# MLAstro > Affordable Astrophotography ## Posts - [MLAstro Slit replacement program](https://mlastro.com/slit-replace/): Are you eligible for a slit replacement and how do you claim it? - [Camera guide for SHG](https://mlastro.com/camera-guide-for-shg/): What you'll need to know about the camera that you should use on your SHG. - [Mount guide for SHGs](https://mlastro.com/mount-guide-for-shgs/): A comprehensive guide on how to choose a mount for your SHG. - [Why MLAstro SHG prebuilt optical kit?](https://mlastro.com/why-mlastro-shg-prebuilt-optical-kit/): Why Choose Our Product Over DIY Spectroheliographs - [What is a Spectroheligraph and how does it work?](https://mlastro.com/what-is-a-spectroheligraph-and-how-does-it-work/): Spectroheliograph in a nutshell - [SHG Scope guide](https://mlastro.com/shg-scope-guide/): A complete guide on scopes that is to be used on your SHG - [ERF for SHGs](https://mlastro.com/erf-for-shgs/): The ultimate guide on ERF for Solar observation with your SHG ## Pages - [Downloads](https://mlastro.com/downloads-2/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - [Downloads](https://mlastro.com/downloads/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - [Payment](https://mlastro.com/airwallex_payment_method_all/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - [Payment](https://mlastro.com/airwallex_payment_method_wechat/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - 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[Contact](https://mlastro.com/contact/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - [Authorized Dealers](https://mlastro.com/authorized-dealers/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - [FAQs](https://mlastro.com/faqs/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - [Quick Start Guide MLAstro SHG 700](https://mlastro.com/quick-start-guide-mlastro-shg-700/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - 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[Privacy Policy](https://mlastro.com/privacy-policy/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  - [Home](https://mlastro.com/): Contact us For any questions regarded to product, shipment and customer supports, please contact us via our Facebook fanpage https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559128025277or give me an email at info@mlastro.com  ## Products - [MLAstro SAL-33 Wireless Expansion Kit (Retro-fit kit for Batch 5 and older)](https://mlastro.com/product/sal-33-wifi-kit/): MLAstro SAL-33 Wireless Expansion Kit External antenna upgrade for stronger Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reception https://youtu.be/LCwka3byHgE?si=2R9BL9JpKFFVVPyr   The MLAstro SAL-33 Wireless Expansion Kit is a small but important upgrade for earlier SAL-33 mounts. It moves the wireless antenna from inside the mount body to an external antenna position, significantly improving both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reception. This kit is especially relevant now that the MLAstro Hub app is becoming a more central part of the SAL-33 user experience. Why this kit exists The original MLAstro SAL-33 was intentionally designed with limited wireless range. At the time, wireless access was meant mainly for configuration. You would connect to the mount only when standing right next to it, change the required settings, then continue using your normal control workflow. It was not designed to be a long-range wireless control system. The mount supposed to be controlled solely via the USB cable and/or the wired HC. Because of that design goal, the antenna was placed internally. This kept the mount clean, compact, and protected, but it also meant the antenna sat inside the SAL-33’s all-aluminum body. That all-aluminum construction is one of the things that gives the SAL-33 its rigidity and durability, but it also acts like a Faraday cage. The metal body naturally blocks wireless signal, so Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reception were limited by design. With the latest MLAstro Hub app, our approach has shifted. Wireless access is no longer just a short-range configuration convenience. We now want SAL-33 users to have stronger and more reliable wireless reception for the newer MLAstro Hub workflow. That is why we made the SAL-33 Wireless Expansion Kit. What the kit does The Wireless Expansion Kit brings the antenna outside the mount body. This simple change makes a major difference to signal reception because the antenna is no longer hidden behind the aluminum structure of the mount. The result is stronger Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance, especially when using the latest MLAstro Hub app. Who needs this kit This kit is intended for SAL-33 units from Batch 5 and older. All MLAstro SAL-33 mounts from Batch 6 onward are shipped with the wireless expansion kit installed by default. If your SAL-33 is from Batch 6 or newer, you do not need to order this kit separately. Free for existing SAL-33 customers The MLAstro SAL-33 Wireless Expansion Kit is available free of charge for all existing SAL-33 customers with eligible units. Each SAL-33 customer is eligible for one wireless expansion kit. To claim the kit, please place your order using the exact same email address that you used for your original SAL-33 order. This allows us to verify eligibility and process the order correctly. You only need to pay the postage fee. The shipping cost is typically around $30 to $40, depending on your location. It'll take a while for us to full fill all existing orders, but we'll get to everyone eventually. Important installation warning Please follow the installation instructions carefully. The antenna connectors are very small and fragile. If the connector is misaligned or pushed in the wrong way, it can damage the antenna port. Do not force the connector. Take your time, check the alignment carefully, and make sure the connector is seated correctly before applying pressure. Damage caused by incorrect installation may not be repairable without replacing internal components, so please handle this step with care. Compatibility Compatible with: MLAstro SAL-33 Batch 5 and older Not required for: MLAstro SAL-33 Batch 6 and newer, because the expansion kit is already installed by default Package contents SAL-33 side panel with all buttons and cables included. External antenna Required internal antenna cable Ordering notes Please use the same email address as your original SAL-33 order when placing the order. Orders placed with a different email address may be delayed while we verify eligibility manually. Each eligible SAL-33 customer may claim one kit. Summary The SAL-33 Wireless Expansion Kit upgrades earlier SAL-33 mounts from an internal antenna setup to an external antenna setup. The original internal antenna design was intentional because wireless access was originally meant only for short-range configuration. With the latest MLAstro Hub app, stronger wireless reception is now more useful, so this kit brings earlier SAL-33 units in line with the updated direction. For Batch 5 and older SAL-33 owners, the kit is free. You only pay postage. For Batch 6 and newer SAL-33 owners, no action is needed. Your mount already includes the upgrade. - [MLAstro Base Riser BR-01](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-base-riser-br-01/): [ACCORDION] [TITLE]Frequently Asked Questions[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: What is this? What does it do? A: The RPA is an add-on for the MLAstro One harmonic mount that motorizes the altitude and azimuth adjustment knobs. It allows you to adjust polar alignment remotely, or let the integrated Polar Alignment routine automatically correct the polar alignment error on your MLAstro One without needing to be physically next to the mount. The MLAstro One with RPA has an adjustment range of +/-10 degrees in altitude and +/-8 degrees in azimuth. This means you still need to roughly polar align the mount first, then the RPA can take care of the fine adjustment. Q: Does this work with MLAstro SAL-33? A: No, this kit is designed to work with MLAstro One only. It is not compatible with MLAstro SAL-33 or any other mount for that matter. We'll add another RPA kit for the existing MLAstro SAL-33 later in 2026. Q: Do you have plan for an Universal RPA