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Pier Top Plate
This Pier Top Plate is intended to adapt iOptron mounts to various piers; one customer reports that he had to drill out the plate's threaded holes to attach a GEM45 to an iOptron Tri-Pier 360. This plate is a component for custom mounting solutions and is not a direct, bolt-on fit for all combinations.
A Note on Compatibility: One Customer's GEM45 Setup
One customer reports that all the holes on this plate are threaded, as are the mounting holes on his iOptron Tri-Pier 360. To attach a GEM45, he drilled out the plate's four 8 mm holes to a smooth bore and countersank them for 8 mm flat head bolts. iOptron publishes no compatibility list for this plate.
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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.
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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.
Will this Pier Top Plate work with my iOptron GEM45 out of the box?
One customer reports that it did not: to attach a GEM45 to an iOptron Tri-Pier 360 he had to drill out the plate's threaded holes. 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.
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No downloads are available for this product.
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iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty
