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Vixen has developed a new generation of SX mounts for demanding observers and astrophotographers.
The SXD2 WL 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 Ten 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. The mount is equipped with the same precision stepper motors as the top model - the AXD mount, and the SXD2 WL brings a whole new standard of performance and precision to the Vixen mount family.
With a photographic load capacity of 15kg, the axis cross of the mount weighs just 9.2kg making it ideal for mobile observations. In addition, the motors are mounted in the lower part of the mount and therefore also serve as a counterweight, so the mount requires fewer weights for balancing.
The SXD2 mount in detail:
Precision stepper motors and micro-step motion control system
At 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 gears High-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 counterweight The 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.
Built-in PFL-II polar finder with illumination:
The built-in 5x20mm polar finder with 10° field of view has a 3-star alignment system. This eliminates the inconvenience of setting the date and original time. The illuminated reticle with variable brightness and automatic switch-off is adjustable in 8 levels and illuminated in red. The adjustment accuracy is 3 arc minutes.
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 controller:
The 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.
Mount Features:
- RA sprocket: 180 teeth
- DEC sprocket: 180 teeth
- Shaft material and diameter: Carbon steel / Decl. 35mm, RA 40mm thickness
- Polar finder scope: 6x20mm, PFL-II polar finder
- Fine height adjustment: 0° to 70°, (fine adjustment +/- 15°, height)
- Backsight rod: 20mm diameter
- Azimuth adjustment: worm fine adjustment
- Power supply: DC12 V; 0.4~1.7 A
- Maximum load: 15kg, photographic - without counterweight
- Counterweight: 1x 1.9kg and 1x 3.7kg
- Tripod connection: 45mm spigot
- Dimensions: 36cm (H) x 12cm (W) x 36cm (L) Weight: 8.8kg (19.4 lb), 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 SXD2WL+Wireless unit: DC12V / 0.3-2.0 A (load 10 kg), 0.4-2.2 A (load 15 kg)
Whats included:
- SXD2WL EQ mount
- Wireless unit
- 2 counterweights: 1.9 kg and 3.7 kg
- Mounting tools
- Pole finder PFL-II
- Cigarette lighter cable
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Est. Delivery Time:
5 - 7 Working days after dispatch
Standard Tracked Delivery:
Republic of Ireland Nationwide: from €8.95 upwards
Note: The exact shipping charge will depend on the size of your order and will be calculated at the checkout. Some large and bulky Telescopes may also be shipped to you directly from our Manufacturer. This is a special agreement we have with our suppliers to ensure our customers enjoy the cheapest possible shipping rates for large bulky Telescopes.
For some very large Telescopes over 45kg, it may require special handling instructions and you will be asked at the checkout to contact us for a special delivery quotation.
Mainland EUROPE (EU)
Est. Delivery Time:
3 - 5 Working days after dispatch
Standard Tracked Delivery:
Mainland Europe: from €4.95 upwards
Note: The exact shipping charge will depend on the size of your order and will be calculated at the checkout. Some large and bulky Telescopes may also be shipped to you directly from our Manufacturer. This is a special agreement we have with our suppliers to ensure our customers enjoy the cheapest possible shipping rates for large bulky Telescopes.
For some very large Telescopes over 45kg, it may require special handling instructions and you will be asked at the checkout to contact us for a special delivery quotation.
EU Additional Info:
If your country is not listed below please contact us for a specialised quote.
Standard EU Delivery Regions:
Germany, France, Belgium, Poland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Italy, Poland, Croatia, Malta, Greece, Monaco.
IMPORTANT: It is essential when placing an order, that you include a valid 'Contact Telephone Number' for the delivery address or for the person receiving the item. This is necessary to avoid potential delays, return delivery costs or problems with your delivery.
Shipping Disclaimer: All of our parcels are sent via a 3rd party registered courier service to ensure safe and prompt delivery. While we endeavor to ensure that all parcels are delivered within the specified time frame, 'Horizon Astronomy' can not be held responsible for delays due to adverse weather conditions or other courier/technical related issues outside of our control.