As mentioned earlier, I ordered a Vixen clamp with a 1/4-20 threaded hole to interface between the rotating platform. It’s not red, but it still works 🙂

Nothing makes dust show quite like a bright camera flash.

I also got a glorified laser pointer to help with rough polar alignment. This is a Move Shoot Move product specifically for the iOptron Sky Guider Pro.

Argh. The dust. Obviously, there is some cleaning to be done and when I leave the rig assembled in the living room waiting for clear nights, it needs to be covered.

Anyway, as of this writing, I have not yet tried out either accessory.

Of course, I am already considering a mount upgrade. To be honest, I have thought about it for a while, ever since it became obvious that locating targets can be challenging. It makes no sense to upgrade at all if it’s not one that is go-to capable.

The preference would be for a ZWO AM3. It wouldn’t need any counterweights, which would keep the rig compact. It is elegant. It is red. 🙂 There are, however, 1500 other reasons to shop around. Nice as they are, the price would tough for me to justify.

The most economical go-to mount today seems to be the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi. The retail for about $580. A kit that includes a tripod would be about $680. This would enable other features of the ASIAir software, as well.

I could attempt to recoup some of this cost by selling my iOptron SkyGuider Pro and tripod, and my redundant ASIAir Plus. All tolled, I invested almost $1000 for these items and the accessories they would include. Perhaps I could get $400-500 for them. That is most of the way there.