iOptron SkyGuider Pro Black io3550 | sku-855156605

The Black iOptron SkyGuider Pro is a compact, all-metal single-axis equatorial camera tracking mount for balanced payloads up to 11 lbs (4.99kg). Listed under Camcorder Accessories, its model is io3550 and its SKU is sku-855156605. The steel RA shaft is 35mm in diameter; the aluminum-alloy worm wheel is 88mm in diameter with 144 teeth.

The brass R.A. worm measures 15.2mm, and the mount has 4 bearings and a DC servo motor with an optical encoder. Automatic R.A. tracking offers Solar, Lunar, Cel, 1/2 Cel and N/S speeds. Fast slewing runs at 144X in either direction, and the guiding port is ST-4 compatible.

For alignment, it has an illuminated AccuAlign dark-field polar scope with an approximately 6-degree field of view, plus a level bubble. It has a camera trigger and hand controller; an optional 8408 HC is available. Firmware can be upgraded through USB. The internal rechargeable Li-Poly battery is rated 3.7V and 2000mAh, with up to 20 hours of runtime at 20 degrees C.

Its Micro USB charging port takes 5V and reaches 80% charge in 5 hours. The camera mounting block is 62mm in diameter with a 3/8-inch post thread. The body connects through a Vixen dovetail and a 3/8-inch socket with a 1/4-inch converter. The adjustable alt-azi base has a Vixen-style saddle, a 3/8-inch socket and an 80mm (3.15-inch) diameter.

With that base, latitude adjusts from -30 to 65 degrees and azimuth adjusts by +/-5 degrees. The counterweight shaft is 20 x 200mm (0.79 x 7.87 inches), with 3/8-16 threads; the counterweight is 1.35kg (2.98 lbs). Operating temperature is -10 to 40 degrees C (14 to 104 degrees F). The body measures 133 x 115 x 95mm (5.24 x 4.53 x 3.74 inches) without the alt-azi base.

With its battery, it weighs 2.2 lbs (1.00kg), or 3.2 lbs (1.45kg) with the base.