Altazimuthal mount, exclusive 10Micron HPS technology with absolute axis-encoders and high performances motor drives; payload capacity of 50 +35 Kg in dual telescope configuration optional
This mount is the last version of the AZ2000, an altazimuth mount based on the mechanics of the GM2000. The AZ2000 HPS Combi is a very versatile research mount, perfect for scientific activities such as satellite tracking, photometric and astrometric measurements, LiDaR laser applications and so on. Due to its altazimuthal design, it’s necessary an optional field de-rotator (ASCOM compatible) in order to get long exposures without field rotation.
The standard version allows to assembly the optics to only a side of the mount and is supplied with a short counterweight bar. It’s not necessary to exactly counterbalance the weight of the telescope: using counterweigths for about 50% of your payload to get a sufficient stable configuration.
The bodu of the AZ2000 HPS C is “splittable” in two parts for a better transportability.
An option is available for a dual telescope configuration, as shown on the pictueres above (see options for further details)
The original AZ2000 was also produced in the special “Antarctica” version, which was able to work at the extreme low temperature of -84°C (-119F). Special mechanical and electronic considerations were necessary in order to design and produce this peculiar mount: from the correct choice of material and sizes to the use of special and very expensive lubricants, wiring and connectors. A special housing was also designed to protect against temperature and ice crystals formation and which needed different levels of seals depending on the effective operational temperature.
Learn more about the exclusive 10Micron HPS technology
| Type | Altazimuth German Mount |
| Weight (mount) | 30 kg – 66 lbs without accessories |
| Instrument payload capacity | 50 kg (110 lbs) for standard single telescope configuration 50 + 35 kg (110 +77 lbs) for optional dual telescope configuration |
| Azimuth fine adjustment range (for initial orientation) | +/− 10° |
| Counterweight shaft | 40 mm diameter, stainless steel, weight 4 kg – 9 lbs |
| Axes | 50 mm diameter, alloy steel |
| Bearings | Pre-loaded tapered roller bearing |
| Worm wheels | 215 teeth, 172 mm diameter, B14 bronze |
| Worm screw | 24mm, tempered alloy steel, grinded and lapped |
| Transmission system | Backlash-free system with timing belt and automatic backlash recovery |
| Motors | 2 axes servo brushless |
| Power supply | 24 V DC |
| Power consumption | ~ 0,7 A while tracking ~ 3 A at maximum speed ~ 5 A peak |
| Go-to speed | Adjustable from 2°/s to 20°/s |
| Pointing accuracy | < 20” with internal multiple-stars software mapping |
| Average tracking accuracy | < +/− 1" typical for 15 minutes (< 0.7" RMS) with internal multiple-stars software mapping and compensation of flexure and polar alignment errors |
| Security stops | +/− 150° in AZ (software) +/− 155° in AZ (mechanical) +/− 95° in Alt (software) +/− 100° in Alt (mechanical) |
| Operational temperature range (standard) | - 15° C to + 35° C + 05° F to + 95° F |
| Storage temperature range | - 40° C to + 50° C - 40° F to +122° F |
| Special operational temperature range | Optional, for very low temperature operations: contact us for more details |
| Communication ports | RS–232 port; GPS port; autoguide ST-4 protocol port; Ethernet port |
| Database | Stars: by name, Bayer designation, Flamsteed designation, Bright Star Catalogue, SAO, HIP, HD, PPM, ADS, GCVS. Deep-sky: M, NGC, IC, PGC ,UGC limited up to mV = 16. Solar system: Sun, Moon, planets, asteroids, comets, artificial satellites. Equatorial and altazimuth coordinates. User defined objects, fast slewing positions. |
| Firmware features | User defined mount parking position, 2-stars and 3-stars alignment function, up to 100 alignment stars for modeling, correction of polar alignment and orthogonality errors, estimate of average pointing error, storage of multiple pointing models, sidereal, solar and lunar tracking speed adjustable on both axes, declination-based autoguide speed correction, adjustable horizon height limit, pointing and tracking past meridian,, assisted balance adjustment, manual or GPS based time and coordinates setting, dome control via RS-232, configurable atmospheric refraction, network settings, comets and asteroids filter, multi-language interface. Remote Assist via Internet connection. |
| PC control | Remote control via RS-232 or Ethernet; proprietary ASCOM driver or Meade compatible protocol; update of firmware and orbital elements of comets, asteroids and artificial satellites via RS-232 or Ethernet; virtual control panel via RS-232 or Ethernet. Wi-Fi included. |
The AZ2000 HPS Mount is available in a special version for very low temperature operations (item #10M2000AZCF)
10M200DAZ – This accessory allows a double telescope configuration as shown on the pictures above
The Standard version allows a single telescope assembly and is supplied with counterweight bar.
AZ2000 HPS Mount – with precision absolute axis-encoders, control box with onboard-intelligence (Linux-processor),V. 2 – HPS version firmware, stand alone system ( no PC required ), professional handcontrol unit with graphic display and temperature control, cables, counterweight bar and strong transport carton-box with shaped foam.
