Made for long observation sessions, Vixen's Sphinx SX2 Equatorial Mount features precision motors and gears for accurate long-duration tracking. Dual stepper motors provide smooth and virtually vibration-free tracking that run at up to 250 pps. Its full-circle brass wheel gear allows the mount to track over extremely long periods with little error. The RA and DEC motors are situated inside the mount to reduce interference, and act as counterbalance for smaller scopes, eliminating the need for the counterweights and shaft. When not in use, the counterweight shaft retracts into the mount and out of the way.
The Sphinx comes with the Star Book Ten (SB10) computerized hand controller that is loaded with a database of 272,342 celestial objects such as the Moon, Sun, and planets, plus astronomical catalogs including SAO, NGC, and Messier. The SB10 has a 5" 800x400 resolution LED backlit TFT LCD screen that displays star charts, maps, as well as menu options. To aid set-up, there is a built-in 6x20 polar alignment scope that is set inside the mount. It has an 8° wide angle field of view and an illuminated reticle. The Polaris guide scale, for use in the Northern hemisphere, is accurate through the year 2025. An Octant 4-star pattern is also set on the reticle for use in the Southern hemisphere.
The Sphinx is offered here without an optical tube assembly, tripod, or pier.
- Gears and Motors
- Two stepping (pulse) motors at 250 pulses per second
- 180-tooth full circle micro-movement wheel gear
- 40mm aluminum-alloy die-cast Right Ascension axis
- 35mm aluminum-alloy Declination axis
- ±7° azimuth adjustment, twin tangent screws/knobs with about 1.2°/rotation
- 0-70° altitude adjustment, 3-altitude zone settings, 2° increment altitude scale, twin T-bar handles with 0.8°/rotation
- Star Book Ten
- Specifications
Mount Type | German Equatorial |
Load Capacity | 27 lb (12.2 kg) |
Gears | RA: 180-tooth full circle micro-movement gear wheel
Dec: 180-tooth full circle micro-movement gear wheel |
Right Ascension Axis | 40 mm diameter, die-cast aluminum-alloy |
Declination Axis | 35 mm diameter, aluminum-alloy |
Motor | 2 x Stepping (pulse) motors with 250 PPS |
GO-TO Capability | No |
Altitude / Azimuth Adjustment | Alt: 0 to 70°
Az: ±7° |
Polar Axis Scope | No |
Includes Tripod/Pier | No |
Counterweights | 1 x 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) |
Power Requirement | 12 VDC |
Dimensions | 13.5 x 14.2 x 5.0" (34.3 x 36.0 x 12.8 cm) |
Weight | 15.5 lb (7.0 kg), excluding counterweights |
In the Box
Vixen Optics Sphinx SX2 Equatorial Mount with Star Book Ten
Star Book Ten Hand Controller Star Book Cable 4.2 lb Counterweight Limited 5-Year Warranty
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