Vixen Optics SXP2 Sphinx GoTo EQ Mount with PFL Polar Scope

Description

Product Highlights

Motorized Computer-Controlled EQ Mount
Precision Dual-Axis Stepper Motor
Star Book Ten Hand Controller
272,342-Object Database

Designed to give astrophotographers maximum performance and easy portability, the precision hardware of the SXP2 Sphinx GoTo EQ Mount from Vixen Optics gets a performance boost by adding the PF-L polar axis alignment scope and Star Book Ten (SB10) computer control system to boost alignment, GoTo, and tracking accuracy. Micro stepper motors with a belt-drive system, 180-tooth brass worm wheels, and ball bearings provide smooth and precise tracking abilities with virtually zero vibrations or backlash.

The included polar axis scope has an illuminated star-pattern reticle that requires the user to simply superimpose the star pattern over the three prominent stars over the North Pole for proper polar alignment. With this simple alignment done, the SB10 controller can be used to provide full GoTo capabilities with a color display and intuitive menu system. Outfitted with an internal and updatable database of over 272,000 objects, the SB10 offers phased star charts, customized guided tours of the night sky, and the ability to program out tracking errors with Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC), Vixen Periodic Error Correction (VPEC), and backlash to improve the precision of the tracking system during long-duration observation sessions and which gets better the more you use it.

The addition of the HAL 130SXG tripod completes this observation and astrophotography rig, so all that is required is an optical tube assembly (OTA) with a Vixen-style dovetail plate. It is made out of lightweight and durable aluminum to offer stability when open while maintaining its portability if it has to be carried any distance to the observation site. Its two-section legs adjust from 25 to 39" to accommodate a wide variety of users, and it folds up to just 32". The mount and tripod have a maximum payload capacity of 60 pounds for observation purposes, but if this rig will be used for astrophotography or imaging, Vixen recommends the max payload be kept to 50 pounds excluding the two included counterweights.

Mount

Motorized German equatorial design
Innovative mount head design makes the weight of the head act as part of the counterweight system
Payload capacity (excluding counterweights): 60 pounds recommended for observation use, 50 pounds recommended for astrophotography/imaging
Polar axis alignment scope included for faster and more precise alignment, which improves GoTo and tracking accuracy
Azimuth adjustment: ±7°, 2° per rotation
Altitude adjustment: 0 to 70° 0.8° per rotation
20mm retractable counterweight bar reduces interference during long tracking sessions
4.2- and 8.2-pound counterweights
Runs on 12 VDC power supply
Vixen-style dovetail saddle accepts any compatible OTA

Gears and Motors

Precision stepper (pulse) motor, 300 pulse/second
Belt-drive system improves tracking and slewing accuracy while reducing vibration and eliminating backlash
9mm diameter brass worm gears
Right ascension and declination gears: 180-tooth 360° movement; 72mm diameter; brass wheels
Right ascension and declination axes: 40mm diameter; carbon steel
15 ball bearings reduce vibrations and allow for smooth tracking

Polarie PF-L Polar Axis Scope

6x power magnifies view while maintaining a wide angle of view
20mm objective lens diameter
Ease of use: In the Northern Hemisphere, align three bright stars with the corresponding pattern on the scope's illuminated reticle
No need to set hour angle
Red illumination allows reticle to be easily seen without affecting night-adjusted vision
Eight adjustable intensity levels allow precise brightness control
Automatic off function after 2 minutes to conserve battery power

Star Book Ten Computer Controller

5" TFT full-color display
Phased star charts display only relevant info for what is visible overhead
Automatic GoTo Slewing
Sidereal tracking and different tracking rates for the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, and artificial satellites
Proprietary Vixen Periodic Error Protection (VPEC): Intrinsic errors are measured and entered into memory at the factory for precision tracking out of the box, use with PPEC to boost tracking performance
Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) enables you to train out tracking errors for more accurate tracking over extended periods of time, such as long-exposure astrophotography
Backlash compensation allows you to train out the play inherent in all gears for more precise tracking
LAN port to update database via Internet
Powered by mount via controller cable

Database details:

272,342 objects
NC objects: 784
IC objects: 5386
Messier objects:109
Solar system: Moon, Sun, planets, and Pluto

HAL 130 Tripod

Lightweight and durable aluminum legs
Two leg sections with secure thumbscrew locks
Variable height: 25 to 39"
Spiked feet provide added stability on soft or uneven ground
Folded length: 32"
Weight: 12 pounds

Specifications

Mount

Mount Type	Motorized; German Equatorial
GoTo Capability	Yes, Star Book Ten
Payload Capacity	Astrophotography 50 lb / 22.6 kg (without Counterweight) Observation 60 lb / 27.2 kg (without Counterweight)
Motor	Dual Axis
Altitude Adjustment	0 to 70°
Latitude Adjustment	-7 to 7°
Counterweight	1 x 4.2 lb / 1.9 kg
Polar Axis Scope	Yes (Included)

Tripod

Height Adjustment Range	25 to 39" / 63.5 to 99.1 cm
Leg Sections	2
Materials	Aluminum Alloy
Folded Length	32" / 81.3 cm

General

Adapter	12 VDC
Mounting System	Vixen Style
GPS	No
Wi-Fi	No
Dimensions	14 x 13.5 x 5" / 35.6 x 34.3 x 12.7 cm (Mount)
Weight	12.1 lb / 5.5 kg (Tripod) 24.25 lb / 11 kg (Fully Assembled without Counterweight)

Packaging Info

Package Weight	60.45 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)	38.5 x 27.5 x 26"

In the Box

Vixen Optics SXP2 Sphinx GoTo EQ Mount with Star Book Ten
Vixen Optics STARBOOK TEN Computer Controller
Vixen Optics HAL 130SXG Aluminum Tripod
Vixen Optics 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) SX Counterweight - White
Vixen Optics 8.2 lb (3.7 kg) SX Counterweight - White
Vixen Optics PF-L Polarie Polar Scope
Mount Head
12 VDC Power Supply
Limited 5-Year Warranty

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Vixen Optics SXP2 Sphinx GoTo EQ Mount with PFL Polar Scope

Choose Options or Accessories if Applicable

Mount

Gears and Motors

Polarie PF-L Polar Axis Scope

Star Book Ten Computer Controller

HAL 130 Tripod

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