iOptron Cube modification

Sun, 18 May 2008 17:28:51 +0200

While looking for a small computerized Alt/Az mount I stumbled upon iOptron‘s Cube. A test in Sky and Telescope looked promising. Reports on the Internet such as on Cloudynights showed that the Cube had some shortcomings related to the mechanical design. I nevertheless decided to buy the GPS version of the cube that uses the 8402 Hand controller.

I planned on using this mount for public viewing session in our local Astronomy club. It should carry my  WO Megrez 90 Refractor as shown on the image above.

First of all the supplied tripod was not up to the job. It is too short to observe comfortably and most of all it is not stable enough. I decided to mount the Cube on my existing tripod from my manual Alt/Az AYO mount. Used with my AYO this tripod proved to be stable enough to carry even heavier telescopes than my 90mm refractor. The tripod already improved the general usability of the system.

The remaining issue with the cube is the mechanical stability in both axes. There was a lot of play that caused vibrations when focusing and even the slightest breeze would cause too much vibrations so that higher magnifications were not usable.

The controller worked out of the box and after upgrading the firmware, the most annoying software issues were resolved. Some smaller bugs remain but I am confident that further upgrades will solve these minor issues. I would recommend to get the GPS version which comes with the more advanced hand controller.

Astro Equipment

iOptron Cube modification