Vixen Polarscope PF-L II for AP & SX Mounts

In the northern hemisphere*, simply position the polar star and two additional stars in the finder’s field of view so that each star is aligned with the corresponding positions in the finder reticle. This enables you to easily configure the equatorial mount with an accuracy of 3 arc minutes or less. The new design of the polar scope eyepiece improves the visibility of stars and makes the scale easier to read. *Three stars for polar orientation in the southern hemisphere are located in Octans. What is the polar alignment scope? The polar alignment scope is a small telescope that is installed parallel to the R.A. axis of an equatorial mount such that it matches the R.A. axis to be parallel in the direction of the diurnal motion of stars. The polar alignment scope utilizes 3 stars (Polaris, Delta UMi and 51 Cep) near the north celestial pole. To locate the north celestial pole, simply align the positions on the reticle in the polar alignment scope with the 3 designated stars. In addition, the patterns of the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia are engraved on the polar alignment reticle for use as a guide for the north celestial pole. The polar alignment scope can align the polar axis of the equatorial mount as accurately as 3 arc minutes or less. The marks and patterns on the built-in reticle provide everything that you need for polar alignment The necessary information for polar alignment is integrated into the reticle, which is designed for locating the north (or south) celestial pole. It is not necessary to configure an hour angle setting in the dark. This makes polar alignment easier, as you can look through the eyepiece of the polar alignment scope. A free app is available to download via the following link. https://www.vixen.co.jp/app/ Dark field illumination (with automatic power off function) The switch on the polar alignment scope’s brightness adjustment dial illuminates the reticle in red when activated. Compared with bright field illumination, this prevents less bright stars from disappearing from the scope's field of view. The brightness can be adjusted in 8 levels by turning the brightness adjustment dial. The red light dims gradually after a certain period of time and turns off automatically. Easy to set up Remove the mounting block on the front side and the cap on the rear side of the POLARIE. Then insert the POLARIE PF-L finder scope into the POLARIE to complete the installation. The telescope is ready for use in no time! FEATURES Easy alignment via reference stars Dimmable red light No date or time settings required Light switches off automatically Free app from https://www.vixen.co.jp/app/ DELIVERY CONTENT 1x PF-L II polar finder 1x CR2032 battery

Despite being developed for heavy mounts, the Vixen ASG CB90 carbon tripod is one of the lightest tripods on the market. The ASG CB90 tripod was originally designed for the new AXJ mount. However, it is also ideally suited to the tried-and-tested SX, HF2, AP, GPD2 and GP2 mounts. The hand nuts can be loosened to extend the tripod by one section. The legs of the ASG CB90 tripod can be secured by a reliable screw cap and are equipped with a 2.5 cm interval scale marking. FEATURES 2-section carbon tripodLightweight and portable Stable design with minimal vibrationsDimensions: 545 mm to 900 mm length Connections: 45 mm pin hole Weight: 3.4 kg WHAT’S INCLUDED Carbon tripod

The declination body unit allows you to expand the AP Photoguider to a complete equatorial AP mount with mototized RA and DC axes. You can move and track the mount in both axes. In addition, you will need the Manual Fine Adjustment Module, or the DEC motor module, as well as the AP counterweight rod and a counterweight. The counter weights of the SX mount series can all be used on the counter weight rod. The APZ counter weight can also be attached to this unit. The built-in battery compartment serves as an additional power supply and is powered by 4 AA batteries.  FEATURESExtends the AP Photoguider to an EQ mount Allows the DC motor module to be attached Built-in power compartment for 4x AA batteries Makes guiding in RA and DC possible SCOPE OF DELIVERYAP declination body Mounting screws Mounting tool

