{"product_id":"ioptron-3680","title":"iOptron PST Micro Tracker","description":"\u003cul class=\"DAV-feature-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePayload Capacity: 3 kg (6.6 lbs)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMount Weight: 390 gm (0.86 lbs) with battery\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking Speeds: Solar, Lunar, 1X Celestial, 1\/2X Celestial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBattery Duration: Up to 10 hours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCharging Port: USB Type-C\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\u003ePST Micro Tracker\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PST Micro Tracker packs a 3 kg (6.6 lbs) payload capacity into a CNC-machined all-metal body that weighs a mere 390 gm. Its internal Li-Poly battery provides up to 10 hours of silent tracking for capturing sharp, long-exposure images of the night sky, and the entire unit measures a compact 76x63x56 mm for ultimate portability on any adventure.\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\u003e3 kg Payload Capacity with a Worm Gear Drive\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its minimal footprint, the PST Micro Tracker supports camera and lens combinations up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs), making it ideal for most mirrorless or DSLR wide-field setups. The internal worm\/gear system ensures smooth, consistent tracking to prevent star trails in your images. Four tracking speeds (Solar, Lunar, full-speed 1X Celestial, and 1\/2X Celestial) allow you to follow any target or create stunning nightscapes where both the stars and foreground remain sharp.\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\u003eUltra-Portable at 390 g with a 10-Hour Internal Battery\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEngineered for the traveling astrophotographer, the tracker's 390 gm weight and compact 76x63x56 mm body make it virtually unnoticeable in a camera bag. The integrated Li-Poly battery delivers up to 10 hours of continuous operation on a full charge. For extended sessions or multi-night trips, the mount can be powered or recharged in the field via its USB Type-C port from any standard 5V power bank.\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\u003eFlexible Mounting with a Vixen Base and 3\/8\"-16 Threads\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PST Micro Tracker is designed for universal compatibility. Its base features a Vixen-style dovetail bar with both 3\/8”-16 and 1\/4”-20 threaded sockets, allowing it to mount securely to any photo tripod or astronomical mount. A Ø48 mm mounting block with a 3\/8”-16 post accepts a wide range of camera ball heads for easy framing. For precise polar alignment, the tracker is compatible with optional accessories like an EQ base and either an iPolar or AccuAlign polar scope.\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\u003ePST Micro Tracker vs. Larger Trackers: The 390g Portability Advantage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile larger star trackers may offer higher payload capacities, they often weigh several times more than the PST Micro Tracker's 390 gm. This makes the Micro Tracker the superior choice for situations where every gram counts, such as airline travel, backpacking, or hiking to remote dark-sky sites. You get the core functionality needed for high-quality wide-field astrophotography without the bulk and weight of a traditional equatorial platform.\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\"\u003eWhat kind of camera setup can the PST Micro Tracker handle with its 3kg payload?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e3 kg (6.6 lbs) payload capacity\u003c\/strong\u003e of the PST Micro Tracker is sufficient for most DSLR or mirrorless cameras equipped with wide-angle to short-telephoto lenses (e.g., 14mm up to 200mm). Always include the weight of the ball head when calculating your total payload.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eHow do I polar align the PST Micro Tracker?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PST Micro Tracker requires an optional equatorial base and a polar scope for accurate alignment. You can use either the optional iPolar electronic polar scope for a fast, precise digital alignment or a traditional illuminated AccuAlign optical polar scope. Without these, only very short exposures with wide lenses are possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eWhat is the 1\/2X tracking speed on the PST Micro Tracker used for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e1\/2X Celestial speed\u003c\/strong\u003e tracks the stars at half their normal rate. This is a specialized mode for nightscape photography where you want to capture both a detailed starry sky and a sharp landscape in a single exposure. It splits the difference in apparent motion, reducing star trailing while also minimizing foreground blur.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the PST Micro Tracker to image the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with a 200mm lens?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, provided your total camera, lens, and ball head weight is under the \u003cstrong\u003e3 kg payload limit\u003c\/strong\u003e. A 200mm lens is approaching the practical limit for a tracker of this size, so a very precise polar alignment using an optional iPolar or AccuAlign scope will be critical to achieving sharp, untrailed stars in exposures longer than 30-60 seconds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eI'm hiking to a dark sky site. How does the PST Micro Tracker's power system support multi-night imaging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe PST Micro Tracker is ideal for this scenario. Its internal battery lasts for up to \u003cstrong\u003e10 hours\u003c\/strong\u003e, covering a full night of imaging. For subsequent nights, you can recharge it during the day or run it continuously from a small, portable \u003cstrong\u003e5V USB power bank\u003c\/strong\u003e via the USB-C port, ensuring you never run out of power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"DAV-accordion-Q\"\u003eCan I use the PST Micro Tracker in the Southern Hemisphere?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"DAV-accordion-A\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The PST Micro Tracker has a North\/South (N\/S) switch that reverses the motor direction, making it fully functional for astrophotography in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"DAV-specifications\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUltra Compact Single-axis Tracking Mount\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePayload (Max)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3kg (6.6 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMount Weight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e390 gm with battery (0.86 lbs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e76 x 63 x 56 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCNC All metal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrive Train\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorm\/gear system\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTracking Speeds\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolar, Lunar, 1X Celestial, 1\/2 Celestial, N\/S\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuick Slew\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes, for camera framing adjustment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower Source\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInternal Li-Poly battery or external 5V power bank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBattery Duration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUp to 10 hours (at 20ºC)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCharging Port\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB Type-C 5V 1A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBallhead Mounting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eØ48 mm block w\/ 3\/8”-16 post\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBase Connection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVixen type dovetail bar with 3\/8”-16 socket \u0026amp; 1\/4”-20 converter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolar Scope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional iPolar or AccuAlign TM Polar Scope\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEQ Base\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOptional #3327 or #3328\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e-10°C to 45°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"DAV-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003ePST Micro Tracker Camera Mount\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eLi-Poly Rechargeable Battery\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e(Installed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003e3\/8” and 1\/4” Threaded Converter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e(Installed)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eSoft Cloth Drawstring Bag\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"DAV-grid-item\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-title\"\u003eUSB-A to USB-C Charging Cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DAV-item-subtitle\"\u003e× 1\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/pages\/ioptron-warranty-policy\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eiOptron 1-Year Limited Warranty\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iOptron","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52917285159197,"sku":"IOP-3680","price":321.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0753\/5280\/1565\/files\/iOptron-PST-Micro-Tracker-1_f5f4326f-d936-4c72-8c9a-80ee2523ca0b.jpg?v=1789141906","url":"https:\/\/davidastro.com\/fr\/products\/ioptron-3680","provider":"David Astro","version":"1.0","type":"link"}