iOptron SkyHunter EQ/AZ Mount

A 2.9 lb GoTo Mount for Portable Astrophotography

The mount head weighs 2.9 lbs (1.3kg) with its internal battery. It is the lightest and most compact full-function portable GoTo mount in the iOptron range.

It supports a balanced payload of up to 7 lbs (3.2kg), excluding counterweight, in both equatorial and altazimuth modes.

Hybrid EQ/AZ Operation with 0° to 90° Bases

The SkyHunter works as an altazimuth (AZ) mount or, on an EQ base, as an equatorial mount. It attaches to a camera tripod with 3/8" or 1/4" threads.

On the EQ base (included with the EQ/AZ versions), the RA axis is polar aligned, so tracking runs on one axis and avoids field rotation. All four tracking rates work in both hemispheres.

• Standard EQ Base: Included with EQ/AZ and EQ/AZ w/ iPolar versions, it has a 0º to 80º altitude range and ±5º azimuth adjustment.
• Precision AZ/EQ Base: Included with Precision Base versions, it has a 0º to 90º altitude range and ±5º azimuth adjustment.

Balancing a 7 lb Payload on a 2.9 lb Mount Head

The maximum payload is 7 lbs (3.2kg), balanced and excluding counterweight. Every version includes a stainless steel Φ20mm x 200mm counterweight shaft and a single 3 lb (1.3 kg) counterweight.

To balance, the manual says to loosen the RA and DEC clutches; on the SkyHunter the dovetail bar also acts as the RA clutch lock. For low-latitude use the counterweight shaft can go into a second thread so the counterweight clears the tripod.

GoTo and Tracking with Φ77 mm, 144-Tooth Worm Wheels

At the core of the SkyHunter's tracking system are Φ77 mm, 144-tooth worm wheels on both axes, driven by DC servo motors with optical encoders. The drive uses a synchronous belt transmission, and the worm period is 600 seconds.

The GoTo system can slew to objects at a maximum speed of 4.5° per second (1080X), quickly moving between targets. Once an object is centered, the mount offers multiple tracking rates to match your target:

• Celestial: The standard sidereal rate for tracking stars, galaxies, and nebulae.
• 1/2 Celestial: iOptron's rate for sky and landscape combined.
• Solar & Lunar: Rates for the Sun and the Moon.

Wireless Control via Wi-Fi and ASCOM Compatibility

The SkyHunter can be controlled from an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet over its built-in Wi-Fi; the manual covers iOptron Commander Lite and lists SkySafari.

Through the mini USB port, a computer can control the mount via ASCOM (Windows) or directly with software such as SkySafari (Mac OS); INDI is also supported. Autoguiding is ASCOM compatible. The Go2Nova 8410 hand controller is optional.

Internal Battery Rated for 10 Hours

A rechargeable Li-Poly battery is built directly into the mount head, providing up to 10 hours of operation at 20ºC. It is a 3.7V, 2000mAh battery, with 4600mAh for the Precision Base versions.

The battery charges through the MiniUSB (5V) port from a computer, a smartphone charger or a portable power bank, and the mount can be operated while charging. Do not charge or use USB power at or below 0°C. A slowly blinking battery indicator means the power is low.

Polar Alignment: Sight Hole or iPolar

For a rough alignment, face the RA axis to true north and set the altitude to your latitude. For a better one, aim through the polar sight hole on the RA axis at Polaris (or Sigma Octantis) and adjust azimuth and altitude until it is centered.

The "w/ iPolar" versions include the iPolar electronic polar scope, which slides over the bubble level housing. Install the iPolar software (Windows, or the MacOS App Store), connect the iPolar to the computer with a miniUSB cable, click Connect and follow the on-screen instructions.

Vixen Saddle, Counterweights, and Tripod Integration

The SkyHunter has a Vixen-type dovetail saddle. The body base connects by a Vixen dovetail or a 3/8” socket, and the head attaches to the EQ base by its dovetail bar.

Every SkyHunter package includes a 3 lb (1.3 kg) counterweight and a Φ20 x 200mm stainless steel counterweight shaft with a 3/8" thread. The "Tripod Kit" versions add the #3221 stainless steel tripod and the #8041 pier extension (Φ80x190 mm).

Metal Frame and a -10ºC to 40ºC Range

The SkyHunter has a metal frame and is rated for -10ºC to 40ºC. The firmware is upgradeable through the USB port, on Windows only.

Choosing Your iOptron SkyHunter Version

The SkyHunter is offered in multiple configurations to match your specific needs, differing in the included base, polar scope, and tripod.

• SkyHunter AZ: The mount head alone, for pure alt-azimuth GoTo use.
• SkyHunter EQ/AZ: Adds the standard EQ base (0º to 80º latitude range) for both AZ and EQ operation.
• SkyHunter EQ/AZ w/ iPolar: The EQ/AZ package plus the iPolar electronic polar scope.
• SkyHunter EQ/AZ w/ iPolar & Precision Base: Swaps the standard EQ base for the Precision AZ/EQ base (0º to 90º latitude) and includes the iPolar.
• Mount Only vs. Tripod Kit: All of the above configurations are available as a "Mount Only" package (you supply the tripod) or as a "Tripod Kit" that includes the #3221 stainless steel tripod and #8041 pier extension.

Your First Night Out with the SkyHunter Mount

For an EQ session, first set up the tripod and level it. Attach the EQ base and adjust its latitude scale to match your location. Mount the SkyHunter head, attach the counterweight shaft and counterweight, and then mount your telescope. Balance the payload in both RA and DEC axes with the clutches loose, then lock them.

Next, polar align through the sight hole or with the iPolar. Power on the mount and connect from your phone or tablet over Wi-Fi to start GoTo.