base for other mount as well? A: Yes, we have plan to add an affordable universal RPA base that you can use with practically every mount out there. We are estimating we will introduce the kit in mid 2027. Q: How can I control it? A: There are 3 ways to control the RPA: Via the web interface. The RPA creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot. You can connect to it, open the integrated web server through a browser, and control the RPA directly. You can also connect the RPA to your home Wi-Fi network and access the web interface from your local network. Via the mobile app. We will add RPA support to MLAstro Hub, which supports Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Via native support in observatory control software. NINA TPPA and the KStars/INDI polar alignment routine are supported, with SharpCap support coming next. Q: What's in the box and how do you install it? A: The kit includes 2 stepper motors with high-quality, low-backlash gearboxes, belts, motor covers, screws, couplings, and everything else needed to install the RPA onto your MLAstro One. Installation is straightforward and similar to installing an electronic focuser on a telescope. The kit is designed to be customer-retrofittable. That said, if you know you want RPA, we recommend ordering it together with your mount so our experienced technicians can install it and make sure everything is set up correctly before shipping. Q: Is there a weight limit for the RPA? The RPA is designed to handle a fully loaded MLAstro One, up to 40 kg payload with a 5 kg counterweight. Q: Is the mechanism backdrivable? A: No. If power is lost, the RPA will hold the polar alignment position without needing any power. After polar alignment is complete, you can turn off the RPA to save power. Q: I want to go back to manual polar alignment with my fingers. Is that possible? A: Yes. You can remove the RPA mechanism and reinstall the manual adjustment knobs. Q: Does the RPA motor interfere with how the mount works in any way? A: In most cases, no. However, with the RPA motors installed, certain telescope setups and orientations may cause the telescope dovetail to touch the RPA motors. In that case, a saddle riser kit may be needed to provide enough clearance. This is mainly relevant for users at very high latitudes, especially above 65 degrees. If you are located above 65 degrees latitude, please contact us by email so we can check whether you need a saddle riser kit. Q: If I order the RPA with the mount, when will it be shipped? A: It will be shipped together with your MLAstro One. [/CONTENT] [/ACCORDION] - [MLAstro RPA kit - For MLAstro One](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-one-rpa/): [ACCORDION] [TITLE]Frequently Asked Questions[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: What is this? What does it do? A: The RPA is an add-on for the MLAstro One harmonic mount that motorizes the altitude and azimuth adjustment knobs. It allows you to adjust polar alignment remotely, or let the integrated Polar Alignment routine automatically correct the polar alignment error on your MLAstro One without needing to be physically next to the mount. The MLAstro One with RPA has an adjustment range of +/-10 degrees in altitude and +/-8 degrees in azimuth. This means you still need to roughly polar align the mount first, then the RPA can take care of the fine adjustment. Q: Does this work with MLAstro SAL-33? A: No, this kit is designed to work with MLAstro One only. It is not compatible with MLAstro SAL-33 or any other mount for that matter. We'll add another RPA kit for the existing MLAstro SAL-33 later in 2026. Q: Do you have plan for an Universal RPA base for other mount as well? A: Yes, we have plan to add an affordable universal RPA base that you can use with practically every mount out there. We are estimating we will introduce the kit in mid 2027. Q: How can I control it? A: There are 3 ways to control the RPA: Via the web interface. The RPA creates its own Wi-Fi hotspot. You can connect to it, open the integrated web server through a browser, and control the RPA directly. You can also connect the RPA to your home Wi-Fi network and access the web interface from your local network. Via the mobile app. We will add RPA support to MLAstro Hub, which supports Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Via native support in observatory control software. NINA TPPA and the KStars/INDI polar alignment routine are supported, with SharpCap support coming next. Q: What's in the box and how do you install it? A: The kit includes 2 stepper motors with high-quality, low-backlash gearboxes, belts, motor covers, screws, couplings, and everything else needed to install the RPA onto your MLAstro One. Installation is straightforward and similar to installing an electronic focuser on a telescope. The kit is designed to be customer-retrofittable. That said, if you know you want RPA, we recommend ordering it together with your mount so our experienced technicians can install it and make sure everything is set up correctly before shipping. Q: Is there a weight limit for the RPA? The RPA is designed to handle a fully loaded MLAstro One, up to 40 kg payload with a 5 kg counterweight. Q: Is the mechanism backdrivable? A: No. If power is lost, the RPA will hold the polar alignment position without needing any power. After polar alignment is complete, you can turn off the RPA to save power. Q: I want to go back to manual polar alignment with my fingers. Is that possible? A: Yes. You can remove the RPA mechanism and reinstall the manual adjustment knobs. Q: Does the RPA motor interfere with how the mount works in any way? A: In most cases, no. However, with the RPA motors installed, certain telescope setups and orientations may cause the telescope dovetail to touch the RPA motors. In that case, a saddle riser kit may be needed to provide enough clearance. This is mainly relevant for users at very high latitudes, especially above 65 degrees. If you are located above 65 degrees latitude, please contact us by email so we can check whether you need a saddle riser kit. Q: If I order the RPA with the mount, when will it be shipped? A: It will be shipped together with your MLAstro One. [/CONTENT] [/ACCORDION] - [MLAstro One Preorder (Batch 2)](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-one/): [ACCORDION] [TITLE]How do I preorder and when will the mount ships?[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: How do I preorder and when will the mount ships? A: All orders placed in 2nd batch is estimated to be shipped late Jan 2027. Please note that the MLAstro One is a brand-new product. Scaling production from a working prototype to full-scale manufacturing inevitably comes with challenges and unexpected obstacles. We've already built schedule margins into our production plan to account for potential delays, but please remember that all shipping estimates are exactly that: estimates. If delays occur, we will communicate them clearly and promptly. That said, our track record speaks for itself. Historically, we've consistently met or beaten our published delivery schedules. [/CONTENT]   [TITLE]Where is the MLAstro SAL-66?[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: Where is the MLAstro SAL-66? A: The SAL-66 was the original working name for what is now the MLAstro One. At first, we planned for the mount to have a load capacity of 66 lb, or about 30 kg, without counterweights. That was where the SAL-66 name came from. But as development progressed, the actual capacity increased to 35 kg without counterweights. At that point, the old name no longer made much sense, so we decided it deserved a new one. And honestly, we could not miss the chance to call it: One mount to rule them all. :D [/CONTENT] [TITLE]What are the recommended accessories for MLAstro One?