iOptron's AccuAlign optical polar scopes use dark-field illumination to make polar alignment easier. Instead of lighting the entire field of view, the background remains dark while the reticle markings glow. That allows you to see the reference stars and alignment markings without a brightly illuminated background washing out the view.
The iOptron 3334 is the 12V LED illuminator that makes this possible. It threads into a compatible AccuAlign polar scope and receives power from the telescope mount through its supplied cable.
If your original illuminator has been lost, damaged, or developed a faulty connection, the 3334 provides the correct replacement LED and cable for the CEM26, GEM28, and compatible CEM40 and GEM45 AccuAlign optical polar scopes.
Which Polar Scopes Does It Fit?
iOptron specifies the 3334 for AccuAlign optical polar scopes used with the following mounts:
- iOptron CEM26 with AccuAlign optical polar scope
- iOptron GEM28 with AccuAlign optical polar scope
- iOptron CEM40 equipped with the compatible AccuAlign optical polar scope
- iOptron GEM45 equipped with the compatible AccuAlign optical polar scope
The distinction between an AccuAlign polar scope and iPolar is important. AccuAlign is a conventional optical polar scope with an illuminated reticle. iPolar is an electronic polar alignment camera that operates through a computer and does not require this LED.
The 3334 is also different from iOptron's older 3333 illuminator. Although the two accessories serve a similar purpose, iOptron specifically warns that the 3333 should not be used with the CEM26, GEM28, CEM40, or GEM45 AccuAlign polar scopes.
If you're replacing a missing illuminator, check your mount model and polar scope before ordering. Having the correct LED and cable is more important than finding a replacement that merely looks similar.
Powered Directly by the Mount
The 3334 uses a 12V LED with a detachable power cable. The LED threads into the designated opening on the AccuAlign polar scope, and the cable connects the illuminator to the mount's compatible DC 12V OUT connection.
The cable has two different connectors:
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LED connection: 3.5mm x 1.35mm (DC35135), with a center-positive LED socket.
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Mount connection: 5.5mm x 2.1mm, for the mount's designated 12V output.
Once the mount is powered, the LED illuminates the polar scope's reticle. There's no separate battery to install, replace, or recharge.
The illumination makes the clock markings and reference circles visible while preserving the dark background needed to identify Polaris or other alignment stars.
The LED doesn't have an electronic brightness adjustment. If the reticle appears brighter than you prefer, iOptron suggests partially blocking the illumination to reduce the amount of light reaching the reticle.
A Replacement, Not an Additional Requirement
If you're purchasing a complete iOptron AccuAlign polar scope kit for a supported mount, the proper LED and cable are already included.
This individual 3334 accessory is intended for someone who needs to replace a lost or damaged illuminator or would like to keep a spare with their observing equipment.
That's particularly useful for a portable telescope setup. Small cables and illuminators have a way of disappearing into equipment bags, being left behind on an observing table, or becoming damaged during repeated setup and transportation.
Having the correct replacement available means a missing illuminator doesn't have to spoil your next opportunity to polar align the mount.
Observing Tip: Watch the Cable During Slews
The AccuAlign illuminator only needs to be connected while you're using the optical polar scope, so there's little reason to leave an unnecessary cable hanging from the mount throughout an entire observing session.
Route the cable carefully while performing polar alignment. A loose cable can catch on the mount, counterweight shaft, or tripod as the right ascension axis moves.
Once polar alignment is complete, disconnect and secure the cable before beginning a long observing or imaging session. Make sure the illuminator and any remaining connections cannot interfere with mount movement.
It's a small precaution, but cable snags can cause surprisingly frustrating problems, especially when an imaging system is operating unattended.
Know Before You Buy
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Replacement LED and cable only. The AccuAlign optical polar scope and telescope mount are not included.
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Specific compatibility. Designed for compatible CEM26, GEM28, CEM40, and GEM45 AccuAlign optical polar scopes.
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Not for iPolar. Electronic iPolar cameras do not use this reticle illuminator.
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Not interchangeable with #3333. iOptron uses different illuminator configurations for other AccuAlign polar scopes.
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Requires 12V mount power. No separate battery is supplied or needed.
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Fixed illumination. There is no built-in brightness adjustment.
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Already included with complete kits. Purchase separately when a replacement or spare is needed.
What's Included
- 1x iOptron 12V AccuAlign reticle illuminating LED (#3334)
- 1x Compatible power cable with 3.5mm x 1.35mm LED connector and 5.5mm x 2.1mm mount connector
AccuAlign optical polar scope, telescope mount, and other mounting accessories are not included.
FAQ
- Will this work with my GEM28 or CEM26?
- Yes, provided your mount is equipped with the compatible AccuAlign optical polar scope. The 3334 is the manufacturer-specified replacement LED and cable.
- Will it work with my CEM40 or GEM45?
- Yes, if the mount has the compatible AccuAlign optical polar scope. Models equipped with an electronic iPolar camera do not use this LED.
- Is this the same as iOptron part #3333?
- No. The 3333 is intended for different iOptron AccuAlign configurations. iOptron specifically warns against using it with the CEM26, GEM28, CEM40, and GEM45 AccuAlign polar scopes. Use the 3334 for the supported models.
- Does the illuminator need batteries?
- No. It operates on 12V supplied through the compatible mount's DC power output.
- Can I adjust the brightness?
- There is no electronic brightness control. iOptron suggests partially blocking the illumination if a dimmer reticle is desired.
- Does the complete AccuAlign kit include an illuminator?
- Yes. Complete compatible AccuAlign optical polar scope kits include the appropriate LED and cable. The 3334 is available separately as a replacement or spare.
- Can I purchase just the cable?
- iOptron also lists a separate replacement cable under part number P-3334-C. If your LED still works and only the cable is damaged, that may be an alternative to replacing the complete assembly.
Final Thoughts
The iOptron 3334 is a small accessory with a very specific purpose: keeping the reticle of a compatible AccuAlign optical polar scope illuminated during polar alignment.
It includes the correct 12V LED and cable, connects directly to the mount's accessory power output, and eliminates the need for a separate battery.
If your original illuminator has been lost or damaged, this is the manufacturer-specified replacement. And if you regularly travel to dark observing sites, keeping a spare in your equipment case isn't a bad idea. Sometimes the smallest missing part can be the one that holds up the entire evening.
