The SkyView Deluxe
type equatorial mount

A front view of the mount. The extra shaft from the steppers can hold a flywheel. A flywheel is a very simple device that will increase slewing speeds further and help to dampen noise and any vibrations further.

The RA stepper/gearhead will not touch the mount down to ~25 degrees of latitude. Neither gearhead will touch the other during operation. They do not interfere with the mount at all.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The mouse mat between the stepper and gearhead is actually black. The lighting makes it look gray. This mount slews incredibly fast.  We are getting ~4 degrees/second slewing speeds. It is quite the little hot rod in our opinion.
 
 
 

Features list:

• Unlike other GoTo systems, all of our systems are GoTo telescope controls for a lifetime. The circuitry, motors, computer, cables, software and (usually) the gearing, can be used on other mounts (Dobs or GEMS) with a little modification to the new mounting.
• Stepper motors that are quiet enough to talk over in a normal tone of voice when tracking and nearly silent when slewing.
• Time tested software and hardware.
• No permanent modifications to the telescope mount itself. Almost all of our systems are removable should you upgrade to a larger mounting.
• A small 17 amp hour gel cell battery is good for one night of observing.
• Resolution is at .225 arc seconds (RA) for this mount. Better resolution is available on request.
• Laptop can be an old 486 and can be included with your order.
• Software is included and pre-configured.
• Telephone and e-mail support is available for free.
• Instructions for operating the software are included.
• This system is GoTo pointing accurate to within a fraction of an arc minute.
• Start up time is less than 2 minutes.
• A one button grand tour mode is standard.
• Unlimited database, custom made, DIY and large database included free.
• Easy 2 star alignment, one of the stars is Polaris, which your mount should be aligned to anyway.
• Custom made grand tour files are available for free and can be sent to you via e-mail or floppy. Install time for these is 1 minute.
• Multiple mount error correction routines are standard.
• Gearing backlash control is standard.
• Laptop can have Guide installed, a planetarium program that graphically displays the night sky. Access from inside the scope software with one key.
• Laptops and the circuitry can usually be powered from the same battery. There is no need typically, for a power outlet.
• LX-200 interface for control with other computer programs, standard.
• 40 microsteps per full step of the motors. Typical number of microsteps with the gearing is 5, 760,000.
• Drift compensation standard (allows lunar tracking at high power for CCD work)
• Realtime display of coordinates.
• Built in observing log is standard.
• Wireless mouse operation available.

If you have this type of mount, we can convert it for you and make it look and perform almost identical to this one. Hi-resolution steppers are available for the astro imager. Bolt on "do it yourself" kits are not available.