iOptron #8043 Heavy Duty MiniPier

Introduction

The iOptron #8043 Heavy Duty MiniPier is designed for iOptron GOTO mounts, suitable for use in balanced or non-balanced conditions. It features a 150mm mounting plate compatible with iOptron LiteRoc #8023ACC tripods, Tri-Piers, Tri-Pier 360, and permanent piers.

Parts Included

• 1x MiniPier body (comprising a top plate, a bottom plate, and three posts)
• 2x M8 hex head screws with spring washers for tripod attachment
• 1x 3/8"-16 socket screw with washer for mount attachment (for mounts with a 3/8"-16 mounting hole, such as iOptron HAZ71/HAZ46/HAZ31 mounts)

Supported Mounts

The #8043 MiniPier supports the following iOptron mounts:

• 7-Series: HAE69/CEM70
• 4-Series: CEM40/HAE43/HEM44/GEM45
• HAZ71/HAZ46/HAZ31
• CEM60/iEQ45/45Pro
• iEQ30/iEQ30Pro
• Other mounts compatible with the top plate's mounting holes (refer to CAD drawing for details).

Supported Tripods and Platforms

The #8043 MiniPier is compatible with the following tripods and platforms:

• LiteRoc #8032ACC
• Tri-Pier #8034
• Tri-Pier 360A #8037A
• Permanent Pier #8038
• Other platforms featuring two M8 threaded holes separated by 130mm.

Specifications

Pier Diameter: 152mm (6 inches)

Pier Height: 200mm (approximately 8 inches)

Note: For mounts with a smaller base, the available latitude range may be limited.

MiniPier Installation

To install the MiniPier:

1. Align the bottom plate's holes with the tripod's M8 threaded holes. Ensure alignment with the 130mm separation if multiple threaded holes are present. The larger hole on the bottom plate serves as an alignment peg guide if your tripod has a corresponding alignment peg.
2. Secure the MiniPier to the tripod using the two provided M8 screws with washers.

Visual Description: The MiniPier is shown mounted on a Tri-pier, with a CEM40/GEM45 alignment peg in place.

Top Plate Hole Configuration

The top plate features three sets of threaded holes for mount attachment:

• Group 1 (Red circles): Four M6 threaded holes, intended for 4-Series mounts and the iEQ30 mount.
• Group 2 (Blue circles): Three M8 threaded holes, designed for 7-series mounts and the CEM60/iEQ45 mount.
• Group 3 (Green circles): Three M8 threaded holes arranged evenly on a 57mm radius circle, for other purposes.

Visual Description: A top-down view of the MiniPier's top plate illustrates these three groups of mounting holes, marked with colored circles.

Mount Examples

The MiniPier is shown supporting various iOptron mounts:

• Visual Description: A CEM70 mount and an HAE69 mount are depicted, each attached to the MiniPier.
• Visual Description: An HEM44 mount and a CEM40 mount are shown, both attached to the #8043 MiniPier.

HAZ Mount and Other 3/8"-16 Thread Mounts Installation

To attach an iOptron HAZ mount or other mounts that use a 3/8"-16 thread:

1. Remove the central post from the top plate. This is done by unscrewing the M6 socket screw located on the underside of the top plate.
2. Insert the provided 3/8"-16 screw and washer through the central hole of the top plate to secure the mount.

Visual Description: A HAZ71 mount is shown attached to the MiniPier.

CAD Drawings

Detailed dimensional drawings are provided for the Top Plate and Bottom Plate:

Top Plate Dimensions:

• Outer Diameter: 140mm
• Main Bolt Circle Diameter: 126mm
• Central Hole Diameter: 10mm
• Central Mounting Hole: M8 thread
• Mounting Hole Patterns: 6xM8, 4xM6
• Alignment Hole Diameter: 14mm
• Plate Thickness: 15mm

Bottom Plate Dimensions:

• Outer Diameter: 152mm
• Main Bolt Circle Diameter: 140mm
• Central Hole Diameter: 90mm
• Mounting Holes: 2xØ8.50
• Alignment Hole Diameter: 14mm
• Plate Thickness: 15mm

Visual Description: Technical drawings show the top and bottom plates with precise measurements for hole diameters, bolt circle diameters, and overall dimensions.