[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: What are the recommended accessories for MLAstro One? A: The first recommended accessory is the Base Riser BR-01. The BR-01 is essential when connecting the MLAstro One to many tripods or pier plates. Because of the way the azimuth adjustment assembly is designed, part of the azimuth mechanism sits lower than the MLAstro One bottom plate. If your tripod or pier top plate is larger than 120 mm in diameter, the azimuth assembly may interfere with the installation. In that case, the BR-01 raises the mount and provides the clearance needed to install the MLAstro One properly. The second recommended accessory is the RPA Kit. This is optional. It motorizes the MLAstro One Alt-Az base and enables fully robotic, automated polar alignment. All other accessories, including the counterweight bar, P-200 pier extension, and Smart hand controller, Laser Engraving are interchangeable with the MLAstro SAL-33. [/CONTENT] [TITLE]What tripod should I use with MLAstro One?[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: What tripod or pier should I use with the MLAstro One? A: It depends on your payload and how permanent your setup is, but the general rule is simple: use the heaviest and most rigid support system you can reasonably manage. The tripod or pier itself matters, but the way the mount connects to it matters just as much. Tripods that rely on a single center bolt, such as many EQ3, EQ5, and EQ6-style tripods, are at a disadvantage because the connection is less rigid and less resistant to twisting under heavy, unbalanced loads. For setups under 15 kg, an EQ5 or EQ6-class tripod with the P-200 Pier Extension should be sufficient in most cases. However, you must pay close attention to tipping risk. The MLAstro One has a heavier mount head, and because harmonic mounts are often used without counterweights, the payload can be strongly unbalanced. This makes the whole system more prone to tipping than a traditional counterweighted equatorial setup. For setups around 20 kg and above, we recommend using at least a heavy-duty tripier with widely spread legs. A permanent pier is preferred whenever possible. At this payload class, the unbalanced nature of the system becomes much more serious, and tipping risk must be treated carefully. Always set up the system cautiously and test slews slowly before leaving the mount unattended. If you use a tripod, the P-200 Pier Extension is strongly recommended. It gives the mount more clearance from the tripod legs and reduces the chance of a tripod-leg collision. This is especially important with the MLAstro One because the mount has very high torque, and a collision during slewing can be catastrophic. [/CONTENT] [TITLE]Frequently Asked Questions[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: When will the 1st Batch ship, and how long will delivery take? A: We plan to ship the 1stproduction batch late Oct, early Nov 2026. That said, this is a startup-scale project, and delays can happen as we transition from prototypes to full production. I’ve already built in buffer time, but if unforeseen issues extend the timeline, I’ll keep all customers updated with progress reports and notify you of any delays. I take deadlines seriously, and my track record shows I usually meet or even beat them. Shipping time is typically 2–3 weeks worldwide. Q: Can I cancel my order and get a refund? A: Yes. As long as your order hasn’t shipped, you’re entitled to a full refund, no questions asked. Just email me at trong.minh@mlastro.com, and I’ll process it immediately. If your order is shipped with tracking number, the sale is finalized and we do not offer refund/return option unless the mount was defective beyond customer service ability under our guidance. Then we'd take back the mount via our forwarding warehouse and the user will be presented with a refund option or repair and send back at MLAstro's discretion. Q: What tripod connections does the MLAstro One use? A: The SAL-33 uses a 3/8" thread plus 3 × M6 holes — the same as the ZWO AM5. Any tripod that works with the AM5 will work with the MLAstro One. Since the MLAstro One's Az adjustment assembly sit a bit lower than usual, you might have trouble connecting the MLAstro One to tripods or pier with head bigger than 140mm. So we recommend either the MLAstro P-200 Pier Extension or the RPA Dock to rise the MLAstro One above tripod/pier top plate and clear the Az assembly. The P-200 also provide clearance and better tripod compability with a wide range of optional tripod adapters. We can even do a customized adapter for your tripod, just put an order comment when you place your order and we'll get back to you with the details. Q: Why is this so cheap? A comparable mount would easily cost twice as much. Did you make it so cheap using cheap materials/parts? A: I can promise you the MLAstro One isn’t cheap because of cheap parts. It’s built from top-tier materials, tight tolerances, and proper machining. The price is low because of a few very practical reasons: Vietnam factor: Labor here is dirt cheap compared to the West (even compared to China). A skilled CNC operator makes under $30/day. A family of four lives fine on $50/day. So yeah, I’ve got a highly skilled workforce at a fraction of the cost. And no, it’s not “new slavery,”it’s just local economics, thanks for asking. Batch production, prepaid: I only build in batches, and they’re all prepaid. That means no stock, no loans, no risk of me losing my house if this mount doesn’t sell. Less financial risk = I can afford to run thinner margins. Razor-thin margins: MLAstro is still new. I’ve got other ventures bankrolling me, so I don’t need this to make me filthy rich right now ( I wouldn’t complain if it did, LOL). But the mount market is crowded with big names, and if I want to make some noise, I’ve got to keep the price stupidly attractive. Once we’ve proven ourselves, expect the price to creep up—still competitive, just not “too good to be true” cheap like now. This started as a hobby that turned into my dream job. Of course money matters—this is still a business—but I’ll never make it the first priority. I enjoy the work, and I enjoy talking shop with people like you. That’s the real payoff. Q: How does the warranty and servicing work? A: The MLAstro One includes a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing faults. The mount is designed to be user-serviceable — if an electronic fails, it can be swapped easily with off-the-shelf parts. For repairs beyond user scope, we maintain forwarding warehouses in the US, UK, EU, and Australia, so you only need to ship domestically for service. Q: What is the recommended load capacity? A: For visual use, the MLAstro One supports 35 kg without counterweight, or 40 kg with 5 kg CW for planetary/visual observation. For DSO long exposure imaging, we recommend you not to exceed 35kg with a 5kg CW. Q: I’m having trouble using the MLAstro One. How do I get help? A: Start with our Quick Start Guide. If that doesn’t solve it, join our user group where our support team is active. For one-on-one help, email me directly, and I can arrange a video call with remote desktop support. Q: Why is shipping so expensive? A: The MLAstro One shipping world wide is 249$, tax included for most countries. I know this is not cheap. But the mount included packaging is almost 14kg and worldwide shipping is just gonna be more and more expensive. Q: Can you reduce import or VAT tax for my order? A: In most cases, yes. For the SAL-33, I’ve added a “Tax Free” shipping option (with a small surcharge) for countries outside the US—so you’ll have two choices there. For US orders, however, “Tariff Included” is the only available shipping option. For more informations how the "tax free" option are handled, see this. Q: Is there an iPolar or PoleMaster adapter? A: Yes. We have a working 3D-printed adapter model. Email me, and I’ll send you the STL file so you can print it locally. Q: Do you provide a counterweight for this mount? A: Shipping heavy counterweights isn’t cost-effective, so we don’t have them. The counterweight bar (20 mm diameter, M12 thread) is optional, and you can use any counterweight with a 20 mm bore. Q: Does the MLAstro One have cable passthrough, a 12V port, or a USB hub on the saddle? A: Yes, please see the spec sheet in the product page. Q: How do I rotate the saddle sideway for multiple scope mounting? A: You loosen the DEC cover screw, rotates it 90*, tighten the screw again and then do a home reset. That's all. See the guide here. [/CONTENT] [TITLE]Tutorials, tips and tricks[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: Is there a manual? A: Please see our Quick Start Guide Q: How do I update the mount firmware? A: Please see our instructional video here The Firmware Installer is here https://test.mlastro.com Q: How do I setup the mount to work with ASIAir? Q: How do I setup guiding with PHD2 for optimal performance? [/CONTENT] [TITLE]Drivers and Softwares Download[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Drivers: CP210x Drivers for Windows and MacOSX: https://www.silabs.com/software-and-tools/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads  ASCOM OnStepX Driver (You need ASCOM Platform 6.5 and above to use this): http://www.stellarjourney.com/assets/downloads/OnStep-Setup-1.0.43.zip Softwares:  Sky Planetarium: OnStepX authorized planetarium software by Howard Dutton, OnStepX author. It has a lot of tuning, settings that other software lacks including mount modeling. This is a freeware with paid to remove the time limit. If you want cheaper license on this (retail for 30$ but we have those for on discount), please contact me via email. http://www.stellarjourney.com/assets/downloads/sky4.84.zip  PHD2 Guiding https://openphdguiding.org/downloads [/CONTENT] [TITLE]Polemaster/iPolar adapter.