{"product_id":"ioptron-8955","title":"iOptron MiniTower Pro\/II Altitude Gear and Clutch 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 performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduces gear backlash and slipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnhances stability for heavier telescope payloads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestores original pointing and tracking accuracy\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\u003eDownloads\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\u003eMiniTower Pro\/II Altitude Gear and Clutch Upgrade Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe iOptron MiniTower Pro\/II Altitude Gear and Clutch Upgrade Kit is the official factory solution for restoring and enhancing the core performance of your MiniTower Pro or MiniTower II mount. This kit directly addresses common issues like altitude axis slippage and increased backlash that can develop over time, ensuring your mount operates with renewed precision. It is the definitive path to improving the stability and tracking accuracy for both visual observing and imaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRestore Precision to Your Mount's Altitude Axis\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've noticed your GoTo slews are less accurate than they used to be, or if the altitude axis struggles to hold a heavier or slightly imbalanced telescope, this upgrade kit is the answer. By replacing the key components of the altitude drive and clutch system, you can significantly reduce mechanical play and slipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis results in smoother, more responsive altitude adjustments and more reliable tracking for short-exposure astrophotography. The enhanced clutch engagement provides a more secure hold, giving you confidence that your telescope will stay pointed exactly where you want it, even when loaded with cameras and other accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-bg-light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFactory-Spec Upgrade for MiniTower Pro \u0026amp; II Mounts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a genuine iOptron component set, this kit is engineered for a perfect fit with both the MiniTower Pro and MiniTower II alt-azimuth mounts. There is no need for modification or guesswork; these parts are designed to replace the original hardware directly, restoring the mount to factory specifications or better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstallation provides a noticeable improvement in the mount's mechanical feel and operational reliability. For owners of these classic iOptron mounts, this kit is an essential investment to extend their operational life and maintain the high level of pointing accuracy they were known for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhich iOptron mounts is the Altitude Upgrade Kit compatible with?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis upgrade kit is designed specifically for the \u003cstrong\u003eiOptron MiniTower Pro\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eiOptron MiniTower II\u003c\/strong\u003e alt-azimuth GoTo mounts. It is not compatible with other iOptron mount series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat improvements will I see after installing this MiniTower Upgrade Kit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstalling this kit typically results in several key improvements:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmoother Altitude Motion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reduces jerkiness during slewing and manual adjustments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduced Backlash:\u003c\/strong\u003e Increases the precision of GoTo pointing and autoguiding corrections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImproved Stability:\u003c\/strong\u003e The enhanced clutch provides a stronger grip, preventing slippage with heavier or off-balance telescope setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eIs the MiniTower Pro\/II Upgrade Kit difficult to install myself?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe kit is intended for user installation. However, it does require some mechanical aptitude and comfort with disassembling and reassembling parts of the mount head. Following the installation instructions carefully is crucial. If you are not confident in performing the upgrade, seeking assistance from an experienced user or technician is recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWill this upgrade kit help with imaging on my MiniTower II mount?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. While alt-azimuth mounts are best suited for short exposures on objects like the Moon and planets, this upgrade can improve your results. By reducing backlash and ensuring smoother tracking, the kit helps produce rounder stars and sharper details in your images by minimizing mechanical tracking errors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhy does my MiniTower Pro mount slip in the altitude axis?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAltitude slipping can occur for a few reasons, including normal wear on the clutch components over years of use, or when using a telescope that is near the mount's payload limit. This upgrade kit replaces those wear-prone parts with new, robust components to restore a secure hold on the altitude axis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eDoes the MiniTower Upgrade Kit include all necessary parts?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, the kit is designed to be a comprehensive replacement for the altitude gear and clutch mechanism. It includes the necessary components to overhaul the altitude drive system on a compatible MiniTower mount.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron_MiniTowerPro_Manual.pdf\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003csvg class=\"DAV-img-box\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M0 64C0 28.7 28.7 0 64 0L224 0l0 128c0 17.7 14.3 32 32 32l128 0 0 144-208 0c-35.3 0-64 28.7-64 64l0 144-48 0c-35.3 0-64-28.7-64-64L0 64zm384 64l-128 0L256 0 384 128zM176 352l32 0c30.9 0 56 25.1 56 56s-25.1 56-56 56l-16 0 0 32c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-48 0-80c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 80c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24s-10.7-24-24-24l-16 0 0 48 16 0zm96-80l32 0c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48l0 64c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48l-32 0c-8.8 0-16-7.2-16-16l0-128c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16zm32 128c8.8 0 16-7.2 16-16l0-64c0-8.8-7.2-16-16-16l-16 0 0 96 16 0zm80-112c0-8.8 7.2-16 16-16l48 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 32 32 0c8.8 0 16 7.2 16 16s-7.2 16-16 16l-32 0 0 48c0 8.8-7.2 16-16 16s-16-7.2-16-16l0-64 0-64z\" fill=\"#0047a7\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eDownload Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\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":52917317697821,"sku":"IOP-8955","price":108.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-MiniTower-Pro-II-Altitude-Gear-and-Clutch-Upgrade-Kit-1_9c6b1376-7504-46f2-a3c8-697c00e1b8f0.jpg?v=1789142692","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr-us\/products\/ioptron-8955","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}