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Vixen has developed a new generation of Wireless Controlled SX mounts for demanding observers and Astrophotographers.
The SXD2WL mount is easily operated via a WiFi module through a smartphone or tablet. The free STAR BOOK Wireless app is available for user-friendly control of the mount and this allows you to easily use practical celestial navigation functions such as automatic GoTo slewing to specific celestial objects via your smartphone or tablet. The mount's power consumption has also been reduced by up to 20% which enables astronomical observations and astrophotography over longer periods, especially in the field when using a Portable power supply.
Once you tap the desired celestial object from a list on the APP, the mount is automatically slewed to bring the object into the telescope's field of view and tracking begins. An existing STAR BOOK TEN control system can also be used on this mount without any problems. Equipped with the same precision stepper motors as the top-of-the-line AXD mount, the SXD2WL brings a new standard of performance and precision to the Vixen mount family and this mount is capable of a Photographic payload of 15kg.
The mount's axis system weighs just 9.2kg , making it ideal for mobile observing . The motors located in the lower part of the mount also act as counterweights, meaning the mount requires less weight for balancing and only larger or longer Telescopes require the use of the counterweight. The massive motor units are installed in the lower part of the declination axis, so the center of gravity of the SXD2 is below the intersection of the RA and DEC axes.
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 scores points with its powerful yet very smooth drive characteristics, which are present in both fine movements and fast panning. The bearings on the RA and DEC axes and the worm gears have been significantly improved to reduce the load on the motors. This allows the motors to run much more smoothly than in previous models. High-precision processing technologies also eliminate worm gear errors. The edges of both the worms and worm gears are particularly smooth, enabling extremely precise tracking.
Latitude Adjustment:
The latitude is adjustable between 0 and 70 degrees (divided into 3 zones, each adjustable by +/- 15 degrees, for high, medium, and low latitudes); the latitude scale is scaled in 2-degree increments; fine adjustment is achieved with a tangent screw head, approximately 0.8 degrees per turn.
Built-in PFL-II Polar Finder with Illumination:
The built-in 5x20 mm polar finder with a 10° field of view features a 3-star alignment system, eliminating the hassle of setting the date and time. The illuminated reticle with variable brightness and automatic shutoff 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. This allows you to navigate the sky without any cables using the STAR BOOK Wireless smartphone app (free). The app instantly transforms your mobile device into a controller for the equatorial mount. The response time of the mount, which is considered the biggest disadvantage of wireless connections, has been reduced to a level comparable to that of wired solutions.
Operation similar to the STAR BOOK TEN controller:
The STAR BOOK Wireless app is structured in a similar way to that already known from the STAR BOOK TEN controller. Depending on the star map setting, it contains up to 259,000 celestial objects . Tap a celestial object in the object list and start the GoTo. The mount will then automatically move to this target and bring it into the telescope's field of view. You retain all the popular features of the traditional STAR BOOK TEN.
Convenient operation:
While looking through the telescope, you operate the mount by swiping on the app's star map. Since there are no buttons, you can simply glide your finger over the star map and operate the mount conveniently.
Extensive astronomical data included:
This includes data on easily observable celestial bodies such as Messier objects, NGC objects, and IC objects, as well as the sun, moon, planets, comets, and dwarf planets.
High-precision alignment:
Alignment to one or two stars allows you to position the mount quite precisely. Alignment to three or more stars allows for high-precision alignment of the mount for high magnifications. The objects are then moved precisely and centrally in the field of view of your telescope. The alignment information is saved and can be retained even when the device is turned off. By leaving the telescope in its current state without moving it after completing an observation, you can start with the same settings the next time you observe.
Custom setting options:
As with the STAR BOOK TEN control system, the app offers various custom settings such as gear backlash compensation, night mode in red, autoguider, as well as variable GoTo speed and LED brightness. You can also adjust the time of the lens tube reversal (meridian flip) as desired. Even if the object moves south during tracking, you can prevent the telescope tube from reversing.
** Important Note:
The wireless module is not suitable for use on older SX mounts with the old blue Star Book controller.
Technical information for the Wi-Fi module:
- CPU with 32-bit CISC processor, 120 MHz.
- The unit connects to the mount via a D-SUB 9-pin connector, similar to the STAR BOOK TEN.
- It features a 6-pin, 6-wire modular connector for external autoguider operation.
- Supported operating systems are Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher, Wi-Fi standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n.
Mount Spec:
- RA sprocket: 180 teeth
- DEC sprocket: 180 teeth
- Axle material and diameter: Carbon steel / Dec. 35mm, RA 40mm thickness
- Polar finder telescope: 6x20 mm, PFL-II polar finder
- Height fine adjustment: 0° to 70°, (fine adjustment +/- 15°, height)
- Counterweight rod: 20mm diameter
- Azimuth adjustment: worm fine adjustment
- Power supply: DC 12V; 0.4 ~ 1.7A
- Maximum photographic payload: 15kg (without counterweight)
- Counterweight: 1x 1.9kg and 1x 3.7kg
- Tripod mount: 45mm spigot
- Dimensions: 36cm (H) x 12cm (W) x 36cm (L)
- Weight: 8.8kg, 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 – 2.0A (load 10kg), 0.4 – 2.2A (load 15kg)
Tripod Spec:
- Robust Aluminium tripod
- Also suitable for: GP-, SX- & AP mounts
- Height-adjustable: 81 - 130cm
- Weight: 5.5kg
Whats included:
- SXD2WL mount
- Wireless unit
- Robust Aluminium tripod
- 2 counterweights: 1.9kg and 3.7kg
- Assembly tool
- Polar finder PFL-II
- Cigarette lighter power supply 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.