Since ancient times, the lever principle has been utilized in order to solve problems related to lifting big loads with minimum effort and in best safety. LEONARDO BM100, the 10Micron-mount for heavy duty binoculars and spotting scopes, optimizes this principle, with the clear aim to provide all Astro and Terrestrial observers with a reliable optical platform and perfect aiming- and targeting-system. The LEONARDO BM100 mount is able to provide exceptionally sturdy instrument support, totally free of vibrations, and to ensure prolonged observation in total comfort.
The extreme variability of the Leonardo-mechanical system enables you to observe any astronomical or terrestrial object conveniently by utilizing it´s 4-axis pointing system. Friction adjustment hand-knobs in elevation and horizontal rotation enable the user to precisely match the preload of the parallelogram for retaining a fluid-movement with varying instrument weights – and to fine-tune all mount-movements to effectively compensate for accidental shock or sudden intense wind-gusts.
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All hand-knobs are placed conveniently, nearest to the position of the observer. The fourth axis, defined as “scan”, offers very smooth left/right movement for the optical instrument itself across a viewing angle of altogether 30 degrees. This allows to conveniently monitor moving targets, birds, planes, satellites or comet search at any hight above the horizon, without the need of having to move the parallelogram itself and without changing the observers head position. The instrument platform at the upper end of the parallelogram is well balanced, to provide ultimate smoothness for movement in elevation with any optical instrument weight up to the Zenith. In any viewing position, the observer always can keep a good distance from the tripod legs. This helps enormously to move freely without danger of tripping – especially in the night. In general, maximum care has been given, to make all movements of the Leonardo-Mount to be as smooth, well-balanced and effortless as anyway possible. Regardless whether the observer will be standing upright or sit in a (wheel-)chair or be conveniently stretched out onto a sun-lounger, always he will find the handling of all mount-movements to remain extremely effective and to allow for the most convenient head- and body position.
Finally, deciding for the LEONARDO BM100 by 10Micron means you receive a product of highest built-quality and reliability, to meet even the most demanding observing needs. This high mechanical quality grade is made to last for years to come and to offer the same level of performance even after the most intensive use under the hardest of environments and at all latitudes.
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Name | LEONARDO - BM100 L (BinoMount 100 “Leonardo”) |
SKU | 10M100L |
Design | Designed and manufactured entirely in Italy at the 10Micron headquarters – based on an idea of Roberto Volonté |
Material | Anodized light-alloy aluminum , all axes equipped with stainless steel/bronze bearings |
Mount Weight | 13 kg (28.5 lbs) - mount w/o tripod or accessories |
Counterweights | 3 kg or 6 kg |
Counterweight shaft | Stainless Steel - diam. 30 mm / length 500 mm |
Load Capacity | Max. instrument load 13.5 kg. (30 lbs) |
Instrumentation | Suitable for binoculars / spotting scopes from 50 to 150 mm in diameter / compact SC-telescope-OTA up to 8” |
Max. Instrument Height | 200 cm, at tripod extension 100 cm (perfect for observation in upright/standing position ) |
Min. Instrument Height | 50 cm, at tripod extension 100 cm (perfect for observations from a chair or sun lounger) |
Pointing System: | Passive 3D pointing w. adjustable parallelogram, consisting of four anti-torsion rods 100 cm long |
Elevation range | -35 °/ + 53 ° below/above the horizon |
Parallelogram rotation | 360 ° in azimuth |
Tilt of instrument platform | +/- 90 ° in elevation |
Aux azimuth tilt (4th axis) | +/- 15 ° to left and right |
Safety Lock Feature | LEONARDO BM -100 is equipped with a quick safety lock that acts simultaneously onto both sides of the Parallelogram arms. Actuating one plunger (w. dual locking pin) will securely lock the parallelogram in horizontal position for mounting all optical instruments onto the instrument platform in total security |
Passive Safety | LEONARDO BM -100 is equipped with a quick safety lock that acts simultaneously onto both sides of the Parallelogram arms. Actuating one plunger (w. dual locking pin) will securely lock the parallelogram in horizontal position for mounting all optical instruments onto the instrument platform in total security |
Use & Movement | "Soft Move" fluid friction for effortless positioning in all directions. Custom friction adjustment in Azimuth and Elevation via Soft-Touch hand-knobs of large size, best suited even for winter gloves; for all other movements the axes are factory preloaded and steel-spring assisted |
Optical Instrument lock | Standard: two locking screws with interchangeable thread 1 /4 " or 3/8 " (world photo standards) . Optional: 44 mm dovetail clamp (Vixen/Celestron/Skywatcher comaptible) |
Tripod Base Adapter | Specially designed for compatibility with 10Micron and Geoptik series tripods. The LEONARDO BM100 base plate can be mounted to any heavy duty tripod suitable for astronomical observations by utilizing the included adapter flange with predrilled holes |
Available Colors | aluminum surfaces are Silk-Glossy durable anodized. Standard color is BLACK. 10Micron proprietary colors - Red or Blue - available on special order (inquire for delivery time) |
Standard Package | LEONARDO BM-100 standard package includes a stainless steel 3 kg counterweight, stainless steel counterweight shaft diam. 30 x 500 mm, two locking screws with “1/4 " and 3 /8" photo-thread , universal flange-tripod adapter, user manual, sturdy cardboard transport box with molded foam |
Optional Accessories | Cordura carrying bag with handles to be used for recycling the molded foam of the transport box; 3 kg or 6 kg counterweights; optional 44 mm dovetail clamp – Vixen GP standard |