[/TITLE] [CONTENT] https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c7LwPv9aFupNWOR6Qljlm04vXt8ptrKA?usp=sharing Please download the adapter STL for those devices here [/CONTENT] [/ACCORDION] - [MLAstro SAL-33 (Pre-Order) Batch 9](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-sal-33/): Frequently Asked Questions Q: The current order shows Batch 9—what happened to Batch 8? A: Batch 8 sold out on Jul 22, 2026. Q: When will the 8th Batch ship, and how long will delivery take? A: We plan to ship the 9th production batch Mid- Late Oct 2026. That said, this is a startup-scale project, and delays can happen as we transition from prototypes to full production. I’ve already built in buffer time, but if unforeseen issues extend the timeline, I’ll keep all customers updated with progress reports and notify you of any delays. I take deadlines seriously, and my track record shows I usually meet or even beat them. Shipping time is typically 2–3 weeks worldwide. Q: Can I cancel my order and get a refund? A: Yes. As long as your order hasn’t shipped, you’re entitled to a full refund, no questions asked. Just email me at trong.minh@mlastro.com, and I’ll process it immediately. If your order is shipped with tracking number, the sale is finalized and we do not offer refund/return option unless the mount was defective beyond customer service ability under our guidance. Then we’d take back the mount via our forwarding warehouse and the user will be presented with a refund option or repair and send back at MLAstro’s discretion. Q: What tripod connections does the SAL-33 use? A: The SAL-33 uses a 3/8″ thread plus 3 × M6 holes — the same as the ZWO AM5. Any tripod that works with the AM5 will work with the SAL-33. For best results, we highly recommend the MLAstro P-200 Pier Extension, which prevents your camera from colliding with the tripod and adapts common tripods like iOptron 1.75″/2″ and SkyWatcher EQ3/EQ5/EQ6 tripods and ZWO TC40. We can even do a customized adapter for your tripod, just put an order comment when you place your order and we’ll get back to you with the details. Q: Why is this so cheap? A comparable mount would easily cost twice as much. Did you make it so cheap using cheap materials/parts? A: I can promise you the SAL-33 isn’t cheap because of cheap parts. It’s built from top-tier materials, tight tolerances, and proper machining. The price is low because of a few very practical reasons: Vietnam factor: Labor here is dirt cheap compared to the West (even compared to China). A skilled CNC operator makes under $30/day. A family of four lives fine on $50/day. So yeah, I’ve got a highly skilled workforce at a fraction of the cost. And no, it’s not “new slavery,”it’s just local economics, thanks for asking. Batch production, prepaid: I only build in batches, and they’re all prepaid. That means no stock, no loans, no risk of me losing my house if this mount doesn’t sell. Less financial risk = I can afford to run thinner margins. Razor-thin margins: MLAstro is still new. I’ve got other ventures bankrolling me, so I don’t need this to make me filthy rich right now ( I wouldn’t complain if it did, LOL). But the mount market is crowded with big names, and if I want to make some noise, I’ve got to keep the price stupidly attractive. Once we’ve proven ourselves, expect the price to creep up—still competitive, just not “too good to be true” cheap like now. This started as a hobby that turned into my dream job. Of course money matters—this is still a business—but I’ll never make it the first priority. I enjoy the work, and I enjoy talking shop with people like you. That’s the real payoff. Q: How does the warranty and servicing work? A: The SAL-33 includes a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing faults. The mount is designed to be user-serviceable — if an electronic fails, it can be swapped easily with off-the-shelf parts. For repairs beyond user scope, we maintain forwarding warehouses in the US, UK, EU, and Australia, so you only need to ship domestically for service. Q: Why is the recommended imaging capacity lower than the visual capacity? A: For visual use, the SAL-33 supports 15 kg without counterweight, or 20 kg with 5 kg CW. For imaging, we recommend ~70% of that (~10.5–14 kg). Some manufacturers downplay this rule, but it applies to all harmonic mounts. Torque ratings only tell you how much the motors can move, not how well they can track. Near the load limit, steppers are prone to vibration, resonance, and missed steps — all of which degrade guiding. That’s why we set conservative imaging limits: to guarantee smooth tracking. You can push beyond our recommendation, and it may still work “good enough,” but we only guarantee performance within the stated range. Q: I’m having trouble using the SAL-33. How do I get help? A: Start with our Quick Start Guide. If that doesn’t solve it, join our user group where our support team is active. For one-on-one help, email me directly, and I can arrange a video call with remote desktop support. Q: Why is shipping to the US more expensive? A: The US recently imposed a 20% blanket tariff on shipments from Vietnam. To avoid this, we use a specialized courier that guarantees tax-free delivery but charges a 5–7% service fee. This is why US shipping is about $190 vs. ~$140 for other regions. The upside: your package arrives at your door without extra paperwork, hidden charges, or surprise taxes, all tariff/tax is included. Q: Can you reduce import or VAT tax for my order? A: In most cases, yes. For the SAL-33, I’ve added a “Tax Free” shipping option (with a small surcharge) for countries outside the US—so you’ll have two choices there. For US orders, however, “Tariff Included” is the only available shipping option. For more informations how the “tax free” option are handled, see this. Q: Is there an iPolar or PoleMaster adapter? A: Yes. We have a working 3D-printed adapter model. Email me, and I’ll send you the STL file so you can print it locally. Q: Do you provide a counterweight for this mount? A: Shipping heavy counterweights isn’t cost-effective, so we don’t have them. The counterweight bar (20 mm diameter) is optional, and you can use any counterweight with a 20 mm bore. Q: Does the SAL-33 have cable passthrough, a 12V port, or a USB hub on the saddle? A: No. Adding integrated passthroughs and hubs would drive up both mechanical and electronic complexity — and cost — beyond our target. At this price point, we focused on core performance. The good news: with harmonic mounts, precise balance isn’t critical. That means you can mount a small power box or USB hub where it suits your rig and still maintain clean, reliable cable management without compromising performance. Tutorials, tips and tricks Q: Is there a manual? A: Please see our Quick Start Guide Q: How do I update the mount firmware? A: Please see our instructional video here The Firmware Installer is here https://test.mlastro.com Q: How do I setup the mount to work with ASIAir? Q: How do I setup guiding with PHD2 for optimal performance? Q: How do I configure the SAL-33? Drivers and Softwares Download Drivers: CP210x Drivers for Windows and MacOSX: https://www.silabs.com/software-and-tools/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers?tab=downloads ASCOM OnStepX Driver (You need ASCOM Platform 6.5 and above to use this): http://www.stellarjourney.com/assets/downloads/OnStep-Setup-1.0.43.zip Softwares: Sky Planetarium: OnStepX authorized planetarium software by Howard Dutton, OnStepX author. It has a lot of tuning, settings that other software lacks including mount modeling. This is a freeware with paid to remove the time limit. If you want cheaper license on this (retail for 30$ but we have those for on discount), please contact me via email. http://www.stellarjourney.com/assets/downloads/sky4.84.zip PHD2 Guiding https://openphdguiding.org/downloads Polemaster/iPolar adapter. