issdaol
26-01-2013, 10:38 AM
Hi All,
I decided to split this thread from my TSA thread as the Ioptron Mount does need to be covered in independent discussion.
Having Purchased a Takahashi TSA120 for my Son and Family as a Grab and Go Refractor, I decided to purchase a Ioptron Minitower Pro (MTPRO).
Main Needs Were:
-Low Weight and Portability
-Handle TSA120 Payload with Extra Capacity Allowance
-Easy Setup and Breakdown
-Ease of Use with GOTO and Tracking & GPS
-Ability to Plug into Laptop or Iphone/Ipad
-Visual Astronomy Use
I also decided that it would be good for him to learn on an Alt/Az mount then move into a GEM after he had much more practical experience.
The Ioptron seemed to be the only ideal fit available in a Alt/Az mount to meet all the specifications.
The mount and tripod come in 2 separate double cardboard boxes. Unlike Takahashi who lines each box with foam the Ioptron is just double cardboard boxes and the only packing foam is in the inner box for the tripod. However the Mount is sent in a custom lined silver case and appears to be well packed, protected and easy to transport.
Also supplied in the mount case is the Hand Controller, Hand Controller Cable, 240 to 12v Power Pack, USB Cable, a 12v Cable with a Lighter Socket Plug, Tripod Level Adjustment screws, spare Vixen and Losmandy Saddles, and a counterweight. So you have everything to connect and get the mount up and running in one tidy case.
The Ioptron Pro Tripod is the heavier 2inch version and I would suggest based on current experience with this tripod is that this would be the minimum size that should be purchased to give reasonable stability.
The legs on the tripod are extendable and have a simple locking lever which is easy to operate. Lock down seems to be rock solid as I tested the movement of the legs against heavy load and they did not budge. There is no tray or spreader arms to assist with stability although there is a heavy plastic tripod support bracket to helps with that which gets screwed down after the mount is screwed onto the top of the tripod. The plastic tripod support bracket is relatively small and has 3 indentations (one for each leg) which helps locate and lock the legs just under the base of the tripod top.
The top of the tripod has 6 threaded holes. 3 of these (inner holes) are used for the Level Adjustment Screws which is Ioptron’s unique way to support and help level the mount (even if the tripod is not level). The level adjustment screws have one threaded side and one plane rounded off side separated by a plastic knob. The outer 3 holes appear to be used for options like the Pier Adapter.
The bottom of the tripod legs have extendable rubber protected tips to assist reduce vibration and help reduce slippage/movement on uneven surfaces. These tips would not have to be extended unless the surface was very uneven or rocky.
First Issue I noted was that the rubber tips broke up and fell apart on the first evening of use. As the surface was a flat cement surface this meant that the rubber was very old or had been exposed to some condition to make it brittle. I quick photo the next day was sent to AEC & Ioptron and within 2 days I had an express package with replacement rubber feet.
Second Issue I noted is that the threaded holes for the Tripod Level Adjustment screws have not been threaded properly making it extremely difficult to thread the screws in. This can be overcome by working the screws through completely several times.
Third issue was with one of the tripod legs. All three legs should be oriented exactly the same with the lock lever and 2 screws facing inward towards the vertical central position of the mount. In my case one leg was oriented outwards. While this does not hinder the operation of the tripod itself, it does mean that it is impossible to fit upgrades to the tripod legs (like spreader arms and tray). Photos once again sent to AEC & Ioptron. AEC response was good however Ioptron made the excuse that all legs were fitted like this so any tripod could have an offset facing leg. After talking to other Ioptron Owners and Ioptron Service Agent I confirmed that no one had ever seen a tripod with this problem before. Ioptron are considering Air Freighting out a replacement tripod.
The mount itself is quite a simple cube arrangement with power switch, 12v power port, power LED and 2 x HBX ports. The HBX ports are for the Hand Controller and accessories such as auto focuser or auto guider. There is a battery compartment to power the unit from 8 AA Batteries if needed. The Standard attached dovetail is the Vixen Style however a Losmandy D Style Saddle is also supplied along with a spare Vixen Saddle to attach a second scope.
The side with the power switch and other ports also has the Alt/Dec clutch lock wheel and the extendable counterweight shaft. Instead of attaching a counterweight one can choose to attach the spare Vixen or Losmandy Dovetail and mount another scope.
On the opposing edges there is a small “S” with an arrow denoting which side Ioptron expects you to orient the mount facing south and on the other opposing edge is a bubble level for ensuring the mount is level.
