iOptron Dual Mount: Alt-Azimuth & German Equatorial – The Cube™

The SmartStar^® Cube^TM-A comes with our patented Dual Mount: Alt-Azimuth & German Equatorial, a.k.a. The Cube™. This compact mount design is probably the most functional and flexible unit on the market. Both axis motors are built into a small single unit which is universally compatible with all telescopes using a dove-tail connection. The mount can be level for Alt-Azimuth or locked into position for German Equatorial. In addition, there are no “dead spots” – so you can point your telescope to ANYWHERE above the horizon, whereas, other mounts block the telescope tube at certain points of rotation. This mount also comes standard with AC connection. An optional DC adaptor is available so you can plug your telescope motor into your car if you’re camping or at any remote location.

The most easy to understand controller on the market

The GoToNova^® Controller is much easier to use than other similar products. The hand controller is more intuitive with menu categories better organized. It also has the largest LCD screen on the market with 8 lines of content compared with others that only have 2 lines. Using the easy-to-use hand controller, you can easily set up your telescope and select where you want to go.

More precise speed control for viewing objects

The control system also allows you to slew the telescope at 9 different drive speeds, keeping the object within the telescope’s viewfinder for as long as you wish. 

USB Port

The #8401 hand controller comes with a USB port that tremendously expands the functionalities of the already powerful system. With the USB2COM driver installed, the USB port works as an RS232 serial port. It supports firmware upgrades and computer control.

Stainless Steel Tripod

Made of 1.25-inch heavy-duty stainless steel the Cube™ Tripod is sturdy yet elegant, and gives the user unparalleled stability during operation.

GoToNova^® Computerized Control System

The revolutionary GoToNova^® computerized control system is by far the most technologically advanced automated tracking system available on the market today.  With a database of 130,000 celestial objects, including all of the most famous galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, not to mention the planets, you’ll be able to enjoy star gazing with the simple push of a button.

32-Channel GPS Module

All A-series telescopes come standard with a 32-channel GPS module for fully automated operation and alignment. Simply turn on the GoToNova^® Controller and the GPS module will automatically synchronize your telescope location and time with the GoToNova^® computerized control system. View celestial objects without having to manually punch in the date, time, latitude or longitude.