{"product_id":"ioptron-8955-dkl","title":"iOptron MiniTower Pro\/II Altitude Locking Knob Upgrade Kit","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect upgrade for iOptron MiniTower Pro and MiniTower II mounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproves altitude axis locking and stability\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge, easy-to-grip design\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for use with gloves in cold weather\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHelps prevent slippage with heavier or unbalanced telescopes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- more --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAQ\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the Box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWarranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section-center\"\u003e\n      \u003ch2\u003eMiniTower Pro\/II Altitude Locking Knob Upgrade Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThis Altitude Locking Knob Upgrade Kit is a direct-fit replacement for the original knob on the iOptron MiniTower Pro and MiniTower II mounts. It is designed to provide significantly more leverage and a more secure grip, solving the common issue of altitude axis slippage with heavier telescope optical tubes. The larger, more ergonomic design makes adjustments easier and more precise, especially when operating in cold conditions with gloves on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eA Secure Grip for Field Operations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe stock altitude knob on the MiniTower series can be difficult to fully tighten, leading to frustration in the field. This upgrade features a larger, more textured surface that you can easily grip and turn, even while wearing thick winter gloves. This improved ergonomic design ensures you can apply enough torque to securely lock the altitude axis without struggling, making your observing sessions smoother and more enjoyable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n      \u003ch3\u003eEnhanced Stability for Heavier Telescopes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eWhen you mount a larger SCT or a refractor with a heavy diagonal and eyepiece, the stock locking knob may not be sufficient to prevent the telescope from slowly drifting downwards. This upgrade kit provides the mechanical advantage needed to create a firm, reliable lock on the altitude clutch. By ensuring the axis remains fixed, it protects your GoTo accuracy and prevents your target from drifting out of the field of view during observation or imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat problem does the MiniTower Pro\/II Altitude Locking Knob Upgrade Kit solve?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis upgrade kit addresses two common issues with the stock iOptron MiniTower Pro and MiniTower II mounts: \u003cstrong\u003einsufficient locking power\u003c\/strong\u003e on the altitude axis, which can cause heavier telescopes to slip, and a \u003cstrong\u003esmall, hard-to-grip knob\u003c\/strong\u003e that is difficult to operate, especially with gloves in cold weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhich iOptron mounts is this upgrade kit compatible with?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThis kit is specifically designed as a direct-fit upgrade for the \u003cstrong\u003eiOptron MiniTower Pro\u003c\/strong\u003e and the \u003cstrong\u003eiOptron MiniTower II\u003c\/strong\u003e alt-azimuth mounts. It is not intended for other iOptron mount models.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill this upgrade kit help prevent my telescope from slipping in altitude?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. The primary benefit of this upgrade is its ability to provide a much tighter, more secure lock on the altitude axis. The increased leverage from the larger knob allows you to clamp the clutch more firmly, effectively preventing altitude drift and slippage, even with optical tubes that are near the mount's payload capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the MiniTower Pro\/II Altitude Locking Knob Upgrade Kit difficult to install?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eInstallation is straightforward. The upgrade knob is designed to be a direct replacement for the original factory knob. You simply unscrew the old knob and screw the new one on in its place, with no special tools required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI use my MiniTower Pro in the winter. Will this knob be easier to use with gloves on?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The larger diameter and more substantial grip of the upgrade knob are a significant improvement for cold-weather observing. It allows for easy operation even when wearing thick gloves, eliminating the frustration of trying to manipulate the smaller stock knob with cold or covered hands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eMy 6\" SCT is causing my MiniTower II to drift. Will this upgrade kit provide a more secure lock?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes, this is an ideal scenario for this upgrade. A 6\" Schmidt-Cassegrain (SCT) can be demanding for the MiniTower's altitude clutch. This upgrade kit will give you the necessary leverage to lock the axis firmly, stopping the slow drift and ensuring your telescope stays pointed exactly where your GoTo system placed it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eiOptron MiniTower Pro, iOptron MiniTower II\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFunction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReplaces stock altitude axis locking knob\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n    \u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eAltitude Locking Knob Upgrade Kit\u003c\/p\u003e\n        \u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n      \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eiOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917317992733,"sku":"IOP-8955-DKL","price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-MiniTower-Pro-II-Altitude-Locking-Knob-Upgrade-Kit-1_608df0c5-f620-45c2-ada7-0fcdf6ec7c8a.jpg?v=1789142700","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/en-us\/products\/ioptron-8955-dkl","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}