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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 iPolar™ Electronics Polar Scope

iOptron iPolar™ Electronics Polar Scope

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3339
$218.00 - $218.00
$218.00
$218.00 - $218.00
$218.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Achieves polar alignment precision of approximately 30 arcseconds
  • Wide ~13 degree field of view for easy pole acquisition
  • High-resolution sensor provides 30 arcsecond (approx.) resolution
  • Connects to your computer via a standard USB 2.0 interface
  • Designed for Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11 (64-bit) operating systems
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron iPolar™ Electronics Polar Scope

    The iOptron iPolar™ Electronics Polar Scope replaces the tedious process of optical polar alignment with a fast, digital solution capable of achieving 30-arcsecond precision. Its internal camera captures a wide, ~13-degree field of view of the polar region, and the iPolar software plate-solves the image to locate the celestial pole with a resolution of approximately 30 arcseconds. The entire process connects to your Windows computer via a single USB 2.0 cable, streamlining your setup and getting you on target faster.

    Fast Polar Alignment: 30 Arcsecond Precision via Plate Solving

    The core of the iPolar is its plate-solving capability. Instead of requiring you to identify faint stars like Polaris and manually center them in a reticle, the iPolar does the work for you. It takes a digital image, identifies the star patterns, and calculates the exact position of the celestial pole, guiding you to a precise alignment with on-screen instructions. This digital method consistently delivers an alignment with a maximum error of just 30 arcseconds, a critical factor for successful long-exposure astrophotography.

    iPolar vs. QHY Polemaster: No RA Rotation Required

    A key operational advantage of the iPolar is its ability to align your mount without requiring any rotation of the Right Ascension (RA) axis. Unlike competing systems that need to be rotated to find the axis of rotation, the iPolar's plate-solving algorithm determines the pole's location from a static position. This simplifies and accelerates the alignment process, especially in situations where your view is partially obstructed or you want to minimize any disturbance to your initial setup.

    Hardware and Connectivity: USB 2.0 Interface

    The iPolar is a compact and lightweight unit, weighing only 1 lb, making it a seamless addition to any compatible iOptron mount. It communicates with the control software through a standard USB 2.0 interface. This single-cable connection provides both data and power to the device, eliminating the need for a separate power supply and reducing cable clutter at the mount.

    Software Requirements: For Windows 7, 8.1, 10 & 11

    The iPolar is designed to operate exclusively with its dedicated software on specific Windows platforms. To use the device, you must have a computer running a 64-bit version of Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11 with Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or a later version installed. It is important to note that there is no officially supported, stable software for macOS, iOS, or Android, making the iPolar a Windows-only solution.

  • How does the iPolar's ~13 degree FOV help achieve a 30 arcsecond alignment?

    The wide ~13 degree field of view ensures that the camera can easily capture Polaris and the surrounding stars needed for a successful plate solve, even if the mount is not perfectly aimed at the pole initially. The software then uses this wide-field image to precisely calculate the pole's location, allowing the high-resolution sensor to guide you to a final alignment with 30 arcsecond precision.

    I use a MacBook for my astrophotography rig. Is the iPolar compatible?

    No, the iPolar is not officially supported on macOS. The control software is specifically written for 64-bit Windows operating systems (7, 8.1, 10, 11). Users on macOS, iOS, or Android platforms will not be able to operate the iPolar with official software and should consider this a critical factor before purchasing.

    What is the main advantage of the iPolar over a traditional optical polar scope?

    The primary advantages are speed, precision, and comfort. The iPolar's plate-solving is faster and more accurate than manually aligning stars in a reticle. It also eliminates the need to crouch or kneel in uncomfortable positions to look through a small optical scope, as the entire process is managed from your computer screen.

    Does the iPolar need a clear view of Polaris to work?

    Yes. Like any polar scope, the iPolar must have a direct line of sight to the north celestial pole (or south celestial pole in the southern hemisphere) to function. It relies on imaging the stars in that region to calculate the pole's position. Obstructions like trees or buildings will prevent it from working.

    What are the full system requirements for the iPolar software?

    You will need a computer with a 64-bit version of Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11. Additionally, your system must have Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or a later version installed for the software to run correctly. The device connects via a standard USB 2.0 port.

    Do I need to rotate my mount's RA axis when using the iPolar for alignment?

    No. A significant benefit of the iPolar's plate-solving method is that it does not require you to rotate the mount in Right Ascension. It can determine the pole's location from a single, static image, which simplifies and speeds up the alignment process compared to methods that rely on finding the center of rotation.

  • Alignment Precision 30 arcsec (Max.)
    Field of View (FOV) ~ 13 degrees
    Resolution ~ 30 arcsec
    Interface USB 2.0
    Software iPolar Software
    Operating System Windows 7/8.1/10/11 (64 bit)
    System Requirement Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or later
    Weight 1 lb
    Shipping Dimensions 6 x 5 x 3 in

    • iPolar Electronics Polar Scope

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  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty