iOptron MiniTower Advanced Portable GoTo Altazimuth Mount with Metal Case, Tripod, Supports 25 lbs.

2009-07-07T21:00:00

I dealt with Alen at ext 2263 and he answered all my questions in great detail. I've had another goto system with 20,000 data base but this Ioptron blows the other away with its 130,000 data base, I can't believe the difference. don't be afraid of it cause of its GPS and setting it up . I use great care when leveling it and the GPS is dead on. I only use the one star align and its right on - simple . The tripod is a very strong system - I set mine up about 200 feet from Rail road tracks and when the train goes by it doesn't effect it at all. Everything is strongly built to last - highly recommend this unit .

sudzmonn

2009-02-14T19:00:00

Looked for a while a grab 'n go mount not too heavy but capable for at least 20 lbs. The Minitower came up fitting in all my requirements for solar obseration. Tracking was perfect. I consider the metal carry case and all the accessories are specal gift for the money.

James

2009-02-08T19:00:00

When received the package, I set up the unit without read the manual (actually there was no printed manual, a CD in the package instead). Assembling was easy, probably less than 10 min for the first time. The 1.5” stainless steel tripod was solid and much better than I expected (I read some review that I thought the tripod was a weak link). The first evening was cloudy and almost impossible for any star alignment. I used a compass to line the south and did the leveling with the built in bulb. I randomly chose Mercury and let the mount slewed from parking position. Did not anticipate anything, but surprised to me a star was in the field of view of a 25 mm EP through the edge of a cloud. Amazing, it was Mercury. I have been using a few goto mounts and personally owned two, this one is certainly the best. Besides the mount and tripod, all the other included accessories worth maybe $100-150.

Sam L.

2008-09-17T21:00:00

This mount is a good combination of compact and capability, quality and price. I originally thought this was another cheap and low quality Chinese stuff, it turned out an excellent one. This reminded me the Japaness cars 20-30 years ago.

Spacenut