Astronomical Equipment Product Guide 2013

Transcription

1 Astronomical Equipment Product Guide 2013

2 Vixen Founded in 1949, Vixen Co. Ltd has been Japan s leading manufacturer of astronomical telescopes, mounts and accessories for over 60 years. Responsible for the introduction of the popular GO-TO controller and world standard dovetail mounting system, the company has been instrumental in shaping the market in which it has operated both under its own name and as an OEM supplier to some of the world s big astronomical equipment brands. With a wide range of often cross-compatible equipment designed and manufactured for astronomers at every level, choosing a Vixen set-up means you can stay with the brand as your hobby develops, mixing and matching tubes and mounts according to the type of observing you want to do. When you compare Vixen products to others, the difference is clear. The quality and workmanship is there to see no matter whether you are in the market for a lightweight grab-and-go Porta II altazimuth mount for a few hundred pounds or a high performance SXD2 equatorial mount at a few thousand. Specialist manufacturers of refractors, reflectors and catadioptrics, the company attaches great importance to innovation, continuing to pursue technical advancements in order to maximise your enjoyment. Opticron Founded more than 40 years ago, the company specialises in the design and supply of prismatic binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories for the birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast. Working in partnership with a small number of Japan s elite optical manufacturers including Vixen, the benefits of these relationships are seen in the optical performance and the value for money of the equipment which we believe is second to none. We see the Vixen astronomical range as a natural fit, complimenting our own equipment as we continue to focus on providing the best possible mix of products backed up with a customer service function worth the name. If you are a professional, enthusiast or occasional user of optical equipment, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you make the right choice based on price and application. Where To Buy As well as being able to purchase from a network of Vixen stockists, you can buy through our mail order service. In addition we have on-site testing facilities for many products in the Vixen range. Please contact us before visiting to make sure we have the equipment of specific interest in stock. For the very latest information on new products which may not be included in this guide, please visit us online at We hope you find the contents interesting and informative. If you have any comments we would be happy to hear from you. Contents Page Introduction 3 Telescopes 4-7 Polarie 8 Porta Mounts 9 GP2 Equatorial Mount 10 GPD2 Equatorial Mount 11 SX Equatorial Mount 12 SXD2 Equatorial Mount 13 SXP Equatorial Mount 14 AXD Equatorial Mount 15 Mount Components and Options Motors and Controllers Accessories Eyepieces 23 2 Rosette Nebula NGC Vixen ED115S, GP Mount & Canon EOS300D

3 Introduction Telescopes Refractors Light is collected through an objective lens Constantly stable field of view, suitable for observation of any astronomical object. Features easy handling, storage and maintenance. Relatively more expensive compared to other types of optical tube with the same aperture. Heavier than other types of optical tube due to multiple lens designs Vixen Achromatic Refractors feature stable and high contrast images. Vixen ED Apochromatic Refractors feature sharp and clear images virtually free of false colour. Recommended for astrophotography. Reflectors Light is collected with a concave mirror (primary objective mirror) Sharp central images, no chromatic aberration. A large difference in temperature between the inside and outside of the tube can create air turbulence. These temperatures must be balanced before making any critical observation. Not recommended for Solar observation. Catadioptrics Combine the advantages of refractors and reflectors. VMC Vixen Modif ied Cassegrain The use of spherical mirrors allows for an excellent price performance ratio. Compact and lightweight design. Chromatic aberration, coma aberration, spherical aberration and field curvature are all wellcorrected. Temperatures inside and outside the tube must be balanced before making any critical observation. Not recommended for Solar observation. VISAC Vixen 6th-order Aspherical Catadioptric Chromatic aberration, coma aberration, spherical aberration and field curvature are all wellcorrected. Compact and lightweight design. Temperatures inside and outside the tube must be balanced before making any critical observation. Not recommended for Solar observation. Triplet ED Apochromatic Refractors Vixen s flag-ship model with triplet lenses designed for observation and astrophotography. Vixen Newtonian Reflectors feature high performance at faster focal ratios as a result of advanced high precision mirror formation technologies. Vixen Modified Cassegrain optics produce sharp and high contrast images for observation and astrophotography. Vixen high precision Sixth order Aspherical Cassegrain VISAC systems produce an ideal photographic field without coma and field curvature of field. Highly recommended for serious astrophotography. Mounts Altazimuth Mount An altazimuth mount has simple vertical and horizontal motion controls making it easy to point and view. Equatorial Mount This type of mount can track a celestial object in accordance with the diurnal motion (rotation) of the earth. Dovetail-tube plate lock screw Declination (DEC) clamp Horizontal slow-motion control handle Horizontal slow-motion control handle Dovetail-tube plate lock screw Right Ascension (RA) clamp Housing for motors (Porta II Altazimuth Mount) Quick and easy to set-up and put away. Lightweight and portable. Allows mounting of a terrestrial telescope. Not designed for long exposure astrophotography and viewing over 100x for long periods. Altitude adjustment knob Azimuth adjustment (SX Equatorial Mount) knob Allows tracking of an object over an extended period. Suitable for long observation at high powers & astrophotography. Greater functionality including automatic object search and automatic tracking. Heavier than altazimuth mounts offering greater stability. Motor Drive Controllers DD-3 Dual axis controller for GP2 and GPD2 mounts. Hand controller to drive the motors installed on the RA and DEC axes on the mount Star Book Computerised GO-TO navigation controller. Colour LCD screen with userfriendly star chart GO-TO function and intuitive operation. Star Book supplied with SX mount Star Book Ten supplied with SXD2, SXP and AXD mounts 3

4 Achromatic Refractor Telescopes A80M This is a perfect telescope for the beginner astronomer as it offers a lightweight and compact design and is supplied with accessories that enable you to get set up simply and quickly. The A80M is an achromatic refractor with an 80mm objective lens. Its focal length is 910mm with a focal ratio of f11.4. Its light gathering is 130 times better than the human eye and it has a maximum usable magnification of 144x. Weighing less than 3kg and measuring under 1m in length it is small and light enough to be transported to your observing site for quick set up and viewing. The scope is supplied with a red dot finder that attaches to the main scope to help you centre the object. It also includes a flip mirror, tube rings and as with all Vixen tubes supplied by Opticron, it comes complete with Vixen s dovetail plate allowing it to be used on any of the Vixen mounts A105M A larger aperture version of the A80M, this OTA also offers an excellent first choice as a telescope but with higher light gathering power. Shown with eyepieces sold separately. Shown with eyepieces sold separately. The A105M is an achromatic refractor with a 105mm objective lens. Focal length is 1000mm with a focal ratio of f9.5. Its light gathering power is 225x. The tube is supplied with a red dot finder, flip mirror, tube rings and dovetail mounting plate. Refractors For Observation & Imaging The 60mm visual back on the A80M and A105M can accept either an optional extension tube or diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2 ) eyepieces. Various accessories are also available for attaching photographic instruments to the telescope. For more information see pages Model A80M A105M Objective lens 80mm achromatic, multi-coated 105mm achromatic, magnesium fluoride coating Focal length (Focal ratio) 910mm (f11.4) 1000mm (f9.5) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.45 arc sec., arc sec., 11.9 Light gathering power 131x 225x Tube size & weight (OD) 90mm x (L) 915mm, 2.5kg (5.5lb) (OD) 115mm x (L) 1060mm, 3.8kg (8.4lb) Finderscope Red dot finder Red dot finder Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings, flip mirror & dot finder Dovetail adapter, tube rings, flip mirror & dot finder Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection and afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging NA140SSf Astronomers looking for large aperture refractors can be satisfied that the 140mm NA140SSf delivers superb views of the night sky with its 400x light gathering power. This refractor has a fast focal ratio of f5.7. Deep sky objects are easily visible and astro-imagers looking for a fast instrument will be impressed with the NA140 s performance. The advanced 4-element objective lens, set in two groups, minimises residual chromatic aberrations. With its Petzval-like correcting lens at the rear, this neo-achromatic telescope is specifically designed to provide improved colour and a flat field, making it well-suited to astrophotography. The tube weighs under 7kg and has a focal length of 800mm. There s a built-in dew shield and Vixen s dual speed focuser is supplied as standard together with tube rings and dovetail mounting plate. The 60mm visual back can accept either an optional extension tube or diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2 ) eyepieces. An optional metal carry handle can be attached to the tube rings. For photographic accessories see pages Includes dovetail plate (not shown) Model NA140SSf Objective lens 140mm Neo-achromatic, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 800mm (f5.7) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.82 arc sec., 12.5 Light gathering power 400x Tube size & weight (OD) 140mm x (L) 1024mm, 6.5kg (14.3lb) Finderscope Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging 4 *A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed.

