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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.
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 Pier Top Plate

iOptron Pier Top Plate

by iOptron
SKU IOP-8032PT
$60.00 - $60.00
$60.00
$60.00 - $60.00
$60.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Adapts select iOptron mounts to piers
  • All-metal construction
  • Requires modification for some mount/pier combinations
  • Pre-threaded mounting holes
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Availability Info
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Pier Top Plate

    This Pier Top Plate is intended to adapt iOptron mounts to various piers; however, for use with the iOptron GEM45 mount, user modification is required as of September 20, 2023. This plate is a component for custom mounting solutions and is not a direct, bolt-on fit for all combinations.

    A Note on Compatibility: Machining Required for GEM45 Mounts

    This adapter plate features threaded mounting holes. Certain iOptron piers, such as the Tri-Pier, also have threaded holes for attaching the mount. To successfully mate the Pier Top Plate to such a pier for use with a GEM45, you must drill out the threads on the plate to create smooth, unthreaded through-holes, allowing bolts to pass through the plate and secure into the pier.

    • Required Modification: The plate's threaded holes must be drilled out to a smooth bore to work with piers that also have threaded mounting holes.
    • Intended User: This product is for observers comfortable with performing minor machining to achieve a custom fit.
    • Check Your Pier: Before purchasing, verify the mounting hole style on your pier. If your pier requires bolts to pass through the adapter plate, be prepared to modify this plate.

  • What is the purpose of this Pier Top Plate?

    This Pier Top Plate is designed as an adapter to connect an equatorial mount head to a pier. It is a utility component intended for creating a secure, custom-fit connection between specific mounts and piers.

    What specific modification is needed to use this Pier Top Plate with a GEM45 mount on a Tri-Pier?

    To use this plate with a GEM45 mount and an iOptron Tri-Pier, you will need to drill out the threads in the plate's mounting holes. This creates a smooth through-hole, allowing you to pass a bolt through the plate and tighten it into the existing threads on the pier itself.

    Will this Pier Top Plate work with my iOptron GEM45 out of the box?

    No. As of late 2023, direct use with a GEM45 mount on certain piers requires modification. The plate is supplied with threaded holes, which may conflict with the threaded holes on your pier, necessitating the user to drill them out.

    Why do the holes on the Pier Top Plate need to be drilled out for some applications?

    A standard mounting system involves a bolt passing through a smooth hole in one component and threading into a tapped (threaded) hole in the other. If both this plate and your pier have threaded holes, a bolt cannot pass through. Drilling out the plate's threads removes this obstruction and allows for a secure connection.

    What tools are required for modifying this Pier Top Plate?

    You will need a drill bit correctly sized for the bolts you intend to use, a drill or drill press, and appropriate safety equipment. Depending on the bolt heads used, you may also need a countersink bit to ensure the bolts sit flush with the plate's surface.

    Is this Pier Top Plate compatible with mounts other than the GEM45?

    Compatibility with other mounts is not guaranteed and depends entirely on the hole pattern of the mount and the pier. This plate should be considered a semi-finished component for custom projects. Always measure your mount's bolt pattern before purchasing.

  • Compatibility Note Requires some machining for the GEM45 (as of September 20, 2023)

    • Pier Top Plate

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  • No downloads are available for this product.

  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty