{"product_id":"ioptron-8340-pier","title":"iOptron Star Knobs with Center Post","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eErgonomic star shape for enhanced grip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntegrated center post protects equipment surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal replacement for standard bolts on mounts and accessories\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFacilitates easy adjustments, even with gloves on\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\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\u003eStar Knobs with Center Post\u003c\/h2\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThis set of Star Knobs with Center Posts offers a significant ergonomic upgrade for securing your telescope accessories. Designed to replace standard hex bolts or small, hard-to-turn knobs, they provide superior grip and leverage, making field adjustments faster and easier, especially in cold weather while wearing gloves. The integrated center post provides a smooth, non-marring contact point, protecting the finish on your dovetail bars and other equipment.\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\u003eErgonomic Control for Field Adjustments\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eThe star-shaped design allows you to get a firm, comfortable grip that a simple round knob or a hex bolt cannot match. This gives you better mechanical advantage to securely lock down components like guide scopes, finder brackets, or counterweights without needing tools. In the dark, the distinct shape is easy to find and operate by feel alone.\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\u003eProtective Center Post Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n      \u003cp\u003eA key feature of these knobs is the integrated center post. When tightened, this smooth post makes contact with your equipment first, preventing the threaded part of the bolt from digging into and scratching the anodized finish of your dovetail bars or accessory plates. This small detail preserves the condition and resale value of your gear over time.\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\"\u003eWhy should I upgrade my mount's bolts to these Star Knobs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eUpgrading to these \u003cstrong\u003eStar Knobs\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a major improvement in user-friendliness. They allow for tool-free adjustment of your equipment, provide significantly more grip for secure tightening, and are much easier to handle than small bolts, especially when wearing gloves in cold conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the purpose of the center post on these Star Knobs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ecenter post\u003c\/strong\u003e is a non-threaded, smooth tip that extends beyond the threads. Its purpose is to press against your equipment, such as a dovetail bar, without marring the surface. This prevents the threads from scratching or gouging the finish, which is a common issue with standard bolts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do these Star Knobs improve setup on a German Equatorial Mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOn a German Equatorial Mount (GEM), these knobs are ideal for replacing the bolts used for securing the telescope's dovetail saddle, adjusting counterweights, or locking down finder scopes. The enhanced grip makes it easier and safer to secure heavy equipment in the dark, reducing the risk of accidents during setup and breakdown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan these Star Knobs help secure a guide scope more effectively?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. Many guide scope rings use simple bolts with small heads that are difficult to tighten sufficiently by hand. Replacing them with these \u003cstrong\u003eStar Knobs\u003c\/strong\u003e allows you to apply more torque comfortably, ensuring your guide scope is rigidly held in place to prevent any flexure that could ruin a long exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I determine if these Star Knobs will fit my telescope or mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBecause thread sizes vary widely between manufacturers (e.g., M6, M8, 1\/4\"-20), you must verify the thread size and length required for your specific application. The best way to do this is to take one of your existing bolts to a local hardware store and use their thread-checking tools to determine its specifications before purchasing a replacement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n    \u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eAre these Star Knobs suitable for adjusting polar alignment?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eWhile they can replace some hardware, they are generally best for securing accessories. Polar alignment bolts for altitude and azimuth often require finer control or are a specific design (like a T-handle bolt) integrated into the mount head. These knobs are better suited for saddle plates, counterweight safety screws, and accessory rings.\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      \n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n  \u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n    \n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo product-specific downloads are available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact us for warranty information on this product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917281980701,"sku":"IOP-8340-Pier","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-Star-Knobs-with-Center-Post-1_c9496c2f-ff15-4c98-9efd-e4472a087d51.jpg?v=1789141847","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/ioptron-8340-pier","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}