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c7LwPv9aFupNWOR6Qljlm04vXt8ptrKA?usp=sharing Please download the adapter STL for those devices here - [MLAstro Multislit](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-multislit/): The multislit used for low res spectrograph. Need the slit mount to work. I'll provide the STL so that you can 3D print the slit mount yourself. The slit is 15,20,25,30 micron wide, with 150,200,250,300 micron end for photometry job. The center of the slit is a 25 micron dot. - [MLAstro SAL-33 Azimuth adjusting screws (Retro-fit kit for Batch 1 customers)](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-sal-33-azimuth-adjusting-screws-retro-fit-kit-for-batch-1-customers/): This upgrade replaces the SAL-33's Azimuth adjustment screw with a finer thread pitch. The finer pitch gives you more mechanical advantage and lets you make smaller, more precise azimuth moves during polar alignment. This improvement is shipped from batch 2 onward so if you are on batch 2 onward, you don't need this, it's built in. Batch 1 customers are eligible for a free upgrade kit. You only cover shipping, $35 worldwide. Please place your order using the same email address you used for your original mount purchase. Shipping timeline: I will ship it as soon as it is ready. We need some time to manufacture the extra plate. I expect to ship in late March to early April. This free upgrade offer is only valid until late March, so if you are in Batch 1 and want the kit, please place your order soon. How to replace the kit Remove the two azimuth locking screws on the side of the mount. They are installed with thread locker and will require significant force to loosen. It's a good idea to use a heat gun to heat the other side of the screw (the bottom of the mount) to make the thread locker glue soften and easier to remove the screw. If you feel the screw TOO tight, don't try to hard, soften the glue first before try again, trying too hard would strip the screw head and you will never be able to remove it. Flip the mount over and remove the screws that hold the azimuth kit in place. These also have thread locker, so use heat gun when needed. Install the new kit, then reinstall all screws. Total time is about 10 minutes. - [MLAstro SHG 700 (Preorder)](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-shg-700-preorder/): [ACCORDION] [TITLE]Estimated ship date[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Current lead time is 6-8 weeks from order placement. In the meantime, some of our retailers may still have available stock from the 5th batch. You can view our list of authorized dealers here: https://mlastro.com/authorized-dealers Please note that this timeline is tentative and subject to change. We will notify you by email if any updates occur. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to fulfill your orders as quickly as possible. Stay tuned for more updates! [/CONTENT] [TITLE]Return/warranty policy[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Our product comes with a 1-year limited warranty covering shipping damage and manufacturer defects. If your item arrives damaged, you have 30 days from the delivery date (per tracking) to file a claim. Please record a video or take photos when unboxing to ensure a smooth resolution. Returns due to user error or lack of understanding are not accepted. However, we provide extensive tutorial videos to help you get started. If you still have trouble, we’re happy to arrange a video call to assist you. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we’re here to help! [/CONTENT] [/ACCORDION] - [MLAstro SHG (Housing only)](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-shg-housing-only/): Starting September 11, 2025, the Housing-only kit will no longer be offered publicly. Too many first-time Sol’Ex users ran into difficulties assembling the 3D-printed kits, and we’ve decided to simplify things. If you’re an experienced Sol’Ex builder and you’re absolutely confident you can make it work on your own, send me an email at trong.minh@mlastro.com and I’ll make the Housing-only option available to you directly. Thanks! Check out our Optical kit to go with your SHG housing here. Please note that if you add the SHG separately you'll have to assemble and calibrate the housing yourself. If you want a fully calibrated SHG with Optics included out of the box then check out our prebuilt kits. This Housing kit is 100% compatible with Shelyak's SolEx Optical kit (ES0029), The Star'Ex HR and LR optical kit (requires the additional Guide kit) If you want the Guide kit to use your MLAstro SHG as a high-resolution stellar spectrograph the please add the Guide kit separately. **Important Information for Beginners** If you are just starting out with an SHG, please note: This device is strictly for imaging only; it cannot be used visually. The SHG functions as a "scanner," capturing a snippet of the Sun's spectrum and, with the help of computer software, turning that scanning video into an image. With this device, you can observe the Sun in multiple wavelengths (e.g., CaK, CaH, Ha, Hb, Sodium, He D3), and the image uniformity and contrast are superior to most amateur-grade etalon filters. Since you cannot do lucky imaging with it, the SHG works best with small aperture, short focal length scopes to provide full disk images. The longest recommended focal length for an SHG is about 1000mm (if you use scope longer than that, it'll simply crop the Sun and you will not get full disk in 1 scan); beyond that, seeing conditions will limit resolution. If you're looking for a visual scope, this is not for you. For those unfamiliar with how this device works, please watch this [instructional video]. It details how the device works, how to set up, focus, capture, and process the "scan" into images. For more information, read this comprehensive guide by Christian Buil, the father of Sol'Ex/Star'Ex, from which our SHG product is derived: [Sol'Ex Presentation](http://www.astrosurf.com/solex/sol-ex-presentation-en.html). The SHG is quite different from any device you may have used before, so it's crucial to invest time and effort into learning how it operates before making a purchase. **MLAstro's SHG Platform** Our SHG platform is designed to provide the ultimate SHG experience. If you already have your Sol'Ex/Star'Ex optical kits, you can use them with our SHG aluminum kit, which is 100% compatible with Shelyak's optical kits. If you want advanced optics then please check out the Optics section. Mechanical advantages: 1. High Rigidity and Thermal Stability: 3D printed housings can degrade when exposed to prolonged heat and solar radiation. They may deform and shift under intense heat, making focus/collimation challenging, especially in remote setups. Our SHG, made from aluminum with some 3D printed parts, offers superior rigidity, durability, and thermal stability, ensuring that your focus/collimation remains stable regardless of exposure time. This is crucial for remote imaging rigs. MLAstro SHG features a breakthrough "unibody" design where the mainframe is CNC-machined from a single piece of aluminum. This ensures high rigidity while maintaining a lightweight build. The entire setup, including optics and camera, weighs less than a kilogram, only about 30% heavier than the 3D printed counterpart. 2. High Precision Optical Alignment: The tight tolerance and well-designed moving mechanism of our aluminum SHG help maintain good squareness and centricity of the optical alignment. Built-in mechanisms allow for perfect optical alignment when needed, ensuring the best possible image quality. 