in the night sky. All you need to do is confirm a bright object is in the center of the view, to activate tracking and GoTo functionality.

Included with the mount is the Go2Nova 8407 computer controller. This handheld unit features a 212,000-object database with 60 user-defined customizable objects for your favorite celestial bodies. The easy-to-use menu-driven system displays on an 8-line, 21-character backlit screen. This fully GoTo-capable unit has automatic tracking for fast-moving near-space objects, such as the Moon and planets, and slower moving deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies. For setup or manual use it has nine slew speeds starting at 1x and topping out at 10°/sec. The Go2Nova controller is powered by the mount to make use easier and simple while reducing the unit's weight. For increased functionality, the mount is also equipped with a Wi-Fi module for wireless connectivity to smartphones, tablets, and computers.

iOptron is offering the AZ Mount Pro GoTo Alt-Az Mount here with their LiteRoc tripod for those who have their favorite optical tube assembly (OTA) and are looking to upgrade their mount and support system or are building their rig a la carte. The tripod has 1.75" upper and 1.5" lower leg sections, providing the stability and strength of iOptron's venerable 2" field tripod but at a lower weight for easier carrying. Its leg cuffs, sockets, and lever locks are also improved to provide better rigidity and clamping, resulting in better overall performance. To protect the head during transport and storage, a hard aluminum case is included.

Mount
  • Motorized alt-az mount
  • Die-cast aluminum chassis
  • Compact design: Stands just 10" (25.4 cm) tall
  • Dual mount capability
    • 33-pound primary
    • 10-pound secondary
  • Position and angular detection, with level indicator
  • 32-channel GPS module for accurate day/time/location information without user input
  • Built-in Wi-Fi for direct connection to smartphones, tablets, and computers running iOptron Commander software or Sky Safari app
  • Retractable counterweight shaft
  • 9.9 lb (4.5kg) counterweight
  • Runs on built-in lithium-ion battery with a 10-hour runtime at 68°F
  • Dual Losmandy/Vixen-style 6" dovetail saddle to mount compatible OTAs
  • LiteRoc stainless steel tripod with 1.75" upper and 1.5" lower leg sections provides the stability of a 2" tripod but with a lower weight
Motors and Gears
  • 128x microstep stepper motor
  • Aluminum worm wheel
  • Brass worm gear
  • Synchronous belt transmission
  • Zero backlash driver system eliminates gear play
  • Resolution: 0.1 arcsecond
Go2Nova 8407 Controller
  • Easy-to-navigate menu-driven interface
  • Automatic GoTo and tracking
  • Alignment:
    • Auto-alignment process requires no user input or assistance other than leveling tripod/mount
    • One Star
    • Two Star
    • Three Star
    • Solar System
  • Slew speeds: 1x, 2x, 8x, 16x, 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x, MAX (10°/sec, 2400x)
  • Tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar, King's, and User-Defined Speed
  • Large 8-line, 21-character LCD screen with backlit LED buttons
  • Firmware updates via the Internet
  • Supports compatible electric focusers
  • Works in Northern and Southern Hemispheres
  • Built-in heater
Go2Nova Database
  • 212,000+ objects
  • Solar System catalog:
    • Sun, Moon, planets
  • Deep Sky Objects:
    • Named Objects: 60 popular deep-sky objects with their common names
    • Messier Catalog: All 110 Messier objects
    • NGC Catalog: 7,840 objects
    • IC Catalog: 5,386 objects
    • PGC Catalog: 73,197 objects
    • Caldwell Catalog: 109 objects
    • Abell Catalog: 4,076 objects
    • Herschel Catalog: 400 objects
  • Stars:
    • Named Stars: 195 stars with their common names
    • Binary Stars: 210 binary stars
    • Hipparcos Catalog: 120,404 records
  • 15 comets
  • 116 asteroids
  • 88 modern constellations with their common names
  • Up to 60 user-defined objects

iOptron 8903 Specs

Key Specs
Mount Type
Motorized; Alt-Azimuth Single Fork
GoTo Capability
Yes: Go2Nova 8407
Payload Capacity
Primary: 33 lb / 15 kg
Secondary: 10 lb / 4.5 kg
Motor
Dual Axis
Power Source
Battery (Built-In)
Battery
1x Rechargeable
Mounting
To Optical Tube Assembly: Dual Losmandy-/Vixen-Type Saddle
GPS
Yes: 32 Channels
Weight
18 lb / 8.2 kg (Tripod)
13 lb / 5.9 kg (Mount with Counterweight Shaft and Battery)
Mount
Mount Type
Motorized; Alt-Azimuth Single Fork
GoTo Capability
Yes: Go2Nova 8407
Payload Capacity
Primary: 33 lb / 15 kg
Secondary: 10 lb / 4.5 kg
Motor
Dual Axis
Tracking Rates
King, Lunar, Sidereal, Solar, User
Counterweight
1x 4.5 lb / 2.0 kg
Polar Axis Scope
No
Tripod
Leg Diameter
1.75" / 4.45 cm
Leg Sections
2
General
Power Source
Battery (Built-In)
Battery
1x Rechargeable
Mounting
To Optical Tube Assembly: Dual Losmandy-/Vixen-Type Saddle
GPS
Yes: 32 Channels
Materials
Steel (Tripod)
Operating Conditions
14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C
Dimensions
6.3 x 4.9 x 3.2" / 16 x 12.5 x 8.1 cm (Mount Base)
5.5 x 4.6 x 4.3" / 14 x 11.7 x 10.9 cm (Mount Top)
Weight
18 lb / 8.2 kg (Tripod)
13 lb / 5.9 kg (Mount with Counterweight Shaft and Battery)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
55 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
20 x 15 x 4"

iOptron 8903 Reviews

Not to bad

By Mike
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2023-12-14

Overall this is a fairly good mount and tripod. The tripod itself is pretty lightweight but once you get it set up and tightened up, its actually quite solid. The only thing i am not a fan of is the levers they use for tightening up the legs when extended, i would have preferred knobs, but they seem to do the job. The mount itself is a very solid piece of equipment and well made. Again i would have preferred knobs to levers for tightening up the mount that the scope slides into, but they work as they should. The 10 pound counterweight that comes with it will only be used with the heaviest of scopes. My scope weighs in at 12.8 pounds with everything attached and it doesnt even know its there. The hand controller is great. The screen is way bigger then on a synscan and the system overall is much easier to use and simple to understand. The plastic holder for the controller that you install is not well made, mine was broke when i took it out of the box, iOptron replaced it with another one. This should really be aluminum or brass. The unit comes packaged very tightly in its own case and is very well protected. As for the function of the unit. When using the GPS to navigate the stars its accuracy is ok. Not great, just ok. So a wide angle eyepiece is definitely recommended for starters. As you refine the position across various targets it does get better. The clutch tightening mechanism works decently but it never seems to be quite tight enough. The little screw on knobs they give you to aid in tightening could have been longer to assist in this. I will probably find a set of bolts that will thread in and that would help. All in all its not bad, it just has some points that one needs to be aware of prior to purchasing. Thus far i am satisfied with it.

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