What is the difference between the AZ Mount Pro versions?
All three versions use the same AZ Mount Pro head with a 33 lb primary payload, 10-hour battery, GPS, WiFi and Go2Nova 8407 hand controller. The LiteRoc Tripod version adds the 1.75" stainless steel LiteRoc tripod and a 10 lb counterweight. The Tri-Pier version adds the more rigid iOptron Tri-Pier and a 10 lb counterweight. The Head Only version includes no tripod, pier or counterweight, so choose it if you already own a compatible support.
How does the "Level and Go" alignment on the AZ Mount Pro work?
After you level the tripod or pier and turn the mount on, its internal 32-channel GPS determines your precise location, date and time. Position and angular detection sensors then calculate the telescope's orientation relative to the sky. With this data, the GoToNova® system builds a sky model without requiring you to point at any alignment stars, so it works even from a balcony where Polaris is not visible.
What telescopes can I use with the AZ Mount Pro's 33 lb payload capacity?
The 33 lb primary payload capacity suits a wide range of popular instruments, including Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes up to 8 inches (like a Celestron C8), Maksutov-Cassegrains up to 7 inches, 4-5" apochromatic refractors and short, lightweight Newtonians. A 100mm f/7 refractor, typically 10-12 lbs, is handled with ease. A counterweight is recommended with heavier instruments like an 8" SCT to ensure proper balance and motor performance; it is included with the LiteRoc and Tri-Pier versions.
How does the secondary payload saddle on the AZ Mount Pro work?
The AZ Mount Pro has a mounting point on the opposite side of the main saddle that accepts an optional secondary Vixen-style saddle. This lets you mount a second, smaller instrument of up to 10 lbs, such as a wide-field refractor for finding objects or a camera with a telephoto lens, alongside your main telescope.
How do I control the AZ Mount Pro with my smartphone or tablet?
The AZ Mount Pro has a built-in WiFi adapter, so no extra accessories are needed. Connect your smartphone or tablet to the mount's WiFi network, then use iOptron's Commander Lite app or a planetarium app like SkySafari Plus/Pro for point-and-click GoTo control. For PC control, the mount is compatible with the ASCOM platform.
How long does the AZ Mount Pro's internal battery last?
The built-in 11.1V, 4.4Ah Li-ion battery provides up to 10 hours of runtime at 20ºC on a full charge. That is enough to track planets like Jupiter and Saturn, slew across the sky and explore the 212,000+ object database for an entire evening without any external power source. The included charger accepts 100-240V AC.
Can I do astrophotography with the AZ Mount Pro?
The AZ Mount Pro is excellent for planetary, lunar and solar imaging, and for short-exposure EAA (Electronically Assisted Astronomy) where you stack many exposures, typically under 30 seconds. As an alt-azimuth mount, however, it causes field rotation that trails stars in exposures longer than about 30-60 seconds. For long-exposure deep-sky imaging of nebulae and galaxies, a German equatorial mount is required.