5 ED Refractor Telescopes ED81S When the ED81S was introduced, it set a new standard for APO refractors. The combination of better colour correction from the new extra low dispersion (ED) glass and brighter images from its fast f7.7 focal ratio will satisfy the most demanding visual astronomer or astrophotographer. Vixen s new optical system focuses the full visible spectrum of light to a critical point much more accurately than earlier models resulting in images that are almost free of chromatic aberration in all colours and are sharp edge to edge ED103S The newly designed ED lens in Vixen's ED103S gives excellent optical performance in a short optical tube for easy handling ED115S The largest aperture model of the ED series yet still compact at 940mm long and weighing under 5kg making it suitable for portable observation set-ups. The 60mm visual back on the ED range can accept either an optional extension tube or diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2 ) eyepieces. An optional metal carry handle can be attached to the tube rings. All ED series scopes Include dovetail plate (not shown) For photographic accessories see pages Model ED81S ED103S ED115S Objective lens 81mm ED apochromatic, multi-coated 81mm ED apochromatic, multi-coated 115mm ED apochromatic, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 625mm (f7.7) 795mm (f7.7) 890mm (f7.7) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.43 arc sec., arc sec., arc sec., 12.1 Light gathering power 134x 217x 270x Tube size & weight (OD) 90mm x (L) 583mm, 2.3kg (5.1lb) (OD) 115mm x (L) 810mm, 3.6kg (7.9lb) (OD) 125mm x (L) 930mm, 4.4kg (9.7lb) Finderscope Optional Optional Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Refractors AX103S The AX103S is the latest in the Vixen refractor line and features a triplet ED objective lens and a rear field flattener lens. This f8.0 APO refractor benefits from a central ED lens in the objective lens array to reduce chromatic aberration and improve contrast. An optional focal reducer speeds up the scope to f5.6 making it a superior astro imaging scope. The rear field flattener helps to deliver sharp images to the edges of the field of view. Light gathering power is 217x and the tube is supplied with dual speed focuser, dovetail mounting plate and tubes rings. The 60mm visual back can accept either an optional extension tube or diagonal to accommodate 50.8mm (2 ) eyepieces. An optional metal carry handle can be attached to the tube rings. Includes dovetail plate (not shown) Model AX103S Objective lens 103mm Triplet ED apochromatic, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 825mm (f8) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.13 arc sec., 11.8 Light gathering power 217x Tube size & weight (OD) 115mm x (L) 687mm, 4.6kg (10.1lb) Finderscope Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm push-fit, 50.8mm* push fit on optional flip mirror Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging For photographic accessories see pages Spherical Aberration 10 microns per division Spot Diagram 10 microns per division Pleiades Cluster - taken with AX103S by Masahiro Shimada *A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed. 5

6 Astro Imaging Telescopes Newtonian Reflector For Imaging R200SS The remarkably fast 200mm f4 parabolic primary mirror of the Vixen R200SS Newtonian reflector gives extremely sharp images with no chromatic aberration. The use of state-of-the-art coating technology yields the ideal surface for the visual observer to enjoy wide views of deep sky objects. The telescope's large aperture and compact body make it ideally suited for astrophotography of nebulae, star clusters and comets. The use of the optional coma corrector allows for a sharp coma-free image from edge to edge and the rack and pinion focuser, with an adapter, accepts 2 eyepieces. The R200SS is supplied with 232mm tube rings, dovetail tube plate and a focus design that allows plenty of distance for photographic equipment. See pages for photographic accessories. The Vixen dual speed focuser is included as standard. Includes dovetail plate (not shown) Model RS200SS Objective lens 200mm parabolic mirror, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 800mm (f4.0) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.58 arc sec., 13.3 Light gathering power 816x Tube size & weight (OD) 232mm x (L) 700mm, 5.3kg (11.7lb) Finderscope Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 31.7mm push-fit on eyepiece adapter Accessories included Dovetail adapter, tube rings & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging VC200L The VC200L is a 200mm (8 inch) f9.0 well-corrected, specialised telescope which has been engineered to meet the demands of the astro imager. Vixen's unique catadioptric design features a high precision sixth order aspherical primary mirror, a convex secondary mirror and triplet corrector lens placed between the secondary mirror and focusser. In combination, these optical elements form Vixen s VISAC (Vixen Sixth- Order Aspherical Cassegrain) design. Catadioptric Reflector For Imaging The primary mirror is held by a retaining ring, instead of hooks to decrease flare and enhance contrast. The VISAC design provides high-definition star images to the edge of a wide viewing field and offers excellent performance for astrophotography. Even at the edge of 35mm film format CCD chips, stars are sharp and typically better than the resolution of high quality CCD imagers. This means that the telescope does not limit image quality. Typically exposure times of around 10 minutes are required when using this scope for deep sky imaging. An optional f6.4 focal reducer allows for much shorter exposure times. The tube is supplied with a dovetail mounting rail. The rail is covered with a stainless steel plate on one side to prevent marking from mounting set screw or compression plates. The integrated carry handle makes this lightweight tube easy to transport to remote imaging sites. Comments from reviewers of the VC200L: I tried M81 in Ursa Major and again I was pleased with the result. The delicate structure of the spiral shape in silhouette against the brighter core region really came through clearly - John Slinn, May 2011 I was very impressed with the telescope. Messier 13, the globular cluster in Hercules, resolved to show distinctive stars, and Messier 27, the Dumbbell Nebula, gave one of the best views I have seen with a scope of this size. It was easy to split Epsilon Lyrae, the double double into its pair of doubles using a 5mm Hyperion. - Jonathan Gale, November 2010 When I received the scope, Vixen had already collimated it. My initial tests showed that the collimation was still perfectly set, even after delivery. Its also been in the back of my car to and from the Stargazers Lounge Star Party and Salisbury Star Party and hasn't required any adjustments. Low maintenance - perfect for star parties! - Richie Jarvis, August 2010 Model VC200L Objective lens 200mm VISAC aspherical mirror, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 1800mm (f9.0) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.58 arc sec., 13.3 Light gathering power 816x Tube size & weight (OD) 232mm x (L) 620mm, 6.0kg (13.2lb) Finderscope Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* Accessories included Dovetail mount rail & dual speed focuser Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Aluminium Vacuum Evaporation System Vixen has created a unique aluminium vacuum evaporation system to produce extremely precise mirror surfaces. More accurate than the error-prone process of grinding material to form a mirror surface, Vixen's revolutionary system works by controlled layering of aluminium film. The primary mirrors in the unique sixth-order aspheric Cassegrain fitted to the VC200L as well as the 200mm Newtonian R200SS are produced using this aluminium vacuum evaporation system. Optional Accessory Aluminium Carrying Case for VC200L and VMC200L Weight: 5.2kg (11.4lb) Size: 335x670x270mm Note: Special order only 6 *A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed.

