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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
iOptron AccuAlign TM Polar Scope for HST MiniTracker

iOptron AccuAlign TM Polar Scope for HST MiniTracker

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3330-HST
$99.00 - $99.00
$99.00
$99.00 - $99.00
$99.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Enables Precise Polar Alignment
  • Designed Specifically for the HST MiniTracker
  • Features an Intuitive Etched Reticle
  • Dramatically Speeds Up Field Setup Time
  • Essential for Long-Exposure Astrophotography
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • AccuAlignTM Polar Scope for HST MiniTracker

    The AccuAlignTM Polar Scope is an essential upgrade for the HST MiniTracker, transforming it into a capable tool for long-exposure astrophotography. By enabling fast and precise alignment with the celestial pole, this scope ensures your star tracker accurately follows the motion of the stars, eliminating trails and producing sharp, point-like images of faint deep-sky objects.

    Rapid and Accurate Polar Alignment for the HST MiniTracker

    Achieving a precise polar alignment is the single most critical step for successful imaging with a portable star tracker. The AccuAlignTM Polar Scope for the HST MiniTracker replaces guesswork with a direct, visual method to align your mount's axis of rotation with the Earth's. This accuracy is fundamental for preventing field rotation, allowing you to use longer shutter speeds to capture faint details in nebulae and galaxies without star trails.

    Intuitive Reticle and Seamless Integration

    This polar scope features an etched reticle designed for intuitive use in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The reticle typically displays constellations near the poles, such as Ursa Minor and Cassiopeia for the north, along with a calibrated circle showing the path of Polaris. This allows you to quickly place the pole star in the correct position, achieving an alignment in minutes that is far more accurate than what is possible with a simple sight tube or compass.

    Engineered specifically for the HST MiniTracker, the AccuAlignTM scope installs securely for a stable, reliable fit. Its purpose-built design ensures that the optical axis of the scope is perfectly parallel to the mount's rotation axis, a critical requirement for the alignment to be valid.

  • Why do I need the AccuAlign Polar Scope for my HST MiniTracker?

    For wide-angle shots under 30 seconds, a rough alignment might be sufficient. However, for using telephoto lenses or taking exposures several minutes long, a precise polar alignment is mandatory. The AccuAlign Polar Scope provides the accuracy needed to prevent star trails and field rotation in your long-exposure images.

    How do I use the AccuAlign Polar Scope to align my HST MiniTracker?

    First, you level the mount and point it roughly toward the celestial pole. You then use a smartphone app (like Polar Scope Align Pro or similar) to determine the current position of Polaris (or Sigma Octantis in the south) on the reticle's clock-face display. You then adjust the mount's altitude and azimuth controls to move the star to that exact position in the eyepiece view.

    Can I use the AccuAlign Polar Scope to image the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a 200mm lens?

    Yes, this is an ideal scenario for the AccuAlign Polar Scope. A 200mm lens requires a very accurate alignment to avoid star trailing, even on exposures of just 60-90 seconds. Using this scope to precisely align your HST MiniTracker is the key to getting sharp, detailed images of targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the Orion Nebula (M42).

    Is the AccuAlign Polar Scope's reticle illuminated?

    An illuminator is critical for seeing the reticle against a dark night sky. While many polar scopes have built-in or optional external illuminators, please check the "What's in the Box" tab to confirm if one is included with the AccuAlign Polar Scope for the HST MiniTracker.

    Is the AccuAlign Polar Scope difficult to install on the HST MiniTracker?

    No, it is designed for a custom fit on the HST MiniTracker. Installation typically involves threading the scope into a designated port on the mount. This ensures a secure and correctly aligned connection without the need for special tools.

    What is the advantage of the AccuAlign Polar Scope over a laser pointer for alignment?

    While a laser can help with rough alignment, it is far less precise than a polar scope. A polar scope magnifies the view of the pole, allowing for minute adjustments. Furthermore, using high-power lasers is restricted in many areas and poses a significant hazard to aircraft, making a polar scope the safer and more accurate method.

  • This product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. Please contact the manufacturer for details on warranty coverage and claims.