Vixen has developed a new generation of SX mounts for demanding observers and astrophotographers. The SX2WL mount is simply operated via a Wifi module with a smartphone or tablet. By controlling the mount with your smartphone using the free STAR BOOK Wireless app, you can easily use sky navigation functions such as automatic GoTo panning of celestial objects via your smartphone or tablet. By eliminating the power consumption of the conventional LCD (STAR BOOK TEN), the power consumption on the mount is reduced by up to 20%, thus enabling longer astronomical observation and astrophotography. When the desired celestial object is selected from a list, it is automatically panned into the telescope's field of view and tracking begins.An existing STAR BOOK TEN controller can also be used on this mount without any problems. Equipped with the same precision stepper motors as the top model, the AXD mount, the SXD2WL brings a new standard of performance and precision to the Vixen mount family. With a photographic load capacity of 12 kg, the axis cross of the mount weighs just 7.0 kg (15.4 lbs) making it ideal for mobile observations.In addition, the motors mounted in the lower part of the mount also serve as a counterweight, so the mount requires fewer weights for balancing. The SX2 mount in detail Precision stepper motors and micro-step motion control systemAt the heart of the SXD2 are the precision stepper motors, which offer better performance and response than previous models. The micro-step motion control system offers powerful and yet very smooth drive characteristics, which are given both in fine movements and in fast pans. Built-in bearings The bearings of the RA and DEC axes and the worm shafts have been significantly improved to reduce the load on the motors. As a result, the motors move much more smoothly than in previous models. High-precision worm gearsHigh-precision processing technologies eliminate worm gear errors. The edges of the two worms and worm wheels are particularly smooth, enabling very precise tracking. Declination axis as counterweightThe solid motor units are installed in the lower part of the declination axis so that the center of gravity of the SXD2 is below the intersection point of the RA and DEC axes. This means you need fewer additional counterweights. Latitude setting The latitude is adjustable between 0 and 70 degrees (divided into 3 zones and adjustable +/- 15 degrees per zone, for high, medium and low latitudes); latitude scale in 2-degree increments; fine adjustment with a tangent screw head, approx. 0.8 degrees per turn. The wireless module in detail The Vixen Wifi adapter for EQ mounts allows you to control your Vixen mount via a smartphone or tablet. With the smartphone app STAR BOOK Wireless (free of charge) you can navigate the sky without any cables. The app turns your smartphone or tablet into a control unit for the equatorial mount in no time at all. The response delay of the mount, which is considered the biggest disadvantage of wireless connections, has been reduced to a level comparable to wired connections. Reduced power consumption compared to conventional controllers with LCD monitor The power consumption of the mount is reduced by up to 20%, allowing longer observations than with conventional wired controllers such as the STAR BOOK TEN. Operation similar to the STAR BOOK TEN controllerThe STAR BOOK Wireless app has a similar structure to the STAR BOOK TEN controller. Depending on the star map setting, it contains up to 259,000 celestial objects. Tap on a celestial object in the object list and start the GoTo. The mount will now automatically move to this target and bring it into the telescope's field of view. All the popular features of the STAR BOOK TEN are retained. Convenient operation When looking through the telescope operate the mount by swiping on the app's star chart. As there are no buttons, simply slide your finger over the star chart to operate the mount conveniently. Extensive astronomical data included In addition to data on easily observable celestial bodies such as Messier objects, NGC objects and IC objects, this also includes the sun, moon, planets, comets and dwarf planets. High-precision alignment By aligning the mount to one or two stars, you can already achieve fairly precise positioning. By aligning the mount to three or more stars, you can achieve high-precision alignment of the mount for high magnifications. The objects are then approached precisely and centrally in your telescope's field of view. The alignment information is saved and can be retained even when the device is switched off. By leaving the telescope in its current state after completing an observation without moving it, you can start the automatic installation with the same settings for the next observation.  Individual setting options As with the STAR BOOK TEN control unit, the app offers various individual settings, such as gear backlash compensation, night mode in red, autoguider and variable GoTo speed and LED brightness. You can also set the timing of the reversal of the objective tube (meridian flip) as desired. Even if the object moves to the south during tracking, you can prevent the telescope tube from reversing. Important note: Cannot be used on old SX mounts with the old blue Star Book! Technical information about the Wifi module: CPU with 32-bit CISC processor 120 MHz The unit is connected to the mount via a D-SUB 9PIN connector as with the STAR BOOK TEN. It has a 6-pin 6-wire modular plug for external autoguider operation. Supported operating systems are Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher, WLAN standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n. FEATURESRA sprocket: 180 teeth DEC sprocket: 180 teeth Shaft material and diameter: Carbon steel / Decl. 35 mm, RA 40 mm thickness  Fine height adjustment: 0° to 70°, (fine adjustment +/- 15°, height) Backsight rod: 20 mm diameter Azimuth adjustment: worm fine adjustment Power supply: DC12 V; 0.4~1.7 A Maximum load: 12 kg, photographic, without counterweight Counterweight: 1x 1.9 kg  Tripod connection: 45 mm spigot Dimensions: 36 cm (H) x 12 cm (W) x 36 cm (L), weight: 7.0 kg (15.4 lbs), without counterweight 32-bit CISC processor 120 MHz Operating system: Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher Connection: D-SUB 9PIN connector Autoguider input: ST4 Power consumption SX2WL+Wireless unit: DC12V / 0.3-2.0 A (load 8 kg), 0.4-2.2 A (load 12 kg) SCOPE OF DELIVERYSX2WL EQ mount Wireless unit Counterweight: 1.9 kg (1pc) Mounting tools Cigarette lighter cable