On the bottom of the mount there is a place in the centre to attach a 3 prong washer and azimuth clutch locking handle (both supplied in the case). You will also find 3 small receptacles which should line up and mate with the non threaded side of the Tripod Level Adjustment screws.
Setting Up & Tips:
First thing is to attach the 3 prong washer and azimuth clutch locking handle to the bottom of the mount. The washer and handle can only go in one way so this is pretty straightforward. Also the mount can be packaged back into the case with this done so it does not need to be done again.
When setting up the Ioptron it is vital to ensure that the tripod is leveled without the mount attached. Using a good spirit level to level up across all 3 leg axis by adjusting each of the legs.
TIP: After leveling the tripod itself Screw in the 3 x Level Adjustment Screws about halfway into the inner 3 holes on the top of the tripod then level up across all three axis, resting the top of the level across the top of 2 Adjustment Screws at a time in each axis. Adjust the level by adjusting the screws in or out (not the tripod legs). This will ensure that when you sit the mount onto the adjustment screws that it will already be completely level.
Reason for leveling the mount this way is because in the large majority of Ioptron Minitower Mounts the inbuilt bubble level is not accurate and can be anywhere from a small way out to seriously out. If you look at my attached picture you can see that my unit’s bubble level is a fair way out as the mount is sitting on a flat reference surface but the level shows off.
TIP: Make sure that the tripod is oriented is such a way that when the Mount “S” South pointer is pointing true South that the Dovetail is situated equally between 2 tripod legs otherwise there is the possibility of the OTA hitting the tripod leg when it slews (especially from and to Park position)
Apart from balancing the OTA the leveling of the tripod is the lengthiest part of the process. I now have it down to 5 minutes to orient and level the tripod + secure the mount.
Place the mount on top of the tripod ensuring that the 3 locators on the bottom of the mount line up and sit onto the leveling screws such that it is securely in place. Then tighten up the tripod rod ensuring that the slots in the tripod support bracket are lined up with each tripod leg. This completely locks down the tripod legs and mount.
Make any final fine adjustments (leveling & direction)the ensure that mount is level and pointing true south then tighten up the azimuth clutch lock all the way so the mount cannot swivel manually.
If you are using a scope the size of the Tak TSA120 undo the counter balance shaft lock and extend the shaft. Lock the counterbalance shaft then attach the counterweight. The counterweight has a small brass pin inside the hole where the counterweight locking knob is located. When you tighten the counterweight locking knob the brass pin is pushed out and lock into a groove on the counterbalance shaft ensuring that the counterweight stays securely in-place.
Lock down the Alt/Dec clutch and Mount the OTA into the dovetail saddle. You will need to balance the OTA on this Axis ensuring that you have it fully configured for your heaviest loading. I found that the clutch will slip if you do not balance for the heaviest load.
This is also where I encountered another Ioptron Issue. The Alt/Dec clutch material appears to be made from material that is too heavy. What this means is that when you tighten the Alt/Dec clutch it will lock frozen into place. The only thing that would get it to loosen was a strap wrench on the Clutch Handle and counter bar in the Dovetail Saddle and a considerable amount of force. Also the clutch using the factory standard material can disengage at random potentially allowing the OTA to smash into the tripod legs.
Research the forums and talking to other Ioptron shows that this has been an ongoing fault that Ioptron have neglected to fix since 2010. Thankfully there is a cheap independent fix available which is a replacement Teflon clutch. I have sourced and installed the new Teflon clutch and it definitely solves the issue making the clutch much more progressive and secure to lockdown.
Installing the replacement Teflon Alt/Dec clutch is as simple as removing the counterweight locking knob, then remove the alt/dec clutch handle, take out the 4 hex bolt screws in the silver panel (clutch side) remove the factory clutch and replace with the Teflon clutch then putting everything back together. All up taking 20-30 minutes.
Once the OTA is balanced, the OTA should be placed in the “Park Position” which is the starting point that the Ioptron expects the scope to be in. This position has the OTA objective pointing towards zenith. Connect the hand controller and power and power up the mount.
The controller display is really easy to read at night and on first power-up the 32 channel GPS is initialised and shows Date/Time, GPS Coordinates. The GPS status will show GPS on at this stage. It takes several minutes for the GPS to get a lock then GPS Status should change to GPS OK.
You are now ready to run a one or two star alignment procedure to align the mount with celestial targets. If you want you can skip the one or two star alignment and manually line on a known target and choose sync to target method.
