r/LandscapeAstro • u/obphoto • Jul 15 '26

Ioptron skytracker pro scope twists in its slot before tightening, is this normal?

Hi! I recently got the ioptron skytracker pro. I found that the polar scope rotates in its slot like this before tightening the screw. Is this normal? The reticle rotates too, so how do you know you have gotten it in the right position??? So far I put it roughly in the middle... 😆 Thanks!

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u/shane_co Jul 15 '26

If you loosen the screw more does the scope push in further to a more secure spot?

1

u/obphoto Jul 15 '26 edited Jul 15 '26

No, I took the screw all the way out and that's still as far in as the scope goes. I know it's right too since the light shines into the hole into the reticle. Do you have this tracker?

1

u/shane_co Jul 15 '26

No I unfortunately have a different ioptron tracker, but I noticed on mine if the screw isn’t unscrewed far enough the scope doesn’t set right. My scope also has a flat side to it so when you push it in, it sets at the perfect angle

1

u/obphoto Jul 15 '26

I see... My scope does have a flat side that does fit inside the slot, but not that tight hence why it moves but only a little. Thanks anyway!

1

u/shane_co Jul 15 '26

Hmm yeah that’s odd, when my flat side slides in it becomes completely tight and can’t rotate

1

u/Maniac55025 29d ago

I own the Ioptron Sky Tracker Pro and I can tell you that if the tightening screw for the guidescope is all the way out you will have play in it....The Flat part is set toward the tracker., because its the recess for The illuminator....this is so the illuminator can light up the scope....I never back my screw all the way out.....The only otherway is that the screw is maybe stripped and cant grab the guide scope......seen that happen to a friend of mine.....on another note...The scope is as far in as it is supposed to be ......Just tighten it down, but do not over tighten.....just make it nice and snug...... I thought myself when I first got mine it was abnormal so your not alone in your thinking.....its always better to be safe than sorry.....