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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.

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iOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope for HEM15/HEM27/HEM44 Mounts

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3339A-HEM
Original price $223.00 - Original price $223.00
Original price
$223.00
$223.00 - $223.00
Current price $223.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Achieves polar alignment precision of approximately 30 arcseconds
  • Designed for internal installation on iOptron HEM15, HEM27, and HEM44 mounts
  • Simple USB 2.0 interface connects directly to a PC
  • Uses dedicated iPolar software for a streamlined alignment process
  • Compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11 (64-bit)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty
  • iOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope for HEM15/HEM27/HEM44 Mounts

    The iOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope for HEM mounts replaces traditional optical alignment with a digital workflow, achieving a maximum alignment precision of 30 arcseconds. This internal version connects via USB 2.0 to a Windows 7/8.1/10/11 PC, using the iPolar software to guide you to a perfect alignment in minutes, without ever needing to kneel behind the mount.

    30 Arcsecond Precision via iPolar Software

    The core of the iPolar system is its ability to deliver repeatable, high-precision polar alignment essential for long-exposure astrophotography. With a resolution of approximately 30 arcseconds, the camera can detect minute deviations from the celestial pole, allowing you to make precise adjustments using your mount's altitude and azimuth bolts.

    The process is entirely screen-based. After connecting the iPolar to your Windows PC via USB 2.0, the software displays a live view from the camera, identifies the pole star, and shows its correct position on a digital reticle. You simply adjust the mount until the star is centered on the target—no complex reticle interpretation or uncomfortable viewing positions required.

    Seamless Internal Design for HEM15, HEM27 & HEM44 Mounts

    This version of the iPolar is engineered specifically for internal installation within iOptron's HEM15, HEM27, and HEM44 series mounts. Unlike external, bolt-on polar scopes, this integrated design ensures the iPolar is always perfectly aligned with the mount's Right Ascension axis, protected from accidental bumps, and ready to use at a moment's notice.

    Because it becomes a permanent part of the mount, you eliminate a common source of error and setup time. There is no need to attach, align, and remove an accessory for each imaging session, streamlining your field setup and breakdown process significantly.

    iPolar vs. Optical Polar Scopes: A 21st Century Workflow

    While a traditional optical polar scope is a reliable tool that requires no power or software, the iPolar offers critical advantages for the modern imager. The most significant is the ability to align the mount even when the pole star, Polaris, is obstructed by trees or buildings.

    • Ease of Use: The iPolar's on-screen guides eliminate the need to interpret complex, rotating reticles and orient them for the current date and time. The software does the calculations for you.
    • Comfort: All adjustments are made while comfortably viewing a laptop screen, removing the need to kneel or contort your body to look through a small eyepiece at the back of the mount.
    • Sensitivity: The electronic camera is sensitive enough to plate-solve the starfield near the pole. This allows for accurate alignment even if you can't see Polaris directly, a task impossible for an optical scope.
  • What is the main benefit of the iOptron iPolar for my HEM27 mount?

    The primary benefit is achieving a fast, comfortable, and highly accurate polar alignment with a precision of 30 arcseconds. This level of accuracy is crucial for preventing field rotation in long-exposure images. The internal design means it's always aligned and ready to go.

    What computer and software do I need to use the iPolar?

    You will need a computer running a 64-bit version of Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, with Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or later installed. The iPolar uses its own dedicated iPolar Software, which is available for download from the iOptron website.

    My backyard view of Polaris is blocked by a tree. Can I still use the iPolar with my HEM44 mount?

    Yes. This is a major advantage of the iPolar. The camera is sensitive enough to identify the star patterns around the celestial pole. As long as it can see a portion of the sky near the pole, it can plate-solve and determine the pole's location, allowing you to achieve a precise alignment even without a direct line of sight to Polaris.

    How does the iPolar's 30 arcsecond precision help my astrophotography?

    An alignment error of just a few arc-minutes can cause stars at the edge of your frame to trail or appear as tiny arcs over a long exposure. By achieving an alignment with 30 arcsecond precision, you minimize this tracking error at its source, resulting in sharper stars across the entire field of view, especially with longer focal length telescopes.

    Do I need to remove the internal iPolar from my HEM15 mount for transport?

    No. The internal iPolar is designed to be a permanent component of the mount. Once installed, it is protected within the mount's chassis and does not need to be removed for transport or storage, which simplifies your setup process.

    Is the iPolar compatible with Mac or Linux operating systems?

    No, the official iPolar software is specified for Windows operating systems only (Windows 7/8.1/10/11, 64 bit). There is no native support for macOS or Linux.

  • Alignment Precision 30 arcsec (Max.)
    Resolution ~30 arcsec
    Interface USB 2.0
    Software iPolar Software
    Operating System Windows 7/8.1/10/11, 64 bit, with Microsoft .NET Framework 4.8 or later
    Warranty One year limited
    • iPolar Electronic Polarscope for HEM15/HEM27/HEM44

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  • iOptron 2-Year Telescope and 1-Year Accessory Warranty