13 replies to this topic

[mark david]

I am about to purchase a iOptron AZ Pro Mount Head for my C-8 XLT.

I see there are some pier adaptors available.  

Stellarvue made mounting my M002 mount to a column and the column. to my concrete block pier very simple by use of a column base they make (see photo).

I've attached a couple more photos of what seems to be available for the AZ mount.

The bottom photo is the Stellarvue base (it's upside down).  But you simply bolt the base to whatever your pier is with a single bolt.  Then the column slips over that with 3 1/4-20 allen screws.   

But on the photo with lots of pieces I don't see the finger nuts needed to level it on the base... such as it is?

I'd appreciate any advice or history you might have with this stuff. 

As usual thank you all for your time.

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[BlueMoon]

I don't have a pier but can describe the tripod mount a bit. The 3 leveling bolts are what is used with the LiteRoc tripod: https://www.ioptron....p/8340-pier.htm These thread into the tripod hub. The AZMP base 3 rounded "sockets" which rests on them while a "through bolt" passes from below the tripod spreader, though the hub and into the AZMP base itself.

 

Leveling the head is a combination of loosening the center bolt slightly, adjusting the 3 leveling screws, then retightening the center bolt.

 

As the mini-pier is intended to be used with the LiteRoc tripod, you could fasten the lower base directly to your pier in some fashion. Then 2 options present themselves. You could install the top plate on the extension cylinder, snug the center bolt slightly, adjust the 3 leveling bolts, then remove the top plate and finalize tightening the center bolt. The other method would be to cut a hole in the side of the cylinder, install the top plate, make the leveling adjustments then reach inside the cylinder to finalize tightening.

 

Not a great pic but it shows the leveling bolts and how they fit in the tripod and AZMP base.

 

Clear skies.

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Edited by BlueMoon, 23 September 2023 - 04:28 PM.

[Spikey131]

This photo shows the mini-pier with the thumbscrews you need.  I bought the mount with a tripod, so they came with it.  Agena has them:  https://agenaastro.c...-8340-pier.html

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Edited by Spikey131, 23 September 2023 - 04:24 PM.

[ngc7319_20]

I used the iOptron MiniPier to mount the AZ Pro on my existing surveyor's tripod.  Works great. The extra height from the MiniPier helps my refactor clear the tripod legs. 

 

I believe the 3 leveling screws must be purchased separately (I got my mount head used and they were included).  I suppose you might not need them if you have some way to accurately level a 3rd party pier.

[ngc7319_20]

This odd looking bolt (circled in red) is the center bolt that you tighten to oppose the 3 leveling screws.  You reach in between the leveling screws and turn it with the smaller through-screw.  It threads up into the mount head.  It is a little odd they include the center bolt with the MiniPier, but omit the 3 leveling screws.  There's probably some logic to it in the world of iOptron accessories.

 

 

[afrancis]

This odd looking bolt (circled in red) is the center bolt that you tighten to oppose the 3 leveling screws.  You reach in between the leveling screws and turn it with the smaller through-screw.  It threads up into the mount head. 

My AZMP rides on a tri-pier and I never cared for this method of tightening the center bolt, arthritic hands. I solved this by cutting an access hole in the pier, similar to a rat cage but much stronger in my opinion.
 

[Lizardman]

You’ll love the AZ Pro. Totally changed my mindset with the hobby. I have it on the Lite Roc tripod without the pier extension. Works for me . With your permanent setup you won’t have to worry about getting the most important thing with this mount correct each time ; leveling. For you it will be simple. If you want some great custom parts for it contact member Biz . He’s a great guy and knows these mounts like the back of his hand.

Edited by Lizardman, 23 September 2023 - 05:25 PM.

[ngc7319_20]

My AZMP rides on a tri-pier and I never cared for this method of tightening the center bolt, arthritic hands. I solved this by cutting an access hole in the pier, similar to a rat cage but much stronger in my opinion

Yeah, I sometimes felt like the iOptron center bolt thing was designed for someone with tiny hands.  I sometimes used a stick to push the center bolt thingy, or at least move the through-screw thing so I could reach it.

[biz]

You’ll love the AZ Pro. Totally changed my mindset with the hobby. I have it on the Lite Roc tripod without the pier extension. Works for me . With your permanent setup you won’t have to worry about getting the most important thing with this mount correct each time ; leveling. For you it will be simple. If you want some great custom parts for it contact member Biz . He’s a great guy and knows these mounts like the back of his hand.

 

You’ll love the AZ Pro. Totally changed my mindset with the hobby. I have it on the Lite Roc tripod without the pier extension. Works for me . With your permanent setup you won’t have to worry about getting the most important thing with this mount correct each time ; leveling. For you it will be simple. If you want some great custom parts for it contact member Biz . He’s a great guy and knows these mounts like the back of his hand.

Hi Ray, 

This is what I’ve done for my AZpro, I’ve custom built my own tripod extender/mini pier and I just make an extension rod that bolts straight onto the existing tripod main bolt so that the tightening or adjustments are made like the stock tripod. 
Here are a couple of pics that show what I’ve done. Also showing is my own design of levelling screws.

cheers

Graham

[mark david]

Ah!  To have your own machine shop.  Grahm, you'd make a very good neighbor.  Especially if you're into bartering.  Thanks for that photo.

Mark

[GaryShaw]

Hi

I’ve been using the AZMP for about 5 years on an ioptron tripod with 2” legs. I also have a pier. The AZMP does so well on the tripod that it makes no sense to me to dedicate my main pier to it. It’s also so easy to setup and take down with the tripod, it allow me lots of flexibility to move it around or take it somewhere a bit darker. This leaves my pier free for scopes that really benefit from it. 
 

If you have multiple piers or only one OTA, the AZMP is fine on the pier. It you have other larger/ heavier OTA’s and other mounts for them, it seems a waste for the AZMP to take up the pier….

Gary

Edited by GaryShaw, 24 September 2023 - 07:25 AM.

[Lizardman]

Hi Ray,
This is what I’ve done for my AZpro, I’ve custom built my own tripod extender/mini pier and I just make an extension rod that bolts straight onto the existing tripod main bolt so that the tightening or adjustments are made like the stock tripod.
Here are a couple of pics that show what I’ve done. Also showing is my own design of levelling screws.
cheers
Graham
IMG_0949.jpeg
AZ Pro tripod extender and extension rod 015a.jpeg

That’s not a extension; it’s a work of art ! Beautiful

[jrazz]

I have 3 bolts coming out of my pier. On that I have a Starizona adapter. This fits the AZ wonderfully and is very stable. 

 

[biz]

I have 3 bolts coming out of my pier. On that I have a Starizona adapter. This fits the AZ wonderfully and is very stable. 

 

Hi Jordan, nice solid setup. Well mounted on the pier and the levelling can be done at that point. I like it.

cheers

Graham