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.