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Vixen Telescope AP-SM Equatorial Mount

Vixen Telescope AP-SM Equatorial Mount

Regular price $1,322.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $1,322.99 USD
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Features

  • R.A. Motor modules and STAR BOOK ONE controller included
  • Stylish design
  • Friction control system
  • Simple polar alignment
  • Power supply system focusing on mobility and comfort

Description

Equatorial mount from beginners to experienced observers


The Advanced Polaris equatorial mount is ideally suited for beginners who want to become familiar with equatorial mount or experienced observers who want a simple grab-and-go mount. The AP mount securely supports your telescope optical tube for comfortable observation. With its friction control system, the mount can be quickly moved to your target object. A wide selection of optional accessories are available for the AP mount to meet your observation needs.

R.A. Motor modules and STAR BOOK ONE set

The AP-SM equatorial mount is supplied with the R.A. motor module and STAR BOOK ONE set (main motor of the AP equatorial mount for tracking celestial objects) which includes STAR BOOK ONE controller. R.A. motor module and STAR BOOK ONE set is an integral part of the AP system. Your own system is created based on the R.A. motor module and STAR BOOK ONE set by adding other modules.

Stylish design

The new stylish and smart design removes a difficult image on astronomical telescopes. Together with just 3.6kg lightweight body (without counterweight), you can easily handle full-scale astronomical telescopes. As the four AA batteries for power supply is integrated inside the body and adoption of internal electrical contacts eliminates external wiring which exposed to the outside in the past.

Friction control system

Simply point the target objects by moving the optical tube by hands. The friction control system allows you to manually point the telescope at the object without using knobs and clamps.

Simple polar alignment

The optional polar meter can be attached on the equatorial mount for simple polar alignment. Even beginners can quickly align polar axis. For precision alignment, the polar axis scope is usually used, but the polar meter can outperform especially where Polaris is not visible.

Polar alignment scope PF-L

The polar alignment scope PF-L features the employment of three stars alignment system and a built-in dark field illuminator to enable alignment while looking into the polar alignment scope. This illumination powers off automatically to prevent unnecessary consumption of power. Corresponding to the polar alignment scope PF-L, we deliver free applications "PFL Assist" for smartphones and tablets that support polar alignment by visualizing a visible position in the constellation displayed.

Power supply system focusing on mobility and comfort

The motor module operates with 4 pieces of AA batteries which are commercially available anywhere easily, not only corresponding to the alkaline battery but also economical rechargeable batteries (Ni-MH, Ni-Cd). For long-term use, a commercially available USB external power supply such as USB mobile battery or USB AC adapter can be used connecting to the provided USB Micro-B terminal.

STAR BOOK ONE controller

The included STAR BOOK ONE controller is a lightweight, compact, and simple hand-held controller mainly focusing on the XY drive (R.A and DEC directions) control, while offering various tracking modes like sideral and solar rate, backlash compensation, external auto guider port, built-in illuminator.

Specs

R.A. slow-motion Worm and wheel gears with 144-tooth dia. 73.5mm whole-circle movement
DEC slow motion Worm and wheel gears with 144-tooth dia. 58.4mm whole-circle movement
Worm axis R.A.: Dia. 11mm, DEC: Dia. 9.8mm, both made of brass
RA, DEC axis (Material) Dia.59mm, friction-control (aluminum alloy)
Bearings Ball-bearing, 7 pcs.
Counterweight bar Dia. 20mm, Steel
Polar axis scope Polar alignment scope PF-L (Optional)
Azimuth adjustment Twin screw type with knob, range: 6.5°(1.4°/rotation)
Altitude adjustment Tangent screw type with bolt, range* 0-65°(1.9°/rotation)
Drive Electric drive by pulse motor
Maximum loading capacity Approx. 6kg (Max. torque load 150kg-cm)
Controller terminal D-SUB9PIN Male
Power supply AA Battery x 4pcs (Allakine, Ni-MH, Ni-Cd), or USB-compatible external power supply
Power consumption DC5V 0.2-0.5A (1.0-2.5W)
Power duration time (Battery drive) Approx. 4 hours (Alkaline battery, 6kg, 20℃)
Dimensions 274x310x96mm
Weight 3.9kg without battery and counterweight

Manual

To download printable PDF manual Click Here

Warranty

Vixen warranties its products to be free from initial defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period based on part type:

Vixen Electronic Parts: Limited One Year Warranty

Vixen Mechanical Parts: Limited Two Year Warranty

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CA Residents: Prop 65 WARNING(S)

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