7 Modified Cassegrain Telescopes VMC110L At just over 2kg in weight and a mere 360mm long, the VMC110L is one of the best multi-purpose grab and go telescopes on the market and is suitable for viewing the night sky and for observing wildlife. This 110mm modified Cassegrain f9.4 optical tube delivers an impressive light gathering power of 247x and uses an integral flip mirror. This allows for quick and easy switching between observation and photography. The flip mirror has threads to accept a camera T-mount. Shown with eyepieces sold separately. Other features include a curved vane secondary mirror spider to reduce diffraction effects and like its sister models, the VMC110L features a meniscus lens just ahead of the secondary mirror. The telescope is supplied with red dot finder and dovetail mounting plate. The VMC110L is the perfect partner for either the Mini Porta or Porta II alt-az mounts, shown on page 9. Vixen Modified Cassegrain Catadioptrics For Observation & Imaging Model VMC110L Objective lens 110mm precision spherical mirror, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 1035mm (f9.4) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 1.05 arc sec., 12.0 Light gathering power 247x Tube size & weight (OD) 119mm x (L) 360mm, 2.1kg (4.6lb) Finderscope Red dot finder Adapter thread / visual back 42mm for T-mount, 31.7mm push-fit on integrated flip mirror Accessories included Dovetail adapter Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging VMC200L The VMC200L s primary mirror is f2.5 and the compound optical system is f9.75 making the system much more compact and portable than many competitive models. An additional key feature is the rack and pinion focusing that is placed behind the primary mirror. The use of this focusing system eliminates the image shift associated with most other Schmidt-Cassegrain systems. This is especially important when using high power magnification and for astrophotography. When focusing, the image is stable and easy to adjust VMC260L for SXP and AXD Mounts VMC260L for SXD2 Mount The VMC260L outperforms a traditional Schmidt-Cassegrain and despite a focal length of 3000mm, the tube is only 650mm long. With its 260mm aperture the unit collects enough light for serious observation and photography of both planetary and deep sky objects. The VMC260L features dielectric coated mirrors to improve brightness and sharpness and its open tube design allows the telescope to cool more quickly than enclosed Cassegrain models. Use the VMC110L with the Porta II mount for the perfect grab and go setup An optional 0.62x focal reducer turns the VMC260L into an f7.1 imager. The standard configuration includes a piggy-back camera holder which doubles as a carrying handle. Note: The VMC260L OTA is available to special order only. Shown with optional accessories sold separately. Model VMC200L VMC260L Objective lens 200mm precision spherical mirror, multi-coated 260mm precision spherical mirror, multi-coated Focal length (Focal ratio) 1950mm (f9.75) 3000mm (f11.1) Resolving power, limiting magnitude 0.58 arc sec., arc sec., 13.8 Light gathering power 816x 1380x Tube size & weight (OD) 232mm x (L) 535mm, 5.9kg (13lb) (OD) 304mm x (L) 650mm, 10kg (22.1lb) Finderscope Optional Optional Adapter thread / visual back 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 60mm on scope body. 42mm for T-mount and 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* 31.7mm push-fit on flip mirror. 50.8mm option* Accessories included Dovetail mount rail & dual speed focuser Dovetail mount rail Photography** Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging Prime focus, eyepiece projection & afocal imaging *A 50.8mm mirror diagonal or a 50.8mm extension tube is needed to use a 50.8mm eyepiece. **Optional photographic accessories are needed. 7

8 Star Tracker What is the Polarie Star Tracker? The Vixen Polarie is an easy to setup, easy to use photographic accessory that allows you to take pin-sharp photos of stars and constellations. It is designed to follow the apparent motion of the stars caused by the earth s rotation, eliminating star trails. Using the Polarie to take wide field images of constellations, shooting stars as well the Milky Way is surprisingly straightforward. Polarie also enables you to photograph starscapes by adding a darkened landscape or silhouetted figure in the foreground of your frame. Product features Polarie Star Tracker Specifications Polarie Star Tracker Tracking mode Celestial tracking rate. 1/2 of celestial tracking rate. Solar tracking rate (mean solar time). Lunar tracking rate (mean lunar time) : Usable in both northern and southern hemispheres Wheel gear 57.6mm dia. aluminium alloy axis with full-circle 144-tooth Worm gear 9mm dia. high tension brass Power source 2 AA-size alkaline batteries (2.4~3.0V) External power supply USB mini-b connection (4.4~5.25V) Tilt meter Angles between 0 and 70 (5 increments) Compass A margin of error is subject to magnetic declination at your location Polar sight hole About 8.9 field of view Drive Pulse motor (Stepper motor) Tracking mode selector Sidereal, 1/2 sidereal (star-scape), solar and lunar, usable in both hemispheres Tripod socket 1/4" -20 Maximum payload capacity 2kg (4.4lb) Operating temperature 0 to 40 C (104F) Electricity consumption DC3V.0.4A at loading weight of 2.0kg (4.4lb) Duration of operation About 2 hours at 20 C (68F), a 2.0kg (4.4lb) loading weight using Alkaline batteries Optional accessory Dedicated polar axis scope Dimensions 137 x 95 x 58mm Weight 740g (26.1oz) without batteries The Polarie can be set up in a few minutes even by those not familiar with the exact position of the celestial pole. Simply turn the Polarie in the direction of the pole star using the supplied compass as a guide, then use the built-in latitude meter and polar sight hole to align the mount. The Polarie is designed to work with camera lenses that take wide-angle images. The Polarie can operate for more than 2 hours on two AA-size batteries. It s compact size and minimal weight means you can take the Polarie anywhere to photograph the night sky. Polarie shown with optional tripod and camera (sold separately). Pleiades M45 Cluster. Photo courtesy of John Slinn. 22x 2 min at ISO 800. Canon 550D with Miniborg 45ED scope mounted on a Manfrotto 055XV tripod with 410 geared head plus 496RC2 ball head. Optional Accessories for Polarie Polarie Polar Axis Scope Allows for precise polar alignment for long exposure astrophotography Ball & Socket Panhead Universal 1/4 thread fitting Polarie Cradle Custom cradle to hold the Polarie Star Tracker on the Mini Porta or Porta II mount. 8

9 Altazimuth Mounts Portable, Stable Observation Mounts - Simple, Versatile & Reliable Vixen s Mini Porta and Porta II altazimuth mounts are perfect for "grab and go" observing. The mount head and tripod sections are detachable for transportation and storage but the complete system can also be transported in an optional carry bag. Using a friction-based adjustment system, the mount head allows the telescope to be quickly moved into place by hand. Unlike some competitor models, Porta series includes slow motion handles for fine adjustment and tracking as well as full circle motion for extended observing sessions. Product features Easy adjustment The optical tube can be moved freely by hand and friction holds its position anywhere you stop it. This makes targeting of objects fast and easy Mini Porta Mount Portability The mount can be detached from the tripod by removing a single screw making it very easy to pack and transport. Onboard adjustment tools Tools to adjust the tension of the friction system are housed on the mount. They are securely stored within the mount head but are quickly accessible Porta II Mount Specifications Mini Porta Mount Porta II Mount Mount Altazimuth mount Altazimuth mount Vertical and horizontal Wheel gears whole-circle movement, with 120-tooth wheel gears whole-circle slow motion slow motion handles, friction control system movement with tools for tension adjustment Optical tube attachment Dovetail plate Dovetail plate Maximum loading weight Approx. 3.5kg (7.7lb), Optical tube outside About 5kg (11lb) diameter within 120mm Weight 2.8kg (6.17lb) including tripod 5.7kg (12.5lb) including tripod Tripod Aluminium 2-section adjustable tripod, legs Aluminium 2-section adjustable tripod, legs adjustable from 70cm to 128cm in length adjustable from 90cm to 130cm in length Optional Accessories for Mini Porta & Porta II Flexible Handle 300mm Flexible slow-motion handle to reduce vibration during observation and object tracking Tripod Adapter Weight: 142g (5.01oz) Used to attach the Porta II mount head to the tabletop tripod or an SX half pillar Photographic Tripod Adapter This adapter allows the Porta II mount head to be used with a camera tripod with 1/4 thread Porta Carry Case Suitable for use with Porta II and Mini Porta Multi-Plate Plate to hold a fieldscope or large binocular. 9