3. Multiple Optical Designs/Sizes: Through a clever 3D printed sleeve system, the MLAstro SHG platform supports lenses up to 35mm in diameter and focal lengths up to 110mm on the collimator and 200mm on the camera (up 135 mm on the collimator if you are willing to print the lens sleeve yourself). It can also host gratings up to 40mm wide and 6mm thick (let me know in the order special request that you want this, otherwise the housing is shipped with standard 25x25x6mm grating mount), with slits up to 12mm. This versatility opens up endless possibilities. 4. Micrometers on the Lens and Grating Dial: Micrometers are a significant upgrade over the old focusing mechanism of 3D printed designs. They help you focus the lens easily while ensuring the spectral spread is centered when the grating rotates. If you've used a 3D printed SHG, you'll appreciate this improvement. The micrometer on the camera lens eliminates the need for backlash and flexure-prone helical focusers. 5. Complete Build Solution: Assembling and calibrating an SHG can be challenging for new users. Finding compatible optics can also be problematic. That's why we offer a prebuilt/calibrated MLAstro SHG Kit with everything included and ready to be installed on your telescope, allowing you to start imaging right away without the hassle of assembly and calibration. - [MLAstro Grating mount (Grating not included)](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-grating-mount-grating-not-included/): The grating mount is used for adding grating to the SHG 700. The grating allow quick grating swap and easier storage. Please note that grating is NOT included. For grating, please see https://mlastro.com/mlastro-2400lmm-grating-25256mm-500nm-peak - [2" to M42 nosepiece](https://mlastro.com/product/2-to-m42-nosepiece/): Starting from Batch 3 (Jan 15, 2025), we recommend using the 2" to M42 nosepiece instead of the 1.25" version for a sturdier connection. All unshipped orders that included the 1.25" nosepiece will be automatically upgraded to the 2" version at no extra cost. The input of the SHG uses a T2 female thread (M42x0.75), and to connect the SHG body to your telescope, you'll need a 1.25" to M42 nosepiece. Any standard nosepiece of this type will work, so if you already have one, there's no need to purchase an additional adapter. Included in the SHG package is a special M42 to 1.25" nosepiece. This is specifically designed for connecting classic planetary cameras, such as the ASI178MM, to the SHG output. It's important not to confuse this adapter with the one for the telescope connection, as they may look similar. The adapter included with the SHG has a larger inner diameter and a thinner wall to ensure compatibility with the camera connection. - [M42 to 1.25" adapter](https://mlastro.com/product/m42-to-1-25-adapter/): You'll need one of these adapter for connecting the camera to the SHG output. The SHG outputs into a male T2 thread (M42x0.75). - [Guide kit for MLAstro SHG Housing](https://mlastro.com/product/guide-kit-for-mlastro-shg-housing/): This Guide kit is 100% compatible with Shelyak's guide optical kit (ES0030). This guide kit upgrades the MLAstro SHG Housing into a fully-featured, high-resolution nighttime stellar spectrograph. You have the option to purchase it with or without optics. It is fully compatible with Shelyak’s optical guide kit. The options detailed are as follows: Guide kit body only: 1x guide cube + 1 x guide adapter + 1 x mirror support (3D printed) + 1 x optics retainer (3D printed). Guide kit body + Optical guide kit: 1x guide cube + 1 x guide adapter + 1 x mirror support (3D printed) + 1 x optics retainer (3D printed) + 2 x 12.7mm 50mmFL doublets + 1x spacer ring (3D printed) + 1x 15x15x3mm mirror All options come with appropriately sized screws, allowing you to easily assemble the guide kit yourself. Please note that this guide kit requires either a Helical focuser or a 1.25" to T2 adapter to attach the guide camera into it and function normally. We provide both of those in the Accessories categories. You can go check them out. - [MLAstro IMX183 COLDMOS (Preorder)](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-imx183-coldmos-preorder/): [ACCORDION] [TITLE]Product FAQ[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: When will this ship? A: The first of the IMX183 will ship mid Dec 2025, if you ordered the 10mm slit with it, both will be shipped along with the camera. Q: What software and drivers does it use? A: It works with ToupTek’s drivers, which support all major platforms and specialized astronomy software, including SharpCap, ASCOM, and INDI. It even runs natively on Windows ARM and Macs with Apple silicon which is in compatible with most other astro camera brands out there. Q: What’s the warranty? A: 1 year. Q: How do I get it repaired or replaced under warranty? A: MLAstro has warehouses in the US, Australia, UK, EU, Japan, and Korea. Simply ship it domestically to the nearest warehouse — we’ll handle the replacement or repair from there. Q: Does it have a sensor chamber window heater? A: Yes. Condensation control on ToupTek cameras is excellent — in fact, better than many other well-known astro camera brands. Q: What’s included in the box? A: Camera body only. Note: A 12V DC power adapter is not included — you’ll need to supply your own. Q: SharpCap doesn’t recognize the camera when I plug in the USB — what’s wrong? A: You need to supply 12V 3A power before connecting via USB. This design is ideal for remote observatories, as you can simulate a USB unplug simply by cycling the 12V power. [/CONTENT] [/ACCORDION] - [MLAstro 10mm Quartz Slit](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-10mm-quartz-slit/): [ACCORDION] [TITLE]10mm slit FAQ[/TITLE] [CONTENT] Q: Will replacing the 7 mm slit with the 10 mm slit and using a longer telescope improve image quality? A: Possibly, but not guaranteed. The SHG is highly sensitive to astronomical seeing, and longer focal lengths magnify seeing effects. If your local seeing isn’t decent, the gain in detail may be offset by atmospheric blur. Q: Can I buy the SHG 700 with only the 10 mm slit (no 7 mm slit)? A: No. The 10 mm slit is only offered as an optional accessory for the SHG 700 due to compatibility considerations and certain limitations (such as vignetting and slight softness at the poles). Q: Can the 10 mm slit be installed as the default on my SHG 700? A: Unfortunately, no. Installing the slit is extremely easy, but pre-installing it would add unnecessary complexity to assembly. Since MLAstro is still a one-man operation, keeping production simple is essential. If you want the 10 mm slit, you’ll need to install it yourself — it only takes a minute with a Phillips screwdriver. Q: Do you recommend the IMX678 sensor with the 10 mm slit? A: You can use it, but you won’t see the slit edges, which makes collimator focusing trickier. The official recommended camera for the 10 mm slit is the MLAstro IMX183 COLDMOS — and yes, we sell it at the lowest price you’ll find anywhere. Q: How long is the warranty on the 10 mm slit? A: 1 year. Q: I already own an SHG 700 — do I get any promotion when ordering the 10 mm slit? A: Yes! You’ll get free shipping. Just email trong.minh@mlastro.com for the code. The offer applies whether you purchased your SHG 700 directly from MLAstro or through a dealer. Q: When will my order of the 10mm slit ships? A: It'll take until late Aug 2025 for the 10mm slit to start shipping. Q: Anything else? A: If you have the early version of the 7mm slit and eligible for a free upgrade, you can have the new version of the 7mm slit shipped along with the 10mm slit for free. Just let me know in the order comment. [/CONTENT] [/ACCORDION] - [MLAstro 678M](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-678m/): Important notice: Due to increased tariffs, items made in China are now subject to extra scrutiny during customs inspections—not just in the US, but across most of the Western world. As a result, starting in April, all orders that include a Touptek 678M with an SHG 700 will have the camera and its original accessories removed from their retail packaging and placed inside the SHG 700 box to help avoid customs delays. Please be advised. The MLAstro 678M is the rebranded ToupTek 678M, you'll