What kind of telescopes can I use with the Explore Scientific Sidara Pro mount?
The Sidara Pro features a Vixen-style dovetail saddle and supports a payload of up to 11 lb (5.0 kg). Explore Scientific pairs it with 80mm and 102mm doublet refractors and a 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain in its own packages; check other tubes against the 11 lb figure.
Do I need to know the names of stars to align the Sidara Pro?
No. The Sidara Pro's SkyAssist system is designed for automated self-alignment. Once you level the mount, it aligns to true north and levels itself using built-in technology.
How do I power the Sidara Pro mount in the field?
The mount offers two power options: 8 AA batteries or a power bank.
Is the Sidara Pro good for long-exposure astrophotography?
The Sidara Pro's alt-azimuth design is optimized for visual observing and short-exposure planetary or lunar imaging. Like all alt-az mounts, it is subject to field rotation during long exposures, which makes it unsuitable for deep-sky astrophotography of nebulae and galaxies. It is meant for visual observing.
How does the SkyAssist app control the Sidara Pro mount?
Install SkyAssist from your app store, turn on the mount, launch the app and tap connect. Select an object from the astronomical catalogue and tap GoTo; the mount points the telescope at it and tracks it.
What is the benefit of the included hand controller if the Sidara Pro has an app?
It gives traditional handbox control, so you can run the mount without a phone.
How tall is the Sidara Pro mount when fully set up?
With the tripod legs fully extended and the mount head attached, the system reaches a maximum height of 52.5 inches. With legs retracted and the head attached it stands 35.5 inches.
Can the Sidara Pro track Jupiter across the sky for my family to view?
Yes. After the initial alignment, you can select Jupiter from the SkyAssist catalog. The mount will move the telescope to the planet and then automatically track it, keeping it centered in the eyepiece so everyone has a chance to see its cloud bands and moons.
I have a 102mm Explore Scientific refractor. Is the Sidara Pro a good match for it?
Explore Scientific sells the Sidara Pro with its 102mm f/6.5 doublet refractor (660mm) as a package. Other 102mm refractors vary in weight: an ED102 triplet tube is far heavier than 11 lb with accessories, so check your tube's weight first.
What is the total weight I'll be carrying for the Sidara Pro mount and tripod?
The combined weight of the Sidara Pro mount head and its tripod is only 6.1 kg (13.4 lb).
Does the Sidara Pro mount require a computer to operate?
No. The Sidara Pro is a self-contained system that can be operated entirely with either the included hand controller or a smartphone running the SkyAssist app. No laptop or external computer is needed for GoTo functionality.
How do I level the Sidara Pro mount for its automatic alignment?
To prepare for the automated alignment, you simply need to make the mount as level as possible by adjusting the tripod legs. Once level, the mount aligns to true north and levels itself.