10 Equatorial Mount The original and still the best upgradable equatorial mount system Much copied but never bettered, the Vixen GP2 mount is the benchmark for those wanting a solid, dependable equatorial observation or imaging platform. The GP2 mount system features accurate tracking and is an excellent platform for serious astronomical observation. A wide selection of optional accessories are available allowing you to customise the GP2 mount s features to fit your observing needs. Accepts payloads up to 7kg. Product features Motor drive upgrade The D3M motor controller set can be added to the mount (see page 18 for details). Simple polar alignment The 2 incremental altitude scale and optional polar axis scope set assist with accurate polar alignment GP2 Mount Dovetail plate attachment The dovetail plate attachment system allows you to attach an optical tube easily and quickly. Specifications R.A. slow motion axis DEC slow motion axis R.A. graduations DEC graduations Polar axis scope Altitude adjustment Azimuth adjustment Controller Maximum loading weight Weight GP2 Mount 144-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement 144-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement Optional (included in Polar axis scope set) Optional (included in Polar axis scope set) Optional 0 to 62, (2 increments) Double-screw fine adjustment Optional, with D3M motor drive set 7kg (15.4lb) approx, excluding counterweight 3.7kg (8.15lb) x1 4.0kg (8.8lb), without counterweight Optional Accessories for GP2 and GPD Polar Axis Scope Set 6x20mm finder scope with scale for both northern and southern hemispheres. Supplied with penlight external illuminator and RA & DEC graduation rings. Note: for GP mount only Accessory Plate DX Weight: 1275g (44.97oz) Size: 330x120x12mm For SX, SXD, GP2 and GPD2. Dovetail mounting block is required to use with VC and VMC optical tubes Half Pillar Weight: 1.8kg (3.9lb) GP Aluminium Case Weight: 4.4kg (9.7lb) Size: 460x485x148mm Note: Special order only 10

11 Equatorial Mount A high precision equatorial mount suitable for long exposure astrophotography The GPD2 equatorial mount has the same compact design as the GP2 mount but benefits from additional features and higher maximum payload weight. The RA and DEC axes are made of steel and the worm wheels are made of brass for durability. Both the RA and DEC worm screw gears are machined to a very precise tolerance to minimise periodic error. The mount comes equipped with polar axis scope with a built-in variable intensity illuminator. Accepts payloads up to 10kg. Product features Accurate polar alignment The mount includes setting circles to position Polaris within the eyepiece field of view GPD2 Mount Built in polar scope The 6x20mm polar axis scope can be used in both the northern and southern hemispheres. There is a built-in variable intensity illuminator for the polar axis scope. Specifications R.A. slow motion axis DEC slow motion axis R.A. graduations DEC graduations Polar axis scope Altitude adjustment Azimuth adjustment Controller Maximum loading weight Weight GPD2 Mount 144-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement 144-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement 10 minutes increments 2 increments 6x20mm, wide 8 field of view 0 to 62, (2 increments) Double-screw fine adjustment Optional, with D3M motor drive set 10kg (22lb) approx, excluding counterweight 1.9kg (4.2lb) x1 and 3.7kg (8.15lb) x1 8.5kg (18.7lb), without counterweight Motor drive upgrade The D3M motor controller set can be added to the mount (see page 18 for details). Optional Accessories for GP2 and GPD Carrying Bag for Tripod HAL130 Size: 850x175mm For all HAL130 tripods. Holds a Half Pillar. Note: Special order only Aluminium Tripod SXG-HAL130 Legs adjustable from 81cm to 130cm in length. Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb) Note: Tripod not included with GP2 or GPD2 mount Tripod Accessory Tray This tray provides a convenient storage space for eyepieces and other accessories. It also improves the overall stability of the tripod. The tray can be used on the HAL130 for use with GP and SX mounts as well as on the Porta II tripod. 11

12 Equatorial Mount Star Book controlled GO-TO equatorial mount The Vixen SX mount comes with Star Book GO-TO controller for manual or computer controlled observation or astrophotography. This equatorial mount is light enough to be used as a portable observing platform but also offers a stable base for long exposure astrophotography. Product features High speed and precise automatic GO-TO slewing The low profile declination head and internal motors greatly improve balance and motion around the RA axis. This lightweight design allows for high speed slewing and precise motor control. Built-in motors Internal motors mean no cable tangle, very quick and easy setup and clean exterior styling. Unique motor layout As the RA and DEC motors are inside the declination body, they act as built-in counterweights. As a result, a small telescope requires no additional counterweights SX Mount Supplied complete with Star Book controller (see page 18 for details) Retractable counterweight shaft The counterweight shaft is made of durable, corrosion resistant stainless steel and retracts into the declination body for storage. Specifications R.A. slow motion axis DEC slow motion axis R.A. coordinates display DEC coordinates display Polar axis scope Altitude adjustment Azimuth adjustment Controller Power source Maximum loading weight Size (Body) Weight SX Mount 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement On screen of Star Book, 0.1 min. increments On screen of Star Book, 0.1 arc min. increments Optional 0 to 70, (Fine adjustment with tangent screw: +/-15, 3 step elevation) Double-screw fine adjustment Star Book DC12 volts, 0.4 to 1.7 amperes 12kg (26.5lb) approx, excluding counterweight 1.9kg (4.2lb) x1 36cm (H) x 12cm (W) x 36cm (L) 6.8kg (15lb), without counterweight Polar axis scope option An optional internal polar axis scope can be installed in the RA body by simply screwing it into position. A variable intensity illuminator is preinstalled in the mount to evenly illuminate the alignment reticle in the polar axis scope. The alignment reticle helps with fast and accurate polar alignment. Optional Accessories for SX, SXD2 and SXP SX Polar Axis Scope Weight: 180g (6.35oz) Note: only for SX Night Time Filter Film To darken Star Book LCD screen. (2 filters per pack) Half Pillar Weight: 1.8kg (3.9lb) Accessory Plate DX Weight: 1275g (44.97oz) Size: 330x120x12mm For SX, SXD2, GP2 and GPD2. Dovetail mounting block is required to use with VC and VMC optical tubes. 12

13 Equatorial Mount Heavy duty but portable astro imaging and observation platform A deluxe version of the SX mount platform, the SXD2 is based around the same compact, lightweight design of the SX. To provide even higher levels of stability and tracking accuracy, this latest update to the SXD platform includes a number of upgraded components. The SXD2 has a higher payload capacity than the SX at 15kg (33lb). Product features Smooth & accurate tracking motion The mount has high quality bearings on the RA and DEC axes to reduce load on the motors and to make the motion of the axes as smooth as possible. When the mount is wellaligned and used in conjunction with a third party autoguider, it offers exceptional tracking performance with the heaviest of astro imaging payloads. SX SXD SXD2 Mount Supplied complete with Star Book Ten controller (see page 19 for details) and Polar Axis Scope High grade materials The high grade steel chassis provides stable and accurate RA and DEC axes. The placement of the motors in the lower part of the mount casing allows them to form part of the counterweight package, reducing the need to add additional counterweights to balance the scope. SX SXD2 Specifications R.A. slow motion axis DEC slow motion axis R.A. coordinates display DEC coordinates display Polar axis scope Altitude adjustment Azimuth adjustment Controller Power source Maximum loading weight Size (Body) Weight SXD2 Mount 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement 180-tooth wheel gears whole circle movement On screen of Star Book Ten, 0.1 min. increments On screen of Star Book Ten, 0.1 arc min. increments 6x20mm SX polar axis scope 0 to 70, (Fine adjustment with tangent screw: +/-15, 3 step elevation) Double-screw fine adjustment Star Book Ten DC12 volts, 0.4 to 1.7 amperes 15kg (33lb) approx, excluding counterweight 1.9kg (4.2lb) x1 and 3.7kg (8.15lb) x1 36cm (H) x 12cm (W) x 36cm (L) 8.8kg (19.4lb), without counterweight High quality worm gear The all-new brass worm gears allow smooth movement through the whole 360 motion of the mount. Combined with the latest highperformance stepper motors, the SXD2 offers the keen amateur astrophotographer the perfect platform for long exposure imaging. Polar axis scope An internal polar axis scope is supplied as standard, mounted in the RA body. A variable intensity illuminator is pre-installed in the mount to evenly illuminate the alignment reticle in the polar axis scope. Vixen s excellent reticle design and precise RA axis/polar scope alignment makes precision polar alignment quick and simple. Optional Accessories for SX, SXD2 and SXP SX Aluminium Case Weight: 6.1kg (13.4lb) Size: 470x500x220mm Note: Special order only Aluminium Tripod SXG-HAL130 Legs: Adjustable from 81cm to 130cm in length. Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb) Note: Tripod not included with SX or SXD2 mount Carrying Bag for Tripod HAL130 Size: 850x175mm For all HAL130 tripods. Holds a Half Pillar Tripod Accessory Tray Provides storage for eyepieces and other accessories and also improves the stability of the HAL130 tripod. 13