I decided to split this thread from my TSA thread as the Ioptron Mount does need to be covered in independent discussion.
Having Purchased a Takahashi TSA120 for my Son and Family as a Grab and Go Refractor, I decided to purchase a Ioptron Minitower Pro (MTPRO).
Main Needs Were:
-Low Weight and Portability
-Handle TSA120 Payload with Extra Capacity Allowance
-Easy Setup and Breakdown
-Ease of Use with GOTO and Tracking & GPS
-Ability to Plug into Laptop or Iphone/Ipad
-Visual Astronomy Use
I also decided that it would be good for him to learn on an Alt/Az mount then move into a GEM after he had much more practical experience.
The Ioptron seemed to be the only ideal fit available in a Alt/Az mount to meet all the specifications.
The mount and tripod come in 2 separate double cardboard boxes. Unlike Takahashi who lines each box with foam the Ioptron is just double cardboard boxes and the only packing foam is in the inner box for the tripod. However the Mount is sent in a custom lined silver case and appears to be well packed, protected and easy to transport.
Also supplied in the mount case is the Hand Controller, Hand Controller Cable, 240 to 12v Power Pack, USB Cable, a 12v Cable with a Lighter Socket Plug, Tripod Level Adjustment screws, spare Vixen and Losmandy Saddles, and a counterweight. So you have everything to connect and get the mount up and running in one tidy case.
The Ioptron Pro Tripod is the heavier 2inch version and I would suggest based on current experience with this tripod is that this would be the minimum size that should be purchased to give reasonable stability.
The legs on the tripod are extendable and have a simple locking lever which is easy to operate. Lock down seems to be rock solid as I tested the movement of the legs against heavy load and they did not budge. There is no tray or spreader arms to assist with stability although there is a heavy plastic tripod support bracket to helps with that which gets screwed down after the mount is screwed onto the top of the tripod. The plastic tripod support bracket is relatively small and has 3 indentations (one for each leg) which helps locate and lock the legs just under the base of the tripod top.
The top of the tripod has 6 threaded holes. 3 of these (inner holes) are used for the Level Adjustment Screws which is Ioptron’s unique way to support and help level the mount (even if the tripod is not level). The level adjustment screws have one threaded side and one plane rounded off side separated by a plastic knob. The outer 3 holes appear to be used for options like the Pier Adapter.
The bottom of the tripod legs have extendable rubber protected tips to assist reduce vibration and help reduce slippage/movement on uneven surfaces. These tips would not have to be extended unless the surface was very uneven or rocky.
First Issue I noted was that the rubber tips broke up and fell apart on the first evening of use. As the surface was a flat cement surface this meant that the rubber was very old or had been exposed to some condition to make it brittle. I quick photo the next day was sent to AEC & Ioptron and within 2 days I had an express package with replacement rubber feet.
Second Issue I noted is that the threaded holes for the Tripod Level Adjustment screws have not been threaded properly making it extremely difficult to thread the screws in. This can be overcome by working the screws through completely several times.
Third issue was with one of the tripod legs. All three legs should be oriented exactly the same with the lock lever and 2 screws facing inward towards the vertical central position of the mount. In my case one leg was oriented outwards. While this does not hinder the operation of the tripod itself, it does mean that it is impossible to fit upgrades to the tripod legs (like spreader arms and tray). Photos once again sent to AEC & Ioptron. AEC response was good however Ioptron made the excuse that all legs were fitted like this so any tripod could have an offset facing leg. After talking to other Ioptron Owners and Ioptron Service Agent I confirmed that no one had ever seen a tripod with this problem before. Ioptron are considering Air Freighting out a replacement tripod.
The mount itself is quite a simple cube arrangement with power switch, 12v power port, power LED and 2 x HBX ports. The HBX ports are for the Hand Controller and accessories such as auto focuser or auto guider. There is a battery compartment to power the unit from 8 AA Batteries if needed. The Standard attached dovetail is the Vixen Style however a Losmandy D Style Saddle is also supplied along with a spare Vixen Saddle to attach a second scope.
The side with the power switch and other ports also has the Alt/Dec clutch lock wheel and the extendable counterweight shaft. Instead of attaching a counterweight one can choose to attach the spare Vixen or Losmandy Dovetail and mount another scope.
On the opposing edges there is a small “S” with an arrow denoting which side Ioptron expects you to orient the mount facing south and on the other opposing edge is a bubble level for ensuring the mount is level.
