TheSkySearchers

I have just bought an iOptrom CEM26 mount and have the thing parked on the dining room table whilst I play around with my lappy. I have noticed that dec axis opposite the dovetail saddle has a somewhat large hole installed. Just inside the cavity is the iPolar body. The outside of the Dec axis has been machined, and it looks like something should cover the end of the cavity. It just seems a bit odd to me that the iPolar is effectively exposed to the elements, spiders etc. Anyone have any ideas? Cheers.

That does seem rather odd! Perhaps you could check with the folks you purchased from to see if they forgot to include a cover. Good luck with it, and welcome to TSS.

Bob

pixelsaurus wrote: ↑Mon Jun 28, 2021 12:42 pm ... I have noticed that dec axis opposite the dovetail saddle has a somewhat large hole installed. Just inside the cavity is the iPolar body. The outside of the Dec axis has been machined, and it looks like something should cover the end of the cavity. It just seems a bit odd to me that the iPolar is effectively exposed to the elements, spiders etc. Anyone have any ideas? Cheers.

Hi there, have just bought the same mount, found the same opening and went looking for others with the same situation. Watched a youtube vid of a review on it and theirs was the same though they didn't mention what purpose leaving that wide open might be especially when it seems there are 4 screw holds to slap a plate on there.

any tips/tricks learning experiences you've had with the scope since your last post on this?

That's odd, my CEM70 has the i-polar and it has a screw in cap for that opening.

I will say that the i-polar accessory in my CEM70 never got me closer than 5° to the NCP. I had to use PHD2's drift alignment feature to nail my polar alignment.

JayTee wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:23 pm I will say that the i-polar accessory in my CEM70 never got me closer than 5° to the NCP.

That's strange. There must be some sort of alignment adjustments that can be done on the iPolar scope then because I've always managed to get under 1' and usually around 30" with my CEM70 iPolar.

DTO wrote: ↑Wed Dec 27, 2023 3:25 am

Hi there, have just bought the same mount, found the same opening and went looking for others with the same situation. Watched a youtube vid of a review on it and theirs was the same though they didn't mention what purpose leaving that wide open might be especially when it seems there are 4 screw holds to slap a plate on there.

any tips/tricks learning experiences you've had with the scope since your last post on this?

Hi. I have little to report on this issue. I have sort of lost my mojo since my wife past away last year. I did buy some silicon sealant and was going glue a bit of plastic over the orifice. I have some flocking I was going to put on the inside. I may visit this again soon. I have procured a Rokinon 135mm f/2 and a full frame DSLR. I feel my mojo is returning, the Magellanic Clouds are well placed.