14 Equatorial Mount The ultimate SX platform for the most discerning observers and astrophotgraphers Combining the best functions of the Sphinx series of mounts and of the latest Star Book GO-TO controller, Vixen has introduced a new generation of SX equatorial mount for high-performance observing and astrophotography. The Vixen SXP mount comes with Star Book Ten controller for manual or computer controlled observation or astrophotography. Using the same high precision stepper motors as the top of the range AXD mount, the new SXP brings a new level of performance to the mid-range Vixen mount family. The SXP is quieter and smoother in its tracking than the SX and SXD2 mounts and the increased precision of the motors allows for improved performance for long-exposure astrophotography. Product features The new mount comes as standard with the Star Book Ten which is the latest generation Vixen handheld controller. Its high resolution screen and extensive feature set make it the perfect companion for this sturdy mount SXP Mount Supplied complete with Star Book Ten controller (see page 19 for details) Please note the SXP Mount is available to special order only. Specifications R.A. slow motion DEC slow motion Worm gears R.A. & DEC. axes Number of bearings bar R.A. setting circle DEC. setting circle Polar axis scope Drive motor Slewing Maximum payload Power source Dimensions Weight SXP Mount 180-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 72mm diameter, brass wheel 180-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 72mm diameter, brass wheel 9mm diameter, brass 40mm diameter, carbon steel 15 pieces 20mm in diameter, retractable 10 minutes increments (accurate to 1 minute) 2 increments (accurate to 10 minutes, about ) Built-in 6x20mm scope, FOV 8, bubble level, illuminated reticle, setting accuracy within 3 minutes Stepping (Pulse) motors with 300PPS Maximum 1000x sidereal rate 16kg (35.2lb) DC12V 0.6~2.5A 343 x 359 x 128mm 10.5kg (23.1lb) without counterweight 3.7kg (8.15lb) x 1pc and 1.9kg (4.2lb) x 1pc The SXP mount uses high-precision pulse stepper motors. Vixen's micro-step motion control makes the movement of the motors very accurate, quiet and extremely smooth. The RA and DEC gear wheels have 180 teeth and are 72mm in diameter. High-precision CNC-machined brass wheels and worm gears ensure accurate tracking. The uprated RA and DEC shafts are made of carbon steel and are supported by a combination of 15 bearings. As with the other mounts in the SX range, the declination body of the SXP mount acts as part of the counterweight system. This helps to reduce the amount of additional weight carried on the counterweight shaft. The Star Book Ten controller allows for permanent periodic error correction data to be saved. SXD2 SXP Optional Parts & Accessories (see pages for images) SX Polar Axis Scope Half Pillar Accessory Plate DX SX Aluminium Case Aluminium Tripod SXG-HAL Carrying Bag for Tripod HAL Tripod Accessory Tray Advance Unit Available for Star Book Ten only. Works as a built-in autoguider in combination with an optional CCD video camera. Size: 90x76x24mm Weight: 100g (3.52oz) 14

15 Atlux Deluxe Equatorial Mount High performance observatory-class equatorial mount The new AXD mount is the latest generation of Vixen s renowned Atlux equatorial mount series. The Atlux Deluxe (AXD) has been engineered to cope with the demands of the most advanced astrophotographer. As digital camera resolutions have increased, so has the need for more accuracy and stability in an equatorial mount. The use of multiple high precision bearings, worm gears and drive components mean the AXD is perfect for long exposure and very high resolution astrophotography. Product features Portable but stable Lightweight but strong A7075 aluminium alloy is used for the construction of the RA and DEC axes on the AXD mount. This material is stronger than titanium but is also 38% lighter. This helps to keep the overall weight of the mount head down to a transportable 25kg. Extremely smooth slewing and tracking A total of 21 bearings are used in the mount s moving parts to help with the smoothness and accuracy of the tracking. Multiple bearings are used in both the RA and DEC axes with a combination of ball and needle bearings offering smooth motion under the highest payloads AXD Mount Supplied complete with Star Book Ten controller (see page 19 for details) Please note the AXD Mount is available to special order only. Specifications R.A. slow motion DEC slow motion Worm gears R.A. & DEC. axes Number of bearings bar R.A. setting circle DEC. setting circle Polar axis scope Drive motor Slewing Maximum payload Power source Dimensions Weight Optional Parts & Accessories AXD Mount 270-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 135mm diameter, brass wheel 216-tooth full circle micro-movement gear, 108mm diameter, brass wheel 14mm diameter, brass 50mm diameter, A7075 aluminium alloy 21 pieces (6x R.A axis, 4x DEC. axis, 2x R.A and DEC. worm gear shafts, 2x each for the R.A. and DEC. super gears, 3x for the R.A. setting circle) 25mm in diameter, retractable 10 minutes increments (accurate to 1 minute) 2 increments (accurate to 10 minutes, about ) Built-in 6x20mm scope, FOV 8, bubble level, illuminated reticle, setting accuracy within 3 minutes Stepping (Pulse) motors with 400PPS Maximum 800x sidereal rate 30kg (66lb) (750kgs/cm torque load) DC12V 0.6~2.5A 457 x 465 x 152mm 25kg (55.1lb) without counterweight 7kg (15.4lb) x 1pc and 1.5kg (3.3lb) x 1pc AXD-TR102 Tripod AXD Half Pillar AXD P85 Pillar AXD Large Accessory Plate AXD 1.5kg (3.3lb) AXD 3.5kg (7.7lb) AXD 7.0kg (15.4lb) Aluminium Carry Case Advance Unit Improved RA axis components The RA axis shaft is 50mm in diameter which is 20% larger than the previous generation Atlux mount and so offers higher payload capability. The brass RA worm gear has 270 teeth which again represents an improvement over the previous generation and means better accuracy in tracking. Accurate stepper motor control Stepper motors control the rotation of the gears at all speeds using Vixen s unique micro-step motion control system. This system delivers 400 pulses per second to the motors and eliminates the need for numerous reduction gears in the motor gear train. As a result, backlash is significantly reduced. High performance slewing The stepper motors used in the AXD have sufficient torque to slew a payload of 30kg (66lb) at up to 800x sidereal rate. Optimised motor positioning The RA and DEC motors are placed in the lower part of the declination body, following the design that has been so successful in the Vixen SX mount range. This brings the centre of balance of the declination body below the cross-over point of the two axes. As a results, the motors effectively become part of the mount s counterweight package, reducing the amount of additional counter weight required for a given payload. Factory-set periodic error correction Vixen Periodic Error Correction (VPEC) means that each and every AXD is factory tuned with a permanent periodic error correction table stored on the mount s internal memory. In addition, user programmable PEC can be applied separately to both RA and DEC axes to further improve tracking performance. On screen moon map function The latest version of the Star Book Ten firmware includes a moon map function. This allows the user to call up an on-screen map of the visible portion of the moon. Major sites of interest on the moon s surface are highlighted and can be selected for the scope s GO-TO function. 15