use the same driver as the ToupTek. The sensor has long been a popular choice for SHG (Spectroheliograph) builds. With the IMX178 now discontinued, the IMX678 takes its place as the go-to sensor for SHG imaging, and it's proving to be a worthy successor. This new sensor comes with several significant improvements: Wider Sensor: Offering a larger field of view, allowing you to capture more detail in your SHG projects. Smaller Pixel Size: With a smaller 2.0 µm pixel size, the IMX678 delivers higher spatial resolution, ideal for fine solar structures. Higher Frame Rate: Ensuring smooth capture, even at high resolutions. Increased H-alpha Sensitivity: Almost twice as sensitive to H-alpha compared to the IMX178, making it highly suitable for solar imaging. Lower Read Noise: Resulting in cleaner, more detailed images with less noise. The IMX678 is specifically designed to meet the needs of SHG users, offering a significant leap in performance over its predecessor. The MLAstro 678M camera comes with a one-year warranty, and we offer flexible options for returns. You can send the camera back to either my location in Vietnam or directly to the factory in China. Additionally, we have forwarding warehouses in the US, France, and the UK, so you can choose to send your warranty returns there for easier and faster processing. - [MLAstro 72mm F/3.4 compound lens](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-72mm-f-3-4-compound-lens/): Our state-of-the-art compound lens has been meticulously engineered for use in spectroheliographs, ensuring optimal performance in solar observation. Featuring precisely crafted 6 elements, this lens achieves an ideal flat field, significantly reducing optical aberrations and minimizing field curvature on a field up to 16mm in diameter, more than enough to accommodate the 12mm long slit and support scope up to 1300mm in focal length. This lens offer the ultimate sharpness in both center and edge of the 1" image sensor so you can use 1" image sensor with this lens and still experiencing pin sharp detail at the very edge of the frame. (IMX183, IMX533) Comparing the center sharpness of the MLAstro 72mm f/3.4 with a high quality 25.4mm dia, 80mm fl doublet Edge sharpness on MLAstro 72mm F/3.4 and a high quality 25.4mm dia, 80mm FL doublet on IMX178. The MLAstro compound lens offers significantly better sharpness and focus at the very edge of the frame. The lens came with a 10-blade iris aperture so you can stop down the lens and physically reduce the exposure time. The lens is optimized for the Visual range (400-700nm) but has good sharpness and transmission toward near IR and retains decent sharpness toward CaK (393nm) You'll need 2 of these lenses for each SHG optical build. - [MLAstro holographic gratings](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-holographic-gratings/): Our grating is carefully crafted to ensure best possible performance over the whole visible range. Important Notice: Do not touch the coated surface of the grating. Any fingerprints on the surface will render it unusable, and the grating will be discarded. The coated surface is extremely fragile and can be damaged literally by blowing on it the wrong way. To remove dust, use only a bulb blower—do not blow directly on the surface or use any other cleaning methods. Small dust particles will not affect the grating’s performance. Always handle the grating by the edges and place it with the coated surface facing up. For extended storage, it is highly recommended to use the original case and keep it in a humidity-controlled environment (under 60% RH). All grating listed here are Blazed at 500nm. If you need different blazed wavelength, please contact me via email before place order. - [MLAstro 7micron, 7mm SHG slit](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-7micron-7mm-shg-slit/): One of the most critical factors for slits used in an SHG (Spectroheliograph) is edge smoothness. Even the smallest edge defect or sub-micron dust particle on the slit can manifest as a vertical transverse line in the spectral spread, becoming highly visible despite the defect being extremely small—sometimes just a few percent of the slit width and sub-micron in size. This makes producing a high-quality slit an exceptionally challenging process. To achieve the necessary precision, we utilize a lithography process, the same technology used in microchip manufacturing, to etch the slit on a specially coated surface. The result is an ultra-high-quality slit with unparalleled edge smoothness, ensuring minimal visual artifacts in your spectral data. Our MLAstro slit is crafted with a special Quartz substrate and a unique coating process designed specifically for solar use. Unlike competitors' slits—repurposed from nighttime astronomy and made with lime-soda glass that expands and cracks under heat—our Quartz slit has a much lower expansion coefficient, making it highly resistant to the Sun's heat. The thick coating also provides a higher OD7 blocking rating, offering 100 times better blocking than the competitor's offer. Our MLAstro Quartz slit is precision-engineered, with a surface figure polished to λ/4 or better. This stringent specification is essential to preserve the integrity of the wavefront passing through the slit, minimizing distortions that could degrade image sharpness and resolution. Unlike slits commonly used in spectrographs or laser systems, which often lack this level of precision, our design ensures optimal performance in solar imaging applications, where any deviation in wavefront accuracy can significantly impact the final image quality. I have personally experienced a competitor's slit melting under a 60mm scope when no ERF was used. We performed a burn test on our quartz substrate slit using a 15W, 915nm laser. During the test, the substrate glowed red hot but did not crack, thanks to the low thermal expansion of quartz. However, the coating sustained significant damage due to the high heat flux. The temperatures reached in this test are many times higher than those produced by the focused image of the Sun. This demonstrates the robustness of the quartz substrate under extreme conditions, though it also highlights the importance of proper handling to protect the coating. I’ve been using MLAstro slit on a 4-inch (102mm) scope without ERF filters for extended periods without any issues. Here’s a test demonstrating the impact of a higher blocking rating on solar imaging. You can see light from an LED shining through one of our competitor’s slit coatings, while our slit shows no light leak at all. This ensures maximum image contrast, giving you the clearest and most detailed solar images possible. Disclaimer: All of our slits are hand-tested under a microscope to ensure there are no significant defects along the edges. Any slit with a jagged edge is discarded. However, small amounts of dust and minor edge irregularities are an inevitable part of the manufacturing process. Our slits are created using the same lithography techniques used in microchip production. While companies like Intel invest billions in cleanroom environments, it's not feasible for us to perform all manufacturing, assembly, and packaging in such conditions. We make every effort to avoid major edge defects, but minor imperfections can still occur. To set a clear standard (which is not commonly done in the industry), we've established the following guidelines for edge irregularities: Multiple Small Defects: If a slit has more than one small edge defect (blocking less than 10% of the slit width) per 1mm of its length, it is considered defective. For example, in a 7mm slit, if there are more than 7 such defects, you are eligible for a replacement. Large Defect: If there is a single large edge defect blocking more than 10% of the slit width, this qualifies the slit for replacement as well. Edge defects are defined as obstructions that remain even after cleaning. We will provide a detailed guide on how to properly clean your slit in case dust is present. For reference, a slit with a few transverse lines, as shown in the image, is not considered defective. Small edge defects do not impact image quality and can easily be corrected in post-processing software. In fact, some users find that minor imperfections can aid in focusing the