iOptron Cube in the UK?

Hi,

I was thinking of getting the iOptron Cube GoTo mount for use with my
'travel' scope. Does anybody know if these are available in the UK
yet? I can't seem to find anyone with any in stock. The only thing
I've found so far is a posting in the Astro Ads site for a company
called Astronomica (?) which looks like a one man operation and
doesn't have any in stock (and doesn't seem to reply to emails).

cheers

Jeremy

Doesn't look like they are here in the UK yet but it wont be long I wouldn't
guess.

Astronomica is a 2 man band, Richard and Ian, it is on their site but no
availability as you know

You would always ask Ioptron themselves when they plan to supply the UK
market or try ringing Lee at GreenWitch or Simon at Widescreen and see if
they know anything.

Astronomica is listed on the Ioptron site as being the UK dealer though.

If your going to Kelling Heath next week Ian and Richard will no doubt be
there and you can ask.

Cheers

Andy

Mr Andrew R Green BSc(Hons) FBIS, FRAS

Web Sites:

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"Jezzer" <[Registered users can see links. ]> wrote in message
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"Jezzer" <[Registered users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:[Registered users can see links. ]...

Sub to the iOptron Y! group, if you want to see how others are faring
with it, in countries where it's already available (eg Oz.)

HTH
--
Rob

On Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:40:35 -0700 (PDT), Jezzer <[Registered users can see links. ]>
wrote:

I got a Cube, from Astronomica, back in November last year.
Provided your scope is small/light, it works. It even supports (with
some bugs), communications using LX200 protocols, and as such will
work with most astro packages.
The gears though, are relatively small, so don't expect brilliant
accuracy. The 'Pro' version has a metal main spur wheel, but the same
small size.
For a low magnification refractor, it makes a very nice 'mini'
package, that is small enough, that you can put scope, and mount all
into one relatively small case.
Seriously though, if your scope is a relatively long focal length
model, or much larger, then I'd go for something like the Celestron
CG5 instead. The idea that it can support something like an 8" SCT, in
any form of ueable configuration, is really 'laughable'. A 5"
Celestron SCT, with the focal reducer fitted, I'd put as the 'upper
limit' of reasonable expectations.
When I got mine, the problem was availability of the mount, "on it's
own". However it was available with a small Maksutov scope, quite
readily, for not much more money. I used the Maksutov, as a spotting
scope, so it was no problem to buy the whole thing.
Astronomica should reply (are you sure you haven't got some email
filtering blocking responses?). Ian there, responded well, when a
couple of pieces were missing from my unit, replacing these promply.
I you are in the SE (Essex), and want to see one 'in the flesh', come
back to me.

Best Wishes

Thanks for the notes. The scope is an Orion ST80 (400mm focal length)
that I use for travelling. I'm supposed to be going on a trip next
year with a large group of people to Greece in an area that should get
pretty dark at night. I was thinking of showing them around the sky a
bit. The problem with my current travel mount (a Vixen Portamount
which is otherwise brilliant) is that it's too easy to push off
target. No matter how hard you try when using it at a 'public' party
is that people touch the scope and move it. It's frustrating.

So I thought the cube might solve this. It'd allow me to quickly slew
to targets, everybody gets a look and then on to the next target. And
it would track - so I wouldn't have to keep jumping in to re-align.

So I was wondering about it's 'knockability'. Is it possible to lock
off the mount so that it can't be pushed off target? Obviously you'd
still be able to shove the whole thing off but will it withstand the
person touching the focusser and eyepiece (why do people always want
to grab hold of the eyepiece when you say 'look in there'???)

Thanks

Jeremy