What is the purpose of the iOptron #3340-PST Mounting Bracket?
This bracket is designed to attach an optional polar scope to the iOptron PST Micro Tracker (#3680). The tracker itself does not have a built-in mount for a polar scope, so this bracket is the necessary hardware to add one for precise polar alignment.
Which polar scopes are compatible with the #3340-PST bracket?
The bracket is engineered to hold two specific iOptron products:
- iOptron AccuAlign dark field illuminated polar scope (#3330-HST)
- iOptron iPolar electronic polar scope (#3339)
Is this bracket included with the iOptron PST Micro Tracker (#3680)?
No. The #3340-PST Polar Scope Mounting Bracket is an optional accessory and must be purchased separately. It is considered an upgrade for users who want to achieve higher tracking accuracy than what is possible with a simple compass or smartphone app alignment.
Do I need this bracket for basic wide-angle nightscapes with my PST Micro Tracker?
For very wide lenses (e.g., 14mm to 35mm) and short exposures (under 30-60 seconds), you can often get acceptable results without a polar scope by doing a rough alignment. However, to eliminate star trails completely and enable longer exposures even with wide lenses, this bracket and a polar scope are highly recommended.
How does using the #3340-PST bracket and an iPolar help my images of the Orion Nebula (M42)?
To capture faint details in the Orion Nebula (M42) with a telephoto lens (e.g., 200mm or longer) on your PST Micro Tracker, you need very accurate tracking. The #3340-PST bracket allows you to mount an iPolar, which can achieve an alignment accuracy of a few arc-minutes. This precision prevents stars from trailing during the multi-minute exposures required to reveal the nebula's faint outer structures.
Is installation of the #3340-PST bracket difficult on the PST Micro Tracker?
No, installation is straightforward. The bracket is designed to attach directly to the side of the PST Micro Tracker (#3680) body using pre-existing mounting points. All necessary hardware is typically included with the bracket.
