Losmandy Polar Scope with Illuminator

Product Overview

This is Losmandy's optical polar axis finder, supplied with its illuminator. It fits through the polar axis of the GM 8, G-9 and G-11 mounts and the StarLapse system, works in either hemisphere, and is direct reading — there are no calculations to perform. You rotate the polar scope and adjust the altitude and azimuth knobs until the pattern matches the sky. The self-contained, battery-operated variable LED illuminator is included.

Who It's For

Polar alignment sets the ceiling on how long you can expose without field rotation, and a through-the-axis finder is the fastest way to get close. This suits an observer who sets up and tears down each session and wants alignment done in minutes rather than by declination drift, and anyone who would rather not depend on a laptop to align — it needs no computer, no software and no power beyond its own battery.

Key Features & Design

• Fits the GM 8, G-9 and G-11 mounts and the StarLapse system, through the polar axis.
• Northern and southern hemisphere operation.
• Direct reading — no calculations needed. You rotate the scope and adjust the altitude and azimuth knobs.
• Self-contained, battery-operated variable LED illuminator included.
• No computer or software required.

Recommended Uses

Polar aligning a GM 8, G-9 or G-11 at the start of a session. Aligning at a dark site with no mains power and no laptop. Visual observing, where an accurate enough alignment in two minutes beats a perfect one in twenty. Southern hemisphere use, since the reticle covers both poles. Getting close before a declination-drift refinement for long-exposure imaging.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Mounts: Losmandy lists the GM 8, G-9 and G-11, plus the StarLapse system. For a G11T or HGM Titan the HGM TPS polar scope is the corresponding part.
• Installation: the polar axis end covers unscrew and the finder inserts into the lower end of the axis, held by a slip ring that leaves it free to rotate.
• Illuminator: included. The PSI illuminator is available separately as a replacement or upgrade.
• Electronic alternative: the iPolar electronic polar scope fits the same port and aligns from a Windows PC, which works even when Polaris is not visible.
• Port plug: the DEC axis polar scope knob is the hole plug for the DEC housing.
• Instructions: Losmandy's polar finder instructions (PDF).

Good to Know Before You Order

• It needs a clear view of the pole. A through-the-axis finder looks where the mount points, so an obstructed northern horizon is the one situation it cannot solve — the iPolar can, because it plate-solves from whatever stars it can see.
• The mount must be roughly level and pointed north first. The finder refines the alignment; it does not replace setting the latitude on the altitude scale.
• The illuminator is included here. If you already own the finder and only need the light, the PSI is the separate item.
• Losmandy publishes no weight, magnification or field figures for this finder. Ask us if any of those matter and we will measure or check with Losmandy.
• Specifications are Losmandy's published figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

No. The end covers come off the polar axis, the finder slides in and the slip ring snugs up so it still rotates freely. From then on alignment is rotate, look, adjust the two knobs.

Which mounts does it fit?

Losmandy lists the GM 8, G-9 and G-11 and the StarLapse system. A G11T or Titan takes the HGM TPS instead.

Does it work in the southern hemisphere?

Yes — the reticle is made for both, and it is direct reading either way.

Do I need a computer?

No. That is the main practical difference from the iPolar, which aligns through a Windows PC.

Is the illuminator included?

Yes, and it is battery operated with variable brightness.

How accurate is it?

Good enough for visual work and short to medium exposures straight off. For long unguided exposures, a declination-drift refinement afterwards is the traditional next step.

Bottom Line

In short: Losmandy's through-the-axis optical polar finder for the GM 8, G-9 and G-11, direct reading in both hemispheres, with its battery-operated variable LED illuminator included — alignment in minutes, with no computer involved.