Vixen SXG-P85 DX Metal Column for SX Mounts

Vixen has developed a new generation of SX mounts with Wifi for demanding observers and astrophotographers. The SXP2WL mount is easily operated via a Wifi module using a smartphone or tablet. For user-friendly control of the mount, the free STAR BOOK Wireless app is available. This allows you to use practical celestial navigation functions such as automatic GoTo slewing to certain celestial objects easily via your smartphone or tablet. Since the power consumption of the traditional LCD screen (STAR BOOK TEN) is eliminated, the power consumption of the mount is reduced by up to 20%. This enables astronomical observations and astrophotography over longer periods.By selecting the desired celestial object from a list, it will automatically slew into the telescope's field of view and tracking begins. A previously existing STAR BOOK TEN controller can also be used with this mount without any issues. Equipped with the same precision stepper motors as the top model, the AXD mount, the SXP2WL sets a new standard in performance and precision in the Vixen mount family.The axis cross of the SXP2 mount has a photographic payload of 17 kg and weighs just 13.3 kg, making it ideal for mobile observations. Additionally, the motors located in the lower part of the mount serve as counterweights. As a result, the mount requires fewer weights for balancing.On the SXP2 mount, larger ball bearings are used than in previous models to increase accuracy and payload capacity. The mount housing also features a greater material thickness. To make the polar block even more stable, the axis cross is firmly clamped into a fork. The SXP2 mount in detail Stronger mount housingOn the SXP2 mount, larger ball bearings are used than in previous models to increase accuracy and payload capacity. The mount housing also features greater material thickness. To make the polar block even more stable, the axis cross is firmly clamped into a fork. Very precise tracking with P-PEC functionThe SXP2 mount is delivered with the modern STAR BOOK TEN controller. It offers you the P-PEC function for particularly precise tracking. The term 'PEC' stands for 'Periodic Error Correction.' The system corrects mechanical errors that cause periodic errors in the gear systems. The SXP2 equatorial mount provides a P-PEC function derived from the PEC function. The P-PEC function saves your correction records even after the mount's power is turned off. This means you don’t have to re-enter the data each time, allowing for faster operation and more accurate tracking. Quiet belt drive system with minimal play In conventional motor drive systems of equatorial mounts, gears are used, which are driven by the motor. However, this design has the disadvantage that a certain amount of play occurs between the gears. To avoid the inaccuracies caused by this, the SXP2 mount uses a belt drive system. This significantly reduces both gear play and drive noise. In addition, the device responds more quickly when corrections need to be made. 16 bearings The mechanical parts of the SXP2 mount contain a total of 16 bearings. A set of tapered roller bearings is used for the RA axis to provide more stability for more precise tracking. Stable altitude block for alignment The SXP2 mount uses the same fork as the heavier AXJ mount. This new construction enables quick and stable latitude adjustment. Simple and precise polar alignment via reference stars The 6x20 polar finder is already pre-installed. This allows you to adjust the polar alignment (for both the northern and southern hemispheres). The polar finder offers a variable illuminated reticle with an automatic shut-off function. The brightness can be adjusted in 8 steps, allowing you to tailor it to your individual needs. Additionally, the polar finder is equipped with direct alignment using three reference stars and can achieve an accuracy of up to 3 arc minutes. Variable mount head The mount head has a diameter of 35 mm and eight threaded holes for M8 screws, arranged at 45-degree intervals. An optional accessory plate can be attached directly or in combination with an optional mounting block for dovetail plates. Additionally, the threaded holes on the mount head allow the use of mounting rails from other manufacturers. ATTENTION: For mounting Vixen standard dovetail rails, the X000266 adapter is also required. Combination of innovative, elegant design and user-friendly operation The stable, rigid mount body with very precise tracking has been further optimised by the P-PEC function. This makes the SXP2 a