The Vixen Wifi adapter for EQ mounts allows you to control your Vixen mount via a smartphone or tablet. With the smartphone app STAR BOOK Wireless (free of charge) you can perform celestial navigation without any wiring. The app turns your smartphone or tablet into a controller for the equatorial mount in no time. The response delay of the mount, which is considered the biggest disadvantage of wireless connections, has been reduced to a level comparable to wired ones. Reduced power consumption compared to conventional controllers with LCD monitor The power consumption of the mount is reduced by up to 20%, allowing longer observations than with conventional wired controllers such as the STAR BOOK TEN. Operation similar to the STAR BOOK TEN controllerThe STAR BOOK Wireless app has a similar structure to the STAR BOOK TEN controller. Tap on a celestial object in the object list and start the GoTo. The mount will now automatically move to this target and bring it into the telescope's field of view. All the popular features of the STAR BOOK TEN are available.Convenient operation When looking through the telescope operate the mount by swiping on the app's star map. Since there are no buttons, simply slide your finger over the star chart for convenient operation of the mount. Extensive astronomical data includedThis includes data on easily observable celestial bodies such as Messier objects, NGC objects, IC objects as well as the Sun, Moon, planets, comets and dwarf planets. High-precision alignment By aligning to one or two stars, you already get a fairly accurate positioning of the mount. By aligning to three or more stars, you can achieve high-precision alignment of the mount for high magnifications. The objects will then be approached precisely and centrally in your telescope's field of view. The alignment information is stored and can be retained even when the telescope is switched off. By leaving the telescope in its current state without moving it after completing an observation, the next time you observe you can start the automatic setup with the same settings for the next observation. Individual setting options As with the STAR BOOK TEN controller, the app offers various individual settings, such as gear backlash compensation, night mode in red, autoguider and variable GoTo speed and LED brightness. You can also set the timing of the lens tube inversion (meridian flip) as desired. Even if the object moves south during tracking, you can prevent the telescope tube from inverting. Important information: Cannot be used on old SX mounts with the old blue Star Book. FEATURES Can be used on: SX2, SXD2, SXD2-PFL, SXP, SXP-PFL, SXP2, AXJ (without encoder), AXD, AX Not compatible with old SX mounts with blue Star Book CPU: 32bit CISC processor 120MH Connector: D-SUB 9-PIN socket Autoguider connector: 6-pin modular connector for SBIG Operation: Android 6, iOS 9.0 or higher Wifi standard: IEEE802.11b/g Data encryption: WPA2-APK Firmware update: via WiFi connection Operating voltage: DC12V 0,1A (max) Power supply: via mount Dimensions: 56 x 36 x 19.5 mm, weight: 60 g SCOPE OF DELIVERY Vixen Wifi adapter

This accessory includes a compass with a spirit level and a height scale. The compass helps you to quickly locate the polar star when it is hidden behind trees or a mountain. The compass attaches to the accessory shoe on the Polarie Star Tracker or a device with a camera accessory shoe. FEATURES Compass Oil-filled compass Azimuth dimensions: 1° steps Height adjustment: 5° steps (max. +/- 70°) Markings: marked with luminous paint Spirit level: Built-in spirit level DELIVERY CONTENTS QPL compass

