Vixen Encoder for AXJ Mount

Developed in order to store and protect the AXJ equatorial mount together with the StarBook TEN controller, the StarBook TEN cable and small accessories such as the power adapter. The housing is made from a newly developed material called Plapearl, which has an extremely long lifespan and is very lightweight. It consists of two plastic plates with vacuum-moulded cylinders that reduce the weight by 36% compared with conventional aluminium materials. It also offers high-grade airtight storage with only one opening and boasts attenuation properties that provide optimal protection for your equipment in terms of bending strength and resilience. FEATURES Material: Special polypropylene and aluminium alloy Colour: whiteDimensions: 47 cm x 49 cm x 23 cm Weight: 4.3 kgDELIVERY CONTENTAXJ case

Designed as a complement to the AXD2 equatorial mount, the AXJ mount offers outstanding durability and precision. The AXJ mount can also be used on AXD-TR102 tripods with an adapter. Periodic errors on mounts are usually measured and corrected by the user. Unlike the old StarBook controller, the STAR BOOK TEN controller saves these errors permanently. The periodic error of the mount is measured in the factory (total of 12 points per 30 degrees worm gear) and corrected before delivery. This is known as V-PEC and functions automatically as soon as you use the mount. It delivers an accuracy of +/- 4.0 arc seconds. You can increase the tracking accuracy further by saving your own recorded periodic errors. Vixen uses a new Belt-drive system in the AXJ mount. The gear drive was replaced with a toothed belt drive. This gives the mount a quicker reaction time and lower backlash. It also helps to minimize noise. The 6x20 polar finder scope is pre-installed. This allows the user to configure the polar alignment (for both the northern and southern hemispheres). The polar finder scope has a variable illuminated reticle with an automatic power-off function. The brightness can be adjusted in 8 levels so that the user can configure the desired brightness. SETTING ACCURACY OF LESS THAN 3 ARC MINUTES The dark field illumination (red LED) turns on when the push button is pressed. The reticle also lights up in red so that the observer can recognize and align stars in the background of the reticle. The light turns off automatically after a few minutes to save battery power. 2 bearing sets (4 pieces) are used for the shaft of the RA axis. Thanks to the newly developed EQ design, the ZXJ mount has a higher load capacity of 22 kg. As the motors, worm shaft and worm gear are located in the lower part of the mount, fewer counterweights are required than with conventional mounts. The STAR BOOK TEN controller is a modern control system with a high-resolution colour monitor. The STAR BOOK TEN system contains more than 272,000 celestial objects, including 260,000 stars from the SAO catalogue, 109 Messier objects, 7840 NGC objects and 5380 IC objects, as well the soon, moon and planets. Objects can be accessed by name, and information such as images and data can be defined separately. FEATURES +/-4.0 arc seconds with V-PEC V-PEC (Vixen-Permanent Periodic Error Correction) Belt drive system (prevents backlash and minimizes noise) 14 ball bearings Polar alignment (variable fork fix type) Polar finder with reference star alignment STAR BOOK TEN controller with autoguider input Retractable counterweight bar WHAT’S INCLUDED AXJ mount Starbook Ten controller 2 counterweights (3.7 kg and 1.5 kg) GoTo mount with Star Book Ten controller 22 kg load (photographic)

Vixen has developed a new generation of SX mounts for demanding observers and astrophotographers. The SXD2WL 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 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. Equipped with the same precision stepper motors as the top model, the AXD mount, the SXD2WL brings a new standard of performance and precision to the Vixen mount family. With a photographic load capacity of 15 kg, the axis cross of the mount weighs just 9.2 kg making it ideal for mobile observations. In addition, the motors mounted in the lower part of the mount 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. FEATURESRA sprocket: 180 teeth DEC sprocket: 180 teeth Shaft material and diameter: Carbon steel / Decl. 35 mm, RA 40 mm thickness Polar finder scope: 6x20 mm, PFL-II polar finder Fine height adjustment: 0° to 70°, (fine adjustment +/- 15°, height) Backsight rod: 20 mm diameter Azimuth adjustment: worm fine adjustment Power supply: DC12 V; 0.4~1.7 A Maximum load: 15 kg, photographic, without counterweight Counterweight: 1x 1.9 kg and 1x 3.7 kg Tripod connection: 45 mm spigot Dimensions: 36 cm (H) x 12 cm (W) x 36 cm (L) Weight: 8.8 kg (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) SCOPE OF DELIVERYSXD2WL EQ mount Wireless unit 2 counterweights: 1.9 kg and 3.7 kg Mounting tools Pole finder PFL-II Cigarette lighter cable