16 Mount Components and Options The diagram shows the structure of the GP2 and SX equatorial mounts. GPD2 and SXD2 mounts have the same structure as shown for GP2 and SX equatorial mounts, respectively. Optional parts sold separately are also shown. Tube Rings SX Tube Ring 90mm Weight: 350g (12.34oz) SX Tube Ring 115mm Weight: 400g (14.11oz) SX Tube Ring 125mm Weight: 500g (17.63oz) SX Tube Ring 140mm DX Weight: 625g (22.04oz) SX Tube Ring 176mm Weight: 1100g (38.8oz) SX Tube Ring 232mm Weight: 1400g (49.38oz) GP2 Declination Body Includes dovetail mount head Optical Tube Dovetail-plate Fine Adjustment Mounting Block Unit DX Guide Mount XY Camera, etc. GP2 GPD2 Equatorial Mounts Tube Ring Accessory Plate Weight: 276g (9.74oz) Accessory Plate DX MT-1WT Motor Illuminator Penlight illuminator Decl. Scale Ring Declination setting circle GP Shaft Camera Holder for Shaft Weight: 302g (10.65oz) DEC. Cap Decl. Axis Vanity Cap Dovetail Tube Plate Manual Clutch-GP Polar Axis Vanity Cap GP Slow Motion Knob GP Slow Motion Handle Variable Intensity Illuminator (Built-in type) Slow Motion Knob Manual Operation Clutch GP Polar Axis Scope Weight: 180g (6.35oz) kg (4.2lb) kg (2.2lb) kg (6.17lb) kg (8.15lb) R. A. Motor Cover Half Pillar Weight: 1.8kg (3.9lb) GP Polar Axis Scope Cap RA Scale Ring RA setting circle DD-3 Hand Controller Weight: 270g (9.52oz) MT-1WT Motor Weight: 350g (12.34oz) SXG-AL130 Aluminum Tripod Adjustable leg height: cm high Adjustable leg length: cm long Weight: 3.1kg (6.8lb) SXG-HAL130 Aluminum Tripod Adjustable leg height: cm high Adjustable leg length: cm long Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb) SXG-P85 Metal Pillar Size: 11.4cm dia. x 84cm long Pillar thickness: 3.5mm Radius: 44cm Weight: 12.5kg (27.5lb) 16

17 Optical Tube SX SXD2 Equatorial Mounts Camera, etc Tube Ring Accessory Plate Weight: 276g (9.74oz) Dovetail-plate Mounting Block Weight: 220g (7.76oz) Tube Rings Fine Adjustment Unit DX Weight: 340g (11.99oz) Metal Carry Handle Weight: 210g (7.40oz) Guide Mount XY Weight: 750g (26.45oz) Accessory Plate DX Weight: 1275g (44.97oz) Used with an optical tube and a camera in astro-photography Cap SX Declination Clamp Unit Weight: 220g (7.76oz) Dovetail Tube Plate Weight: 160g (5.64oz) SX Shaft Unit Weight: 700g (24.69oz) SX Polar Axis Scope Weight: 180g (6.35oz) Camera Holder for Shaft Weight: 302g (10.65oz) kg (2.2lb) Half Pillar Size: 13cm dia. x 20.7cm high Weigh: 1.8kg (3.9lb) Polar Axis Scope Cap kg (4.2lb) kg (6.17lb) kg (8.15lb) Tabletop Tripod Height: 6.4cm Radius: 18.5cm Weight: 0.9kg (1.9 lb) STAR BOOK (SX) STAR BOOK Screen Sheet SXG-HAL130 Aluminum Tripod Adjustable leg height: cm high Adjustable leg length: cm long Weight: 5.5kg (12.1lb) STAR BOOK TEN (SXD2) SXG-P85 DX Metal Pillar Size: 11.4cm dia. x 84cm long Pillar thickness: 3.5mm Radius: 45cm Weight: 19.5kg (43lb) 17

18 Motors and Controllers D3M Motor Drive Set Specifications Drive speed Electricity consumption Voltage Power Continuous operation duration Operating temperature Compatible mounts* DD-3 Sidereal rate, 1.5x, 2x and 32x, pause and reverse motions 0.8A (max.) DC 7.5 to 12 volts 8x D size batteries (not included) or optional 12V adapter About 20 hours at 20 C (68 F) with alkaline batteries -10 to 50 C (14 to 122 F) GP2, GPD2 A dual-axis hand controller for GP2 or GPD2 mounts. This latest version of the controller includes an ST4 compatible autoguider port. Supplied with two MT-1 motors for the RA and DEC axes, the controller set enables the mount to automatically track celestial objects. The motors and controller can also be purchased separately. Optional manual operation clutches can be installed with the motors but these are not compatible with the Star Book S MT-1 Motor Weight: 350g (12.35oz) DD-3 Controller Weight: 220g (7.76oz) Manual Operation Clutch Weight: 91g (3.21oz) D3M Controller Set Consisting of a DD-3 controller, two MT-1 motors and a battery box. *Also compatible with the following discontinued mount models: GP, GP-DX (GPD), GP-E Star Book Controller The Star Book controller is not available for purchase as a standalone item. It is included with the SX mount. Mount Motion linked to Star Chart In Scope Mode, where telescope motion is controlled in real-time, manual motor corrections and slewing are scaled to the zoom setting of the star chart. Motion is fast when the chart displays wide fields and becomes progressively slower when zoomed to narrower fields. PC Software Compatibility There is support for the ASCOM platform via third party drivers. This allows applications such as Cartes du Ciel to interact with Star Book. Please check third party software supplier websites to confirm the latest compatibility information. Some astronomy applications also provide direct support for the Star Book but compatibility should be checked with the application provider. Usable as a Stand-alone Unit A 12V DC power supply can be attached to the Star Book directly without attaching it to a mount. This allows the Star Book to work as a stand-alone night sky simulator for observation planning. ST-4 Autoguider Compatible Automatic guiding is possible by connecting a guide scope, CCD camera, and autoguider. Specifications CPU Display Autoguider port LAN port Mount connect port RA & DEC display Power source Power consumption Dimensions Weight Celestial object database Star Book 32 bit RISC Processor 4.7 STN LCD 0.1 megapixel (320x240) resolution screen with CCFL backlight ST-4 compatible 10BASE-T D-SUB 9-pin male plug RA: 1 second increment. DEC: 0.1 minute increment DC12V (power supplied from the mount) ~0.25W 195 x 145 x 28mm 400g (14.1oz) excluding cables & expansion unit 22,725 (SAO: 17,626, NGC/IC objects: 4,980, Messier objects: 109, 7 planets, 1 quasi-planet, the moon and the sun) Altazimuth Mount Mode It is possible to move the mount in vertical or horizontal directions, as on an altazimuth mount, with a single key press. Comet Tracking Orbit data for comets can be downloaded to the controller, allowing automatic location and tracking. PEC Function Star Book has a periodic error correction (PEC) function to allow the user to train the controller to compensate for small errors in mount motor movement. Note that the PEC data is not stored when the controller is switched off. PEC training takes only a few minutes and is essential for accurate tracking during long exposure astrophotography. 18

