iOptron Pier Top Plate for AZMP/MT Mounts
- Adapts iOptron AZMP and MT mounts to compatible piers
- Solid metal construction for stable, secure mounting
- Pre-drilled and threaded for AZMP/MT bolt patterns
- Can be modified to fit GEM45 mounts
This iOptron Pier Top Plate provides the factory-intended connection between an iOptron AZMP or MT series mount and a compatible pier, such as the iOptron Tri-Pier. For these specific mounts, the plate serves as a direct, bolt-on adapter. Note that adapting this plate for use with a GEM45 mount requires significant user modification, including drilling and countersinking the mounting holes.
This plate is engineered as the standard adapter for iOptron's AZMP and MT mount heads. The hole pattern and threads are machined to align directly with the base of these mounts, creating a secure, stable platform without any modification. If you own an AZMP or MT mount, this is the correct component for pier installation.
While this plate can be used to attach a GEM45 mount to a pier, it is not a drop-in solution. The mounting holes on the plate are threaded, but the corresponding holes on piers like the Tri-Pier are also threaded. To achieve a secure connection, you must drill out the threads on the plate and countersink the holes so that flat-head bolts can sit flush with the surface.
This modification is a common DIY project for users wanting to adapt this hardware, but it requires access to a drill press, the correct drill bits, and a countersink bit. This is not a manufacturing defect; it is a known requirement when using this plate outside of its primary design for AZMP/MT mounts.
This Pier Top Plate is specifically designed for a direct, bolt-on fit with iOptron AZMP and iOptron MT series mounts. For these models, no modification is necessary.
Yes, but it requires user modification. The plate's threaded holes must be drilled out to a smooth bore and then countersunk to accept mounting bolts. It is not a direct fit for the GEM45 out of the box.
You will need a drill or drill press, an appropriately sized drill bit to remove the existing threads (e.g., 8mm for M8 threads), and a countersink bit. This ensures the bolts that fasten the plate to the pier can sit flush or below the top surface, allowing the mount to sit flat.
The plate is designed with threaded holes for the AZMP/MT mounting system. However, many piers also have threaded holes. You cannot fasten a bolt through two sets of threaded holes. The modification involves removing the threads from the plate, turning it into a pass-through, so that a bolt can engage the threads in the pier itself.
While it can be made to work with the modifications described, iOptron may offer a different adapter plate specifically for the GEM45 that would not require machining. This plate is the correct part for AZMP/MT mounts, but for a GEM45, it should be considered a "DIY" solution.
Mounting hardware is typically not included. You will need to source the correct bolts for your specific mount and pier combination. For a modified GEM45 installation, this would likely involve flat-head machine screws of the appropriate thread and length for your pier.
| Note | Requires some machining for the GEM45 |
Pier Top Plate
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