Designed as a complement to the AXD2 equatorial mount, the AXJ mount offers outstanding durability and precision. The AXJ mount can also be used on AXD-TR102 tripods with an adapter. Periodic errors on mounts are usually measured and corrected by the user. Unlike the old StarBook controller, the STAR BOOK TEN controller saves these errors permanently. The periodic error of the mount is measured in the factory (total of 12 points per 30 degrees worm gear) and corrected before delivery. This is known as V-PEC and functions automatically as soon as you use the mount. It delivers an accuracy of +/- 4.0 arc seconds. You can increase the tracking accuracy further by saving your own recorded periodic errors. Vixen uses a new Belt-drive system in the AXJ mount. The gear drive was replaced with a toothed belt drive. This gives the mount a quicker reaction time and lower backlash. It also helps to minimize noise. The 6x20 polar finder scope is pre-installed. This allows the user to configure the polar alignment (for both the northern and southern hemispheres). The polar finder scope has a variable illuminated reticle with an automatic power-off function. The brightness can be adjusted in 8 levels so that the user can configure the desired brightness. SETTING ACCURACY OF LESS THAN 3 ARC MINUTES The dark field illumination (red LED) turns on when the push button is pressed. The reticle also lights up in red so that the observer can recognize and align stars in the background of the reticle. The light turns off automatically after a few minutes to save battery power. 2 bearing sets (4 pieces) are used for the shaft of the RA axis. Thanks to the newly developed EQ design, the ZXJ mount has a higher load capacity of 22 kg. As the motors, worm shaft and worm gear are located in the lower part of the mount, fewer counterweights are required than with conventional mounts. The STAR BOOK TEN controller is a modern control system with a high-resolution colour monitor. The STAR BOOK TEN system contains more than 272,000 celestial objects, including 260,000 stars from the SAO catalogue, 109 Messier objects, 7840 NGC objects and 5380 IC objects, as well the soon, moon and planets. Objects can be accessed by name, and information such as images and data can be defined separately. FEATURES +/-4.0 arc seconds with V-PEC V-PEC (Vixen-Permanent Periodic Error Correction) Belt drive system (prevents backlash and minimizes noise) 14 ball bearings Polar alignment (variable fork fix type) Polar finder with reference star alignment STAR BOOK TEN controller with autoguider input Retractable counterweight bar WHAT’S INCLUDED AXJ mount Starbook Ten controller 2 counterweights (3.7 kg and 1.5 kg) GoTo mount with Star Book Ten controller 22 kg load (photographic)

