iOptron SmartStar: An Inexpensive GOTO Mount for $199.00
I’ve been going on a bit of a shopping spree lately.
I just ordered this iOptron SmartStar GOTO AltAz Mount. It is currently on sale at $199.00, and regularly sells for $243.00.
I’ve been looking for an inexpensive GOTO mount for my Coronado PST, and decided to give this one a try. It has a dovetail mount that will hold any telescope up to seven pounds and comes in several colors, reminiscent of the old iMacs (I picked blue).
There will also be a GPS Module available soon which I will probably get when it becomes available because I’ve become pretty lazy. These days all I want to do is turn on my telescope, have it figure out where it is and start showing me stuff.
(Remember when we had to FIND things through the eyepiece? We had to actually know something about where things were in the sky. Ah, how times have changed.)
Here’s their blurb:
The SmartStar™-E comes with our patented Alt-Azimuth Mount, a.k.a. The Cube™. This compact mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit which is universally compatible with all telescopes using a dove-tail connection. In addition, there are no “dead spots” – so you can point your telescope to ANYWHERE above the horizon, whereas, other mounts block the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. This mount also comes standard with AC connection. An optional DC adaptor is available so you can plug your telescope motor into your car if you’re camping or at any remote location. (Website)
While poking around the website, I saw that they sell this mount with a small refractor, which I was thinking might make a good beginner’s telescope. This 80mm achromatic refractor with the mount was listed at only $309.00, which seems a little too good to be true for me.
Depending on how I like the mount, I may order the scope as a possible Christmas gift. If you’re in the market for a scope for this year’s Mars opposition, this might be a good option. I’m not recommending it yet because I haven’t used it.
iOptron also has plans to sell small Maksutov-Cassegrain and Newtonian telescopes. Prices for these aren’t available yet, but hopefully these scopes will be ready to buy for Christmas.
At $199.00, I’m a little suspicious of the quality of this mount. Of all the parts that can make using your telescope a frustrating experience, it’s the mount. If it’s cheap, wobbly and loose, you won’t ever use the scope. It’s the one part you shouldn’t compromise on.
I’ll let you know if it’s worth the money.
All images from iOptron.com.
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1 opinion for iOptron SmartStar: An Inexpensive GOTO Mount for $199.00
Whoops, Unintended Haitus
Oct 12, 2007 at 10:11 am
[…] put my new iOptron goto mount through its paces and have lots to report about how good it is. I also have some new posts on […]
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