19 Star Book Ten Controller This latest generation of Vixen s computerised GO-TO controller is named Star Book Ten* and has been designed to guide you to a database of more than 270,000 objects in the sky as quickly and easily as possible. The new controller includes many new features as well as a host of updates and improvements to the existing Star Book platform. One of these new features is the so-called see to system which shows a preview of a chosen object on the controller screen before the GO-TO sends the telescope to that object. * In Japanese the word Ten means The Heavens Product features High resolution TFT LCD screen The controller has an LED-backlit 5 LCD display with 0.3 megapixel (800x480) wide format resolution. Combined with the onboard 2D graphics acceleration of the Renesas SH7764 processor, this means that Star Book Ten delivers fast and smooth scrolling with clear graphics and text at all zoom levels. Specifications CPU Display Autoguider port LAN port Mount connect port RA & DEC display Power source Power consumption Dimensions Weight Celestial object database Star Book Ten 32 bit, 324MHz Renesas SH7764 RISC Processor 5 TFT LCD 0.3 megapixel (800x480) resolution screen with LED backlight ST-4 compatible 10BASE-T D-SUB 9-pin male plug RA: 1 second increment. DEC: 0.1 minute increment DC12V (power supplied from the mount) ~0.25W 169 x 154 x 30mm 380g (13.4oz) excluding cables & expansion unit 272,342 (SAO: , NGC objects: 784, IC objects: 5386, Messier objects: 109, 7 planets, 1 quasi-planet, the moon and the sun) Night vision and deep dimming The addition of a night vision mode and red keypad backlighting make this a truly observer-friendly controller. The keypad and screen backlight levels can be controlled independently. The LED backlighting of the LCD panel means that the screen can be deep dimmed to allow full colour display use whilst protecting the user s night vision. Hibernate mode This allows the user to start and stop either an imaging or observing session by simply switching the mount off and on again. The hibernate mode works only if the mount is not moved and the two axes are not manually repositioned. Huge object database A database of more than 270,000 celestial objects including Messier, NGC, IC objects and the SAO star catalogue is built in and can be searched by name or number. User defined objects including comets and artificial satellites can also be added. Multiple PEC modes Whilst Vixen includes an individually adjusted RA PEC at the time of manufacture, the controller allows the user to add an additional layer of mount training data for the RA and DEC axes. Multiple object tracking rates The motion of the moon, the sun, planets and comets can all be tracked. Artificial satellite tracking Star Book Ten includes data on the most popular artificial satellites including the International Space Station (ISS). Other objects can be added to the database by the user. The SXD2, SXP and AXD mounts feature the new Star Book Ten controller. A useful feature of the new controller is the night vision mode (shown above) to help preserve users night vision. Optional Parts & Accessories Advance Unit Available for Star Book Ten only. Works as a built-in autoguider in combination with an optional CCD video camera. Size: 90x76x24mm Weight: 100g (3.52oz) Advance Unit expansion board (optional) To provide added features for the serious astro photographer, the controller can accept an optional expansion board. This includes a PAL/NTSC video input which can be used to take still or video images to a memory card in the onboard SD card slot. When used with a guide scope and camera, the expansion board provides closed loop autoguiding, controlled by the Star Book Ten itself. Note: The Star Book Ten controller is not available for purchase as a standalone item. It is included only with the SXD2, SXP and AXD mounts and is not backwards compatible with the Star Book controller supplied with Vixen s SX and Atlux mounts. 19

20 Photographic & Eyepiece Accessories EA 42 to 31.7mm Weight: 46g (1.62oz) 42mm thread EA 36.4 to 31.7mm Weight: 29g (1.02oz) 36.4mm thread EA 60 to 50.8mm Weight: 66g (2.33oz) 60mm thread EA 36.4 to 42mm Weight: 40g (1.41oz) 36.4mm thread EA 50.8 to 43mm Weight: 85g (3.00oz) EA 42 to 50.8mm Weight: 60g (2.12oz) 42mm thread EA 60 to 50.8mm Weight: 65g (2.29oz) 60mm thread DC Ring 60mm to 53mm Weight: 22g (0.78oz) 4mm thick (excluding external thread) DC Ring 53mm to 43mm Weight: 19g (0.67oz) 3mm thick (excluding external thread) DC Ring 43mm to 36.4mm Weight: 19g (0.67oz) 8mm thick (excluding external thread) DC Ring 60mm to T2- thread Weight: 26g (0.92oz) As supplied with R200SS focuser. Inverts image for photography Extension Tube 60mm Weight: 115g (4.06oz) 60mm thread. 60mm in length Extension Tube 43mm Weight: 37g (1.31oz) 43mm thread. 41mm in length Extension Tube 42mm Weight: 11g (0.39oz) 42mm T-thread and 43mm thread. 20mm in length Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter Weight: 242g (8.54oz) Attaches to flip mirror or R200SS focuser Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe Weight: 390g (13.76oz) For prime focus and eyepiece projection. Attaches to 43mm thread. Focal Adapter Canon EOS Common Weight: 55g (1.94oz) For prime focus photography with R200SS or VC200L Digital Camera Adapter Weight: 153g (5.40oz) Attaches to flip mirror. Use with DG-DX ring to attach a digital compact camera. DG-DX Ring Available for 28mm (73932), 37mm (73933), 43mm (73934) and 52mm (73935) thread mm Compression Ring Eyepiece Adapter Weight: 63g (2.22oz) 10mm long light path T-C Ring Weight: 52g (1.83oz) Item Coma Corrector Focal Reducer 0.67x for ED Series Focal Reducer for VC200L f/ Focal Reducer 0.62x for VMC200L Focal Reducer 0.7x for AX103S Usable with R200SS ED81S, ED115S, ED103S VC200L VMC200L, VMC260L AX103S Function Reduces coma aberration around the edge of field of view. The focal length is not changed. Reduces focal length by 0.67x mm (f5.2) for ED81S mm (f5.2) for ED103S mm (f5.2) for ED115S Reduces focal length by 0.71x mm (f6.4) Reduces focal length by 0.62x mm (f6) for VMC200L mm (f7.1) for VMC260L Reduces focal length by 0.7x mm (f5.6) for APS-C format camera Prime focus photography T-mount required Requires or adapter plus T-mount Requires or adapter plus T-mount Requires or adapter plus T-mount Requires or adapter plus T-mount Eyepiece projection X X X X X Visual observation O (Cannot be used with 73839) X X X X Weight 83g (2.93oz) 174g (6.14oz) 85g (3.0oz) 183g (6.46oz) 140g (4.94oz) 20

21 Photographic & Eyepiece Accessory Compatibility No. Description Application Compatibility Eyepiece Adapter 42mm to 31.7mm Converts from 42mm male T-thread to allow use of 31.7mm eyepieces. Can be used on Vixen flip mirror or R200SS Supplied as standard with Vixen flip mirror and R200SS Eyepiece Adapter 36.4mm to 31.7mm Converts from 36.4mm visual back to allow use of 31.7mm eyepieces Older Vixen OTAs with 36.4mm visual back Eyepiece Adapter 60mm to 50.8mm Attaches to 60mm visual back and provides 50.8mm fitting with set Supplied with Vixen ED80Sf and ED100Sf. Use with R200SS without flip mirror screws for securing flip mirror or extension tube for attaching 50.8mm eyepieces Eyepiece Adapter 36.4mm to 42mm Converts from 36.4mm visual back to 42mm male T-thread Use to attach camera T-mount to older Vixen OTA with 36.4mm visual back Eyepiece Adapter 50.8mm to 43mm Converts from 50.8mm fitting with set screws to 43mm female thread To attach Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe Eyepiece Adapter 42mm to 50.8mm Converts from 42mm male T-thread to allow use of 50.8mm eyepieces Can be used on Vixen flip mirror to allow use of 50.8mm eyepieces Eyepiece Adapter 60mm to 50.8mm Attaches to 60mm visual back and provides 50.8mm fitting with set All Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back excluding ED80Sf & ED100Sf screws for securing flip mirror or extension tube Compression Ring 60mm to 50.8mm Attaches to 60mm visual back and provides 50.8mm fitting with compression All Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back excluding ED80Sf & ED100Sf ring for securing flip mirror or extension tube. Supplied as standard with all Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back excluding ED80Sf & ED100Sf DC Ring 60mm to 53mm Converts from 60mm male to 53mm female thread Use with 60mm visual back to attach 53mm threaded accessories DC Ring 53mm to 43mm Converts from 53mm male to 43mm female thread To attach Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe or other 43mm threaded accessories DC Ring 43mm to 36.4mm Converts from 43mm male to 36.4mm female thread To attach 36.4mm accessories to R200SS only DC Ring 60mm to T2-thread Converts from 60mm male to 42mm male T-thread Use to attach camera T-mount or Eyepiece Adapter 42mm to 31.7mm Extension Tube 60mm Extends 60mm visual back to allow use of 50.8mm eyepieces without a All Vixen OTAs with 60mm visual back excluding ED80Sf & ED100Sf diagonal or flip mirror or to provide additional back focus for astrophotography Extension Tube 43mm 43mm male to 43mm female thread to provide additional back focus Use with Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe or OTA with 43mm visual back for astrophotography Extension Tube 42mm Converts from 42mm male T-thread to 43mm female thread to extend To attach Camera Adapter 43mm Deluxe to R200SS only back focus Refractors A80M, A105M, NA140SSf, ED81S, ED103S, ED115S Prime Focus Photography Eyepiece projection photography Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter Catadioptrics VC200L, VMC200L, VMC260L mm Compression Ring (Supplied) Flip Mirror (Supplied) EA 42 to 31.7mm Supplied with Flip Mirror Insert NLV or NPL Eyepiece (31.7mm) here T-Ring DSLR Camera Reflectors R200SS mm Compression Ring (Supplied) DC Ring 60mm to T2-thread (Supplied) Digital Camera Adapter DG-DX Ring Not suitable for use with NPL Eyepieces Afocal Imaging (Collimation) photography T-C Ring Digital Camera / Video Camera CCD Camera (3rd party) Monitor/TV Prime Focus Photography Catadioptrics VMC110L Eyepiece projection photography Eyepiece Projection Camera Adapter T-Ring Eyepiece Adapter 42 to 31.7mm (Supplied) Insert NLV or NPL Eyepiece (31.7mm) here Afocal Imaging (Collimation) Photography DSLR Camera Digital Camera Adapter Not suitable for use with NPL Eyepieces DG-DX Ring Digital Camera/ Video Camera CCD Camera (3rd party) T-C Ring Monitor/TV 21