camera and collimator more effectively. A few important notes for the slit: Usage without ERF: The slit is rated for use with telescopes up to 4" (102mm) in diameter without the need for an Energy Rejection Filter (ERF). However, if you have the option to use an ERF, we recommend it. Doing so will extend the life of the slit and provide better control over exposure times. For best results, consider using a subaperture narrowband filter as the ERF or a Herschel wedge to limit the heat flux. We do not recommend the use of ND filters for solar imaging, regardless of the brand or type, as they are not designed for this purpose and will degrade image quality. Cleaning the slit: You can gently clean the upper side of the slit using lens tissue or a cotton swab, but do not touch the underside. The coated surface is extremely fragile and can be damaged easily. While small dust particles can be cleaned, oily fingerprints are highly damaging and cannot be removed effectively. If dust is present, use a bulb blower to clean it—do not blow on it with your mouth or use canned compressed air. If compressed air is necessary, ensure it comes from a filtered compressor. Cleaning the underside: The dust on the underside of the slit can be cleaned carefully using a specific process that we will share later. Do not attempt to clean the slit without following this guide as improper cleaning will void your warranty, and we will be able to detect any damage caused Mounting and Compatibility: The slit is mounted on a slanted mount and is fully compatible with Shelyaks optical kit, including use with the high-resolution Star'Ex configuration and the guide kit. Spectral Resolution: The slit is narrower, which significantly increases spectral resolution. However, this also means that the image will be dimmer. As a result, for stellar spectroscopy application, longer exposure times may be needed for dimmer targets. For SHG applications, this increased resolution is desirable, and longer exposure is manageable, and does not pose significant issues. - [MLAstro Smart Hand Controller](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-sal-33-smart-hand-controller/): *Compatible with both MLAstro One and MLAstro SAL-33 The dedicated Smart Hand Controller for the MLAstro mounts. Simply plug it into the HC port to take direct control of your mount. The Mount already have WiFi and Bluetooth support so you can use your phone as a HC, connecting wirelessly. This HC is for people who prefer physical buttons (for Visual observation, for example) Compatibility: OnStep SHC2+ Built-in Flash LED for convenience in the field Anti-glare Red Screen for night-friendly operation Language: English Operating temperature: 0-40*C - [20mm Counterweight Bar](https://mlastro.com/product/sal-33-counterweight-bar/): *Compatible with MLAstro One and MLAstro SAL-33 This 20mm stainless steel counterweight bar lets you add counterweights (not included) to your MLAstro Mounts when running heavier setups, boosting stability and balance. Specifications Material: Stainless steel Bore Diameter: 20 mm Thread: M12 × 1.75 End Tapped Hole: M8 × 1.25 Length: 220 mm - [MLAstro personalized laser engraving](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-sal-33-personalized-laser-engraving/): NOTE: This laser etching is for both SAL-33 and MLAstro One You can have your logo, text, or image laser etched onto the side panel of your MLAstro mount. Maximum workable area is 60 x 60 mm. Please provide the logo file at least 1 week before the expected ship date. Notices File requirements The artwork must be black feature on white background (VERY IMPORTANT, IF THE IMAGE BACKGROUND WAS BLACK, WE'LL INVERT IT), and provided in one of these formats: It can be image or vectorized file. Preferable format is PNG but JPEG, PDF and other image formats also work. The minimum resolution should be 1000x1000 pixel if it is an image. How to submit Please upload the engraving artwork here https://laser.mlastro.com/, follow instruction on the upload page carefully. Include your order number. This is VERY important to help us keep the orders managed. If this engraving request is for an existing SAL-33 order, please also reference the SAL-33 order number in the order comment. We will confirm the final design if there are any concerns about how it will etch. Design tips and possible surcharge Logos work best. Plain text can look bland, so it is recommended to add some design elements. Cartoonist artwork also do well, but artworks with very fine details may not etch cleanly, so keep it simple. A surcharge may apply if your etch file is extra complex and requires more post processing/test run. Shipping impact Customized orders typically ship 7 to 10 days later than standard orders. Any delay caused by late or incorrect artwork submission will be added to the total delay. Clean designs works best More complex design require extra work like this will create a small surcharge. We'll let you know if your order subjected to surcharge. The surcharge is small (10$ in this case) - [MLAstro P-200](https://mlastro.com/product/mlastro-p-200/): *Compatible with MLAstro One and MLAstro SAL-33 The MLAstro P-200 isn’t just another pier extension — it’s built like a tank. Designed to support up to 80 kg of load while weighing only 1.8 kg, it delivers unmatched strength. Yes, it raises your mount to prevent cameras from hitting tripod legs. But more importantly, it also expands the MLAstro mount’s compatibility with a wide range of popular tripods. With the included adapters, it’s plug-and-play with iOptron, ZWO, and SkyWatcher, Celestron tripods. So why go heavy-duty when most Chinese mounts settle for flimsy 3–4 post extensions? Because those lightweight designs simply don’t hold up. They flex under load, catch the wind, and undermine the performance of an otherwise excellent mount — and they’re not even much lighter. We took a different path: build the extension as solid as the mount itself. The result is the P-200, one of the most stable pier extensions available today. And we’ve got the numbers to prove it: FEM analysis shows more than 7 times less deformation under load compared to typical designs. In the field, that translates into rock-solid stability and far better wind resistance. The P-200 doesn’t just extend your mount — it locks down your entire setup and makes sure the SAL-33 delivers at its best. Specifications: Material: CNC-machined aluminum Height: 200 mm Load Capacity: 80 kg Compatibility:  We can customize an adapter for your particular tripod. Just leave a comment when you order and we'll email you back with details. iOptron Tripod / Pier Compatibility LiteRoc Tripod (iEQ45 / CEM60 / CEM70 / HAE69) P-200 + iOptron adapter LiteRoc Tripod (CEM26 / GEM28 / HEM27 / HAE29) P-200, check if the center pin is removable (it should unscrew using a plier), if not, give us an email, we'll give you the P-200 version that is compatible. If center pin is removable, the P-200 natively compatible with the tripod. LiteRoc Tripod (CEM40 / HAE43 / HEM44 / GEM45) P-200, check if the center pin is removable (it should unscrew using a plier), if not, give us an email, we'll give you the P-200 version that is compatible. If center pin is removable, the P-200 natively compatible with the tripod. iOptron Tri-Pier, mini Tri-Pier, Tri-Pier 360 Only need the iOptron adapter, no need for the P-200. ZWO Tripod Compatibility TC40 Natively compatible SkyWatcher Tripod Compatibility EQ3 / EQ5 Requires P-200 + EQ3/EQ5 adapter EQ6 Requires P-200 + EQ6 adapter. Adapter have 2 parts, the collar goes on top of the center rod. EQ3/EQ5/EQ6 compatible pier You can use the respective adapter directly on the SAL-33 bottom plate without P-200. Make sure the az pin is removable. Celestron Tripod Compatibility AVX Replace the center rod with a 3/8" threaded rod and screw it into P-200 center hole. CPC1100/8SE/9.25SE tripods. Any Celestron tripod that uses 3x 3/8" thumbscrews with 142mm spacing between adjacent screws should be compatible. Requires the P-200 and Celestron Adapter. AVALON Tripod Compatibility All T-pod line up (90-110-130) Natively compatible via 2 M6 screws to the bottom plate. ## Optional - [Agent (MCP protocol)](websites-agents.hostinger.com/mlastro.com/mcp) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)