Fast 70mm high-performance astrograph F5.5 designed for demanding astrophotographers and observers, featuring 5 lens elements in 5 groups With its sophisticated optical design incorporating five lens elements in five groups (Quintuplet), including two SD (Super ED) lenses and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens, this astrograph delivers a virtually aberration-free optical system. The convex lens utilises two SD lenses and a high-refractive ED lens, while the front lens is crafted from a newly developed high-performance lanthanum glass. Perfect for astrophotography and visual observation This revolutionary astrograph is compatible with digital full-frame DSLRs and even larger 44 x 33 mm cameras. With its fast F5.5 aperture ratio, the 70mm astrograph produces exceptionally sharp, high-contrast, pinpoint stars from the centre to the very edges of the field of view. Not only is it ideal for astrophotography, but it also excels in visual observation, offering a wide field of view for deep-sky objects and delivering stunning detail in planetary observation with high magnification. Consistently sharp imaging across the entire field The VSD70ss is designed with a long peak range in focus adjustment accuracy, making it easier for astrophotographers to achieve consistently outstanding results. Even if the focus isn’t set perfectly, stars remain round and sharp across the entire image field. The VSD70ss is very temperature-resistant so that you always keep a very stable focus point. Minimal vignetting for uniform illuminationMost astrographs experience some level of optical vignetting (light gradually diminishes towards the image edges). This is mainly caused by the rear lenses being shadowed by the front lenses. As a result, photographers often need to apply image corrections or capture additional flat frames beforehand. The VSD70ss tackles this issue with large-aperture lenses in the rear elements and preserves over 90% of the light all the way to the edge of its 55mm image circle. The result is uniform brightness across the entire field, eliminating the need for extensive post-processing to compensate for edge darkening. The VSD70ss features cutting-edge multi-coatings with exceptionally high reflectivity. These coatings have been specially designed to optimise the performance of each individual lens element, ensuring maximum contrast and light transmission without degradation across multiple lenses. Note: *Mechanical vignetting may still occur depending on the camera system used, particularly due to the camera body or incorrect adapters. 96.7% Strehl for stunning visual observations When paired with a wide-angle eyepiece with low magnification the VSD70ss offers a flattened large field of view. Even with a high-quality wide-field eyepiece with a large field of view, stars appear sharp across the entire field of view during visual observation. At the centre of the field, the telescope achieves an impressive 96.7% Strehl intensity at visible wavelengths—surpassing even the acclaimed SD81SII apochromat with its 95.7% Strehl ratio. This superior optical quality is also evident when observing the Moon and planets at high magnifications. Large, versatile, and stable focuser The VSD70ss has a large focuser with a diameter of 87.5mm to make optimum use of the large 55mm field of illumination. Designed to support a wide range of accessories, this large focuser is perfect for astrophotography, accommodating everything up to large-format cameras or 35mm full-frame DSLR cameras. Its precision manufacturing ensures excellent stability, preventing any tilting even when using heavy imaging equipment. Optional VSD reducer for even faster resultsThe new reducer has been specially developed for the VSD90ss and the VSD70ss. At a focal ratio of 1:3.9. the photographer gets even faster results in astrophotography. Compatible with motorised focusersTo enable sensitive focusing, an optional dual-speed motor focuser is available for the VSD70ss. Additionally, an EAF (Electronic Automatic Focuser) from ZWO or a compatible system can be retrofitted. FEATURES SD apochromat, 5-element/5-group, AS coating Aperture: 70mm Focal length: 385mm (F/5.5) Resolution: 1.66 Limiting magnification: 11.0 Light gathering power: 100x more than the eye Field of view: 55mm Tube dimensions: 444 x 90 mm (368mm retracted) Adapters/Threads: 84mm (P=1mm), 60mm (P=0. 75mm), 42mm (P=0.75mm for T-ring) Connections: 60.2mm, 50.8mm, 31.7mm Weight: 3.5 kgSCOPE OF DELIVERY VSD70ss Astrograph Adapter: 60.8mm to 50.2mm 1/4 inch screws (L: 9mm) x 2 Allen keys (3mm, 2mm, 1.5mm, 3/16 inch) Dovetail bar (Vixen standard)

Mounting head for securing Vixen standard dovetail bars. The unique friction control system enables you to move the telescope by hand without loosening the clamping lever. The included AP clamping lever allows the mount to be clamped more tightly if needed. The module is compatible with the AP mount head, but cannot be used with the AP Photoguider. The module has a hole in the centre to ensure the polar finder has an unobstructed view. FEATURES Type: Dovetail holder with slip clutch system with clamping and locking screwAxle clamp: Delivered with AP clamping lever Bearings: 1x ball bearing Dimensions: 78 x 56 mm without extrusion parts Weight: 345 gDELIVERY CONTENTAP mounting head moduleAP clamping lever Clamping screw for dovetail barLocking screw