22 Accessories Finderscopes XY Red Dot Finder Weight: 160g (5.64oz) No magnification. Includes 1x CR2032 battery x50 Finderscope Weight: 365g (12.87oz) Field of view 7. Includes 1x CR2032 battery. Illuminated reticle with adjustable brightness Holder for Finderscope (long) Weight: 170g (5.99oz) Holder for Finderscope 7x50 (short) Weight: 195g (6.88oz) Finderscope Holder Shoe Weight: 96g (3.39oz) Not usable with VC200L, R200SS, VMC110L or VMC200L. Barlow Lenses Flip Mirror Terrestrial Viewing Adapters Barlow Lens Deluxe 2x Weight: 140g (4.94oz) 31.7mm push-fit. 3-element lens design. Fully multi-coated. For telescopes with fast focal ratio Barlow Lens 2x Weight: 80g (2.82oz) 31.7mm push-fit. Thread for T-mount. Coated optics Flip Mirror Weight: 295g (10.4oz) 50.8mm push-fit. Thread for T-mount. For 31.7mm eyepieces only Erect-Image Diagonal Weight: 116g (4.09oz) 31.7mm push-fit. Not usable on reflectors Erect-Image Adapter Weight: 190g (6.70oz) 31.7mm push-fit. Usable on refractors and reflectors. Coated optics. Optical Tube Accessories Tube Ring Accessory Plate Weight: 276g (9.74oz) For mounting a guide scope or camera on top of an optical tube. Only usable with OTAs with tube rings. 1/4 screw Dovetail Tube Plate Weight: 227g (8oz) Size: 190x43 25mm Carry Handle For VC, VMC and refractor optical tube assemblies Dual Speed Focuser Can be used to replace focuser on the following tubes: A80M, A105M, NA140SSf, ED81S, ED103S, ED115S, AX103S, VC200L, VMC200L and R200SS. Fine focusing speed of 7:1. Mount and Tripod Accessories XY Guide Scope Mount Used to attach a guide scope for astrophotography. Allows +/- 6.5 degrees of adjustment in both axes. Use with Accessory Plate DX and Dovetail Mounting Block Accessory Plate DX Weight: 1275g (44.97oz) Size: 330x120x12mm For SX, SXD, GP2 and GPD2. Dovetail mounting block is required to use with VC and VMC optical tubes Tripod Accessory Tray Provides storage space for eyepieces & other accessories and improves the overall stability of the tripod. Can be used on the HAL130 and Porta II tripods Camera Platform Adapter for HAL Tripod Weight: 380g (13.4oz) For mounting a camera or other equipment on the SXG-HAL130 tripod. 1/4 screw Dovetail Mounting Block Weight: 220g (7.76oz) For use with Accessory Plate to mount an additional and/or guide scope. Note: This part is supplied as standard with GP, GPD, SX and SXD2 mounts. Photographic Aids Power Supplies & Cables Camera Holder for Shaft Weight: 302g (10.65oz) Fine Adjustment Unit DX Weight: 340g (11.99oz) For side by side or piggy back mounting a camera (requires Accessory Plate or Tube Ring Plate). Features X-Y positioning (+/- 10 ) Battery Case for AXD, Atlux, SX series, Skypod and DD-3 Weight: 150g (5.29oz) Requires 8x D-size batteries (not supplied) Cigarette Lighter Plug Cord for DD-2 Controller Cigarette Lighter Plug Cord for AXD, Atlux, SX series, Skypod and DD-3 22

23 Eyepieces NPL Series NLV Series The 2-group 4-element Plossl design of the NPL series eyepieces offers flat and clear images with good colour correction. The NPL20, NPL25, NPL30 and NPL40 eyepieces feature twist-up eyecup. Fully multi-coated optics. The Vixen NLV series eyepieces feature comfortable eyerelief of 20mm or more, simple twist-up eyecup for adjusting the best eyepoint and high-grade Lanthanum glass for clear and high contrast viewing. Fully multi-coated optics. No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight NPL 4mm 31.7mm mm 70g (2.47oz) NPL 6mm 31.7mm 50 3mm 70g (2.47oz) NPL 8mm 31.7mm mm 79g (2.79oz) NPL 10mm 31.7mm mm 80g (2.82oz) NPL 15mm 31.7mm 50 11mm 100g (3.53oz) NPL 20mm 31.7mm 50 15mm 110g (3.88oz) NPL 25mm 31.7mm mm 130g (4.59oz) NPL 30mm 31.7mm 50 24mm 120g (4.23oz) NPL 40mm 31.7mm 40 36mm 120g (4.23oz) No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight NLV 2.5mm 31.7mm 45 20mm 157g (5.54oz) NLV 4mm 31.7mm 45 20mm 152g (5.36oz) NLV 5mm 31.7mm 45 20mm 149g (5.26oz) NLV 6mm 31.7mm 45 20mm 149g (5.26oz) NLV 9mm 31.7mm 50 20mm 158g (5.57oz) NLV 10mm 31.7mm 50 20mm 153g (5.4oz) NLV 12mm 31.7mm 50 20mm 152g (5.36oz) NLV 15mm 31.7mm 50 20mm 140g (4.94oz) NLV 20mm 31.7mm 50 20mm 131g (4.62oz) NLV 25mm 31.7mm 50 20mm 128g (4.51oz) NLV 40mm 31.7mm 42 32mm 139g (4.90oz) NLV 50mm 50.8mm 45 38mm 419g (14.78oz) LVW Series The Vixen LVW series eyepieces feature comfortable eyerelief of 20mm or more, wide 65 apparent field of view and high-grade Lanthanum glass for clear and high contrast viewing. Fully multicoated optics. Standard 31.7mm No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight LVW 3.5mm 31.7mm mm 452g (15.95oz) LVW 5mm 31.7mm mm 441g (15.56oz) LVW 8mm 31.7mm mm 435g (15.35oz) LVW 13mm 31.7mm mm 399g (14.08oz) LVW 17mm 31.7mm mm 370g (13.06oz) LVW 22mm 31.7mm mm 349g (12.31oz) LVW 42mm 50.8mm mm 545g (19.22oz) NLVW 30mm 50.8mm mm 373g (12.80oz) Illuminated Reticle and Zoom 31.7mm No. Description Size Apparent FOV Eyerelief Weight Or12.5mm Reticle 31.7mm mm 158g (5.57oz) LV8~24mm 31.7mm 60 ~ mm 215g (7.58oz) 23