highly precise and easy-to-use mount that will delight every astrophotographer and observer. Special motor placement for fewer counterweights The heavy RA and DEC motor units are housed in the lower part of the declination, so the centre of gravity of the axis cross lies beneath the RA and DEC axes. As a result, the declination body acts as a counterweight. The flat mount head also allows the mount to be balanced with significantly fewer counterweights. Retractable counterweight bar The counterweight bar is made of solid stainless steel and has a diameter of 20 mm. It can be used with all counterweights from the SX and GP mount series. The counterweight bar is housed in the declination body. Accessory shoe For simple and quick polar alignment, the #35511 Polar Meter can be slid onto this shoe. Latitude adjustment The latitude can be adjusted between 0 and 70 degrees (divided into 3 zones and adjustable +/- 15 degrees per zone, for high, medium, and low latitudes).The Vixen Wifi adapter in detail The Vixen Wifi adapter for EQ mounts allows you to control your Vixen mount via a smartphone or tablet. With the free STAR BOOK Wireless smartphone app, you can navigate the sky without any cables. The app transforms your mobile device into a controller for the equatorial mount in no time. The response delay of the mount, often considered the greatest disadvantage of wireless connections, has been reduced to a level comparable with wired solutions. Reduced power consumption compared to conventional controllers with LCD monitors The power consumption of the mount is reduced by up to 20%, allowing for longer observations compared to traditional wired controllers such as the STAR BOOK TEN. Operation similar to the STAR BOOK TEN controller The STAR BOOK Wireless app is structured similarly to the STAR BOOK TEN controller. Depending on the star chart settings, it contains up to 259,000 celestial objects. Simply tap on a celestial object from the object list to start GoTo. The mount will automatically move to the target and place it in the telescope's field of view. All the popular features of the STAR BOOK TEN remain available to you. Comfortable operation While looking through the telescope, you can control the mount by swiping on the star map in the app. Since there are no buttons, you simply glide your finger over the star map to comfortably operate the mount. Extensive astronomical data included This includes data for well-observed 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 with one or two stars, you already achieve quite accurate positioning of the mount. Aligning with three or more stars allows for high-precision alignment of the mount, suitable for high magnifications. The objects will then be approached exactly and centered in the telescope's field of view. The alignment information is saved and can be retained even when the device is turned off. By leaving the telescope in its current state after an observation, without moving it, you can start the next observation with the same settings through automatic installation. Custom settings The app offers various custom settings, as in the STAR BOOK TEN controller, such as gear backlash compensation, night mode in red, autoguider, and variable GoTo speed and LED brightness. You can also set the time for the reversal of the telescope tube (Meridian Flip) as desired. Even if the object moves south during tracking, you can prevent the telescope tube from flipping over.Important information Not usable with old SX mounts that use the old blue Star Book. Technical information about the Wifi module 32-bit CISC processor with 120 MHz The unit is connected to the mount via a D-SUB 9-pin connector, as with the STAR BOOK TEN. It features a 6-pin, 6-wire modular plug for external autoguider operation. Supported operating systems: Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher, Wifi standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/nFEATURESRA worm gear: 73.2 mm Ø, brass gear with 180 teethDEC worm gear: 73.2 mm Ø, brass gear with 180 teethWorm shaft: 9 mm Ø, brassRA & DEC axis: 40 mm Ø, carbon steel bearings, 16 bearingsCounterweight shaft: 20 mm Ø RAPolar finder: PF-LII 6x20 mmStepper motors: 250 PPS speed, max. 1000x sidereal rateMax load: 17 kg photographic without counterweightPower connection: DC12 V 0.45~2.2 ADimensions: 386 x 419 x 128 mmAxis cross weight: 13.3 kg without counterweightCounterweights: 3.7 kg, 1.9 kgSCOPE OF DELIVERYSXP2WL mountWifi module2 counterweights: 1.9 kg and 3.7 kg9-pin D-Sub cableMounting toolPolar finder PFL-IICigarette lighter cable