On the bottom of the mount there is a place in the centre to attach a 3 prong washer and azimuth clutch locking handle (both supplied in the case). You will also find 3 small receptacles which should line up and mate with the non threaded side of the Tripod Level Adjustment screws.
Setting Up & Tips:
First thing is to attach the 3 prong washer and azimuth clutch locking handle to the bottom of the mount. The washer and handle can only go in one way so this is pretty straightforward. Also the mount can be packaged back into the case with this done so it does not need to be done again.
When setting up the Ioptron it is vital to ensure that the tripod is leveled without the mount attached. Using a good spirit level to level up across all 3 leg axis by adjusting each of the legs.
TIP: After leveling the tripod itself Screw in the 3 x Level Adjustment Screws about halfway into the inner 3 holes on the top of the tripod then level up across all three axis, resting the top of the level across the top of 2 Adjustment Screws at a time in each axis. Adjust the level by adjusting the screws in or out (not the tripod legs). This will ensure that when you sit the mount onto the adjustment screws that it will already be completely level.
Reason for leveling the mount this way is because in the large majority of Ioptron Minitower Mounts the inbuilt bubble level is not accurate and can be anywhere from a small way out to seriously out. If you look at my attached picture you can see that my unit’s bubble level is a fair way out as the mount is sitting on a flat reference surface but the level shows off.
TIP: Make sure that the tripod is oriented is such a way that when the Mount “S” South pointer is pointing true South that the Dovetail is situated equally between 2 tripod legs otherwise there is the possibility of the OTA hitting the tripod leg when it slews (especially from and to Park position)
Apart from balancing the OTA the leveling of the tripod is the lengthiest part of the process. I now have it down to 5 minutes to orient and level the tripod + secure the mount.
Place the mount on top of the tripod ensuring that the 3 locators on the bottom of the mount line up and sit onto the leveling screws such that it is securely in place. Then tighten up the tripod rod ensuring that the slots in the tripod support bracket are lined up with each tripod leg. This completely locks down the tripod legs and mount.
Make any final fine adjustments (leveling & direction)the ensure that mount is level and pointing true south then tighten up the azimuth clutch lock all the way so the mount cannot swivel manually.
If you are using a scope the size of the Tak TSA120 undo the counter balance shaft lock and extend the shaft. Lock the counterbalance shaft then attach the counterweight. The counterweight has a small brass pin inside the hole where the counterweight locking knob is located. When you tighten the counterweight locking knob the brass pin is pushed out and lock into a groove on the counterbalance shaft ensuring that the counterweight stays securely in-place.
Lock down the Alt/Dec clutch and Mount the OTA into the dovetail saddle. You will need to balance the OTA on this Axis ensuring that you have it fully configured for your heaviest loading. I found that the clutch will slip if you do not balance for the heaviest load.
This is also where I encountered another Ioptron Issue. The Alt/Dec clutch material appears to be made from material that is too heavy. What this means is that when you tighten the Alt/Dec clutch it will lock frozen into place. The only thing that would get it to loosen was a strap wrench on the Clutch Handle and counter bar in the Dovetail Saddle and a considerable amount of force. Also the clutch using the factory standard material can disengage at random potentially allowing the OTA to smash into the tripod legs.
Research the forums and talking to other Ioptron shows that this has been an ongoing fault that Ioptron have neglected to fix since 2010. Thankfully there is a cheap independent fix available which is a replacement Teflon clutch. I have sourced and installed the new Teflon clutch and it definitely solves the issue making the clutch much more progressive and secure to lockdown.
Installing the replacement Teflon Alt/Dec clutch is as simple as removing the counterweight locking knob, then remove the alt/dec clutch handle, take out the 4 hex bolt screws in the silver panel (clutch side) remove the factory clutch and replace with the Teflon clutch then putting everything back together. All up taking 20-30 minutes.
Once the OTA is balanced, the OTA should be placed in the “Park Position” which is the starting point that the Ioptron expects the scope to be in. This position has the OTA objective pointing towards zenith. Connect the hand controller and power and power up the mount.
The controller display is really easy to read at night and on first power-up the 32 channel GPS is initialised and shows Date/Time, GPS Coordinates. The GPS status will show GPS on at this stage. It takes several minutes for the GPS to get a lock then GPS Status should change to GPS OK.
You are now ready to run a one or two star alignment procedure to align the mount with celestial targets. If you want you can skip the one or two star alignment and manually line on a known target and choose sync to target method.