THE PMC-EIGHT GOTO SYSTEM JUST AWARDED A SKY AND TELESCOPE HOT PRODUCT FOR 2018. The new Explore Scientific LOSMANDY G-11 with PMC-8 Electronics is quite unique and special. Most of the serious amateur mounts on the market today offer single processors. The PMC-8 electronics are extremely robust. They include a 2-Channel Multi-Processor Micro-controller with 8 CPUs that run independently and are completely deterministic in their behavior, thus the name PMC-8. Within this multi-processor system is a 64 Kbyte EEPROM Non-Volatile Memory bank used to store parameters; a Wireless Ethernet 10/100 with full IP function which permits operation from anywhere using a browser, ASCOM, or APP over the web or serial port; and Non-Volatile Memory used to store user selected parameters. The electronics also includes an Auto-Guide port (ST4 contact input) and features the only wireless ASCOM driver on the market. The belt driven system uses 2 timing pulleys (1-45 groove and 1-10 groove) with fiberglass re-enforced neoprene belt connected to a Nema16 bi-polar stepper .67 amps 12ncm motor then connected to the worm. Precise bearings in both axes ensures minimal backlash at all nine possible tracking speeds. The included battery pack (12 V) takes eight size "D" batteries. The head rests on a very tough and rigid CNC machined LOSMANDY Aluminum field tripod. This system is all controlled from a tablet, notebook or desktop pc with 7" display and WIN8.1, WIN10, iOS or Android 4.4 with a beautiful full graphical user interface using our very own ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software. The ExploreStars OpenGoto® Software has the same basic functions as most all other mounts on the market today. ExploreStars is a free App downloadable from the Microsoft App store and GooglePlay. The basic download includes a standard 2 star or 3 star alignment procedure, over 70,000 star database, the Messier Catalog and Solar System objects. The software interface features a Classic four-button pattern for guiding, centering, moving and slewing on the touch screen of your tablet or phone. Pull-down menus open to offer the intuitive 2 star and 3 star alignment procedure, selection of the various catalogs, guided tours, the sync button, the park position, search feature and the coordinate input screen to enter RA and DEC coordinate information. Numerical key pad allows for selectable and user enterable GOTO speeds for slewing, centering and guiding rates. You can also set sidereal, king, lunar, solar, and user defined tracking rates. What makes this software different is that YOU can write your own code and import it into this software. Create a Messier challenge. Create a selectable list of objects you want to photograph and program that information into the software. With the ability to write your own code, you can create whatever your heart desires. Share it with the community of astronomers that are using this software. In addition, this mount can be controlled by any ASCOM compliant software using the built-in wireless ASCOM driver. GPS-compatible and auto time / date settings are dependent on optional receiver on computer or tablet. Here are most of the ASCOM software packages available for use with the Explore Scientific / Losmandy G-11 with PMC-8 mount: ACP; APT; AST / ATC & Ricerca (Omega Lab); AstroArt; AstroMB; Cartes du Ciel / Sky Chart; CCD AutoPilot; DeepSky; Deepsky Planner; DFM Engineering; Earth Centered Universe Pro; EasySky; Eye and Telescope; Project Pluto; Hallo Northern Sky; Maxim DL; MaxPoint; PinPoint Astrometric; Prism; Sequence Generator Pro; Sidereal Technology; The Sky; SkyMap Software; SkyTools 3; Star Atlas PRO; Sky Observer; StarryNight; Stellarium; Virtual Moon Atlas; and WorldWide Telescope. Scott Losmandy is the designer of the world-famous G-11 mount and tripod that works with most popular-sized telescopes for the serious astronomer.Mr. Losmandy has graciously allowed us to buy these mounts and add the new Explore Scientific PMC-Eight GoTo system with its precision stepper motors... We also include the Losmandy G11 RA Extension Kit so you can slew past the meridian and disassemble the RA and Dec axis for easier transport.VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/UV2CdRUyC9AIMPORTANT NOTETo start using ExploreStars app, download the free app and download the celestial data set that contains the astronomical catalogs, reference images, and reference text. Simply by unzipping the ExploreStars folder containing the expanded celestial data set into your Pictures directory, you will expand the native database from a thousand objects to over seventy thousand objects. SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD https://explorescientificusa.com/pages/software-and-downloads-for-pmc-eight-system FEATURESUnique PMC-8 Open Goto SystemBeautiful full graphical user interface using our very own ExploreStars OpenGotoWifi controlled by Tablet, Notebook or Desktop PC with 7" or larger display, and Wifi function (not included)Needed system software of optional computer or tablet: WIN8.1, WIN10 or Android 4.4 or higherClassic four-button pattern for guiding, centering, moving and slewing on the touch screenIntuitive 2 star and 3 star alignment procedureMultiprocessor Micro Controller with 8 CPU´sMicro-Stepper Motors NEMA-16ASCOM + INDI Driver available: YES , supports also Pulse-GuidingYOU can write your own code and import it into this softwareGPS-compatible and auto time / date settings are dependent on optional receiver on computer or tabletSaddle plate accepts both "D" Losmandy Style Dovetail or Vixen Style DovetailSPECIFICATIONSLoad capacity equipment: 27 kg (60 lbs.)Load capacitiy total rating: 45 kg (100 lbs.)Dovetail saddle plate: 3" Losmandy und Vixen GPWeight EQ head: 15 kg (33 lbs.)Weight tripod: 16 kg  (35 lbs.)SCOPE OF DELIVERYExplore Scientific LOSMANDY G-11 with Open GOTO PMC-8Losmandy CNC machined Aluminum Field Tripod Counter Weight 1 x 10 kg Power supply 12VExploreStars Software via downloadIMPORTANT NOTE: This package doesn´t include any WINDOWS/iOS/Android Computer or Tablet.FAQ / KNOWLEDGE-BASE:  https://explorescientificusa.com/pages/explore-scientific-knowledge-base-and-faqsPMC-Eight GROUPS:  https://espmc-eight.groups.io/g/MAIN