http://www.skyandtelescope.com.au 63iOptron SkyTracker Pro
ioptron.com • Starting at US$299
This new and improved redesign of the SkyTracker (opposite
page) sports a much more refined alt-azimuth adjustment for
dialing in polar alignment, and it uses the same (excellent)
polar-alignment scope that also works with the iOptron Polar
Scope app. It’s powered with an internal rechargeable battery
that can drive the mount for up to 24 hours and recharges in 5
hours through a micro USB port. Its polar-alignment scope has
adjustable brightness levels, and the unit includes both ¼-20
and^3 / 8 -inch threaded attachments. Like its predecessor, the
SkyTracker Pro includes four tracking rates and can be used in
both Hemispheres. It also features a 180× slewing mode in RA
to help frame your subject. The SkyTracker Pro weighs 1.2 kg
with a maximum payload capacity of 3 kg.
StarSync Tracker
starsynctrackers.com • Starting at US$239.95The StarSync Tracker is essentially a barn door mount, constructed
of aluminium and stainless steel weighing 1.7 kg. A bare-bones
version is aligned by sighting along the hinge; a green-laser-pointer
accessory, available to provide more accurate polar alignment, might
be a problem at public dark sky star parties. It’s powered with 12
volts DC (also an additional accessory) and can track for up to 2½
hours before its drive mechanism has to be reset. The unit has a
built-in alt-azimuth camera swivel mount with a ¼-20 tripod thread.Sightron Nano Tracker
omegon.eu • Starting at US$308This compact drive is about as big as your fist and weighs less than
500 grams but can bear a load of about 2 kg. It’s powered by three
AA batteries and attaches to standard ¼-20 tripod threads. The unit
is aligned using a simple peep-sight hole. The Nano Tracker can be
operated in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres and includes
drive rates of sidereal, 0.5× sidereal and 50× sidereal to aid in slew-
ing to targets. An optional ball head is available at additional cost.