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iOptron iPolar Internal Electronic Polar Scope for CEM40 Mounts

iOptron iPolar Internal Electronic Polar Scope for CEM40 Mounts

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3339A-040
CA$333.00 - CA$333.00
CA$333.00
CA$333.00 - CA$333.00
CA$333.00
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  • Achieves polar alignment to a resolution of 30 arcseconds
  • Wide 13° field of view for rapid plate solving
  • Installs internally on iOptron CEM40 and GEM45 mounts
  • Simple plug-and-play operation via a Mini-USB 2.0 port
  • Software compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 (32/64 bit)
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron iPolar Internal Electronic Polar Scope for CEM40 Mounts

    The iOptron iPolar Internal Electronic Polar Scope replaces traditional optical alignment with a digital camera system capable of 30 arcsecond resolution. Its wide 13° field of view allows the included software to plate solve the sky and guide you to a precise alignment, even when the pole star is completely obstructed. Powered by a 5 VDC Mini-USB 2.0 connection, the iPolar is fully compatible with Windows operating systems from 7 through 10 in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

    30 Arcsecond Precision Without a Pole Star

    The core of the iPolar system is its ability to deliver highly accurate polar alignment without needing a direct line of sight to Polaris or Sigma Octantis. The camera's sensitive sensor and wide 13° field of view capture enough of the circumpolar region for the software to identify star patterns and calculate the true celestial pole's exact location. This allows you to achieve an alignment accuracy of 30 arcseconds, a level of precision essential for long-exposure astrophotography, from locations with obstructed views, light pollution, or even thin clouds.

    Internal Design for CEM40 & GEM45 Mounts

    Specifically designed for the iOptron CEM40 and GEM45 equatorial mounts, the iPolar installs directly into the mount's Right Ascension (RA) axis. This internal placement is a significant advantage over external alignment cameras, as it eliminates the risk of snagging cables and requires no additional brackets or counterweights. The entire system is self-contained within the mount chassis, preserving the clean ergonomics and balance of your setup while drawing 5 VDC power through a standard Mini-USB 2.0 interface.

    Software-Guided Workflow for Windows 7-10

    iOptron has simplified the alignment process to a simple, on-screen routine. The iPolar is a plug-and-play device, requiring no special drivers for computers running Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10. Once connected, the downloadable software displays a live view from the camera and provides clear, unambiguous instructions to center your mount on the pole. The entire process is visual, removing the guesswork and physical discomfort of crouching behind a traditional optical polar scope.

    iOptron iPolar vs. Optical Scopes: The End of Polar Star Dependence

    While a traditional optical polar scope is self-contained and requires no power, its utility ends the moment Polaris is hidden. The iPolar excels in precisely these compromised conditions.

    • Obstructed Views: The iPolar's plate-solving works as long as it can see a portion of the sky near the pole. Trees, buildings, and balcony railings that make optical alignment impossible pose no challenge.
    • Ease of Use: There is no need to kneel on wet ground or contort your body to look through a small eyepiece. The entire alignment is done comfortably from your laptop screen.
    • Repeatable Accuracy: The software-driven process eliminates the subjectivity of aligning reticle patterns by eye, delivering a repeatable alignment resolution of 30 arcseconds every time.

  • My CEM40 mount is set up behind my house where Polaris is blocked. Can the iOptron iPolar still align it?

    Yes, absolutely. This is the primary advantage of the iPolar. It does not need to see the pole star directly. As long as the camera can see a patch of sky near the celestial pole, its plate-solving software can determine the pole's location and guide you to a precise alignment with 30 arcsecond accuracy.

    I do my imaging from a light-polluted city. Will the iOptron iPolar for my GEM45 still work effectively?

    Yes. The iPolar is designed to work well in light-polluted conditions. The software is adept at picking out stars against a bright sky background, often performing more reliably than the human eye can through an optical scope in the same conditions. It can even work through thin clouds.

    What is the alignment accuracy of the iOptron iPolar?

    The iOptron iPolar is rated to achieve a polar alignment resolution of 30 arcseconds. This level of precision is more than sufficient for critical long-exposure astrophotography, ensuring minimal field rotation and tight, round stars.

    Which operating systems are compatible with the iOptron iPolar software?

    The iPolar software is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of these operating systems. The device itself is plug-and-play and does not require manual driver installation.

    How is the iOptron iPolar powered?

    The iPolar is powered directly from your computer via a standard Mini-USB 2.0 port. It requires a 5 VDC supply, which is standard for USB connections, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.

    Does the iOptron iPolar fit mounts other than the CEM40 and GEM45?

    No, this specific model is designed exclusively for the internal polar scope housing of the iOptron CEM40 and GEM45 mounts. iOptron makes other versions of the iPolar for different mounts, but this unit is mechanically tailored for a seamless fit within these two models.

  • Field of View 13°
    Resolution 30 Arcsec
    Interface Mini-USB 2.0
    Power Requirement 5 VDC, USB
    Compatible OS Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32 or 64 bit)
    Package Weight 0.965 lb
    Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 5.7 x 5.2 x 3.2"

    • iPolar Electronic Polar Scope

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  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty