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iOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope

iOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope

by iOptron
SKU IOP-3339-034
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 with 30 arcsecond resolution
  • Wide 13° field of view for robust plate-solving
  • Simple Mini USB 2.0 interface for power and data
  • Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 (32/64 bit)
  • Designed for external mounting on iOptron iEQ30 & iEQ45 Pro mounts
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • iOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope

    The iOptron iPolar Electronic Polarscope replaces traditional optical alignment with a digital camera system that achieves a resolution of 30 arcseconds, powered by a single Mini USB 2.0 connection. With its wide 13° field of view, the included software can plate-solve and find the celestial pole on any compatible Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 computer, even when Polaris is completely obstructed. This 5 VDC system eliminates the need to kneel behind the mount, providing a fast, accurate alignment directly from your laptop screen.

    30 Arcsecond Alignment Accuracy, No Polaris Required

    The core of the iPolar system is its ability to deliver precise polar alignment with a resolution of 30 arcseconds without needing a direct line of sight to Polaris or Sigma Octantis. By imaging the sky and plate-solving the starfield, the software calculates the exact position of the celestial pole. This means you can achieve a perfect alignment even if your view is blocked by trees, buildings, or passing clouds—conditions that make a traditional polar scope unusable.

    Wide 13° Field of View for Reliable Plate Solving

    A successful plate-solve depends on capturing a sufficient number of stars. The iPolar's generous 13° field of view ensures it sees a large enough patch of sky to identify the star patterns reliably, even in areas with few bright stars or under light-polluted suburban skies. This wide-field capability is key to its "anywhere on Earth" functionality, making it a robust tool for imagers at any latitude.

    Simple USB 2.0 Power and Windows Connectivity

    The iPolar is engineered for simplicity, using a single Mini USB 2.0 connection for both power and data transfer from your Windows PC. The device is plug-and-play, requiring no special drivers for your computer to recognize it. This external version is specifically designed to attach to iOptron iEQ30, iEQ30 Pro, iEQ45, and iEQ45 Pro equatorial mounts, integrating seamlessly with your existing setup.

    The Digital Advantage: Faster Setups than Optical Polar Scopes

    Compared to a traditional optical polar scope, the iPolar workflow is a significant upgrade in comfort and efficiency. There is no need to crouch or kneel behind the mount, squint through a small eyepiece, or manually rotate the RA axis to align a reticle. The entire process is displayed on your laptop screen with clear instructions, making alignment faster and less physically demanding. The only trade-off is the requirement of a computer at the telescope, a standard component of most modern astrophotography rigs.

  • How does the iOptron iPolar work without a view of Polaris?

    The iOptron iPolar uses a digital camera and sophisticated software to take a picture of the sky near the pole. It then performs a plate-solve, identifying the star patterns in the image to calculate the precise location of the true celestial pole, even if the pole star itself is hidden. The software then guides you to adjust your mount until it's perfectly aligned.

    Can I use this iOptron iPolar on a mount other than an iEQ30 or iEQ45?

    This specific model is designed for external mounting on the iOptron iEQ30, iEQ30 Pro, iEQ45, and iEQ45 Pro mounts. iOptron offers different versions of the iPolar and separate adapters to fit a wide variety of other mounts. You must use the correct adapter for your specific mount model.

    My backyard has a tree blocking Polaris. Can the iOptron iPolar still get an accurate alignment for imaging the Orion Nebula (M42)?

    Yes, absolutely. This is a primary advantage of the iPolar. As long as the camera can see a patch of sky near the pole (even if Polaris itself is blocked by the tree), it can plate-solve and guide you to a 30 arcsecond alignment. This level of accuracy is more than sufficient for long-exposure imaging of deep-sky targets like the Orion Nebula (M42).

    What are the power requirements for the iOptron iPolar?

    The iPolar is very efficient and is powered directly from your computer via a single Mini USB 2.0 cable. It operates on 5 VDC supplied by the USB port, so no external power supply is needed.

    Do I need to install special drivers for the iOptron iPolar on my Windows 10 laptop?

    No. The iOptron iPolar is a plug-and-play device on compatible Windows operating systems (Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10). Your computer should recognize it automatically without the need for manual driver installation. You will only need to download and install the iPolar software itself.

    I have an iOptron iEQ45 Pro mount. Will this iPolar provide enough accuracy for long-exposure astrophotography with my 8" SCT?

    Yes. The iPolar's 30 arcsecond resolution provides a highly accurate polar alignment that is ideal for autoguided, long-exposure astrophotography, even with the long focal length of an 8" SCT. A precise alignment reduces the workload on your autoguider, leading to rounder stars and better tracking performance.

  • Field of View 13°
    Resolution 30 arcsec
    Interface Mini USB2.0
    Power 5 VDC, USB
    Compatible Operating Systems Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10; 32 or 64 bit
    Package Weight 0.575 lb
    Box Dimensions (LxWxH) 5.8 x 5.2 x 3.3"
  • iOptron 2-Year Limited Warranty