Vixen AXD2 GoTo Equatorial Mount with Star Book Ten

The sleek design of Vixen's AXD2 Equatorial Mount covers innovative gearing for superior performance. This updated version of the AXD mount features tracking accuracy of +-2.8 arc seconds. Avid astronomers will find that the high performance and precise tracking of the AXD2 Mount will raise their level of astrophotography. With its ease of use and superior performance, the AXD2 Mount offers even novice astronomers the opportunity to be a successful astro-photographer.

Controlled by Vixen's new STAR BOOK TEN, the AXD2 combines all the features that the serious astronomer has been waiting for. The original AXD Mount was named a 2011 Star Product by Astronomy Magazine.

TEN in Japanese means "The Heavens" and this mount will get you there with ease. With observatory quality controls, popular objects appear on the High Definition screen and the AXD2 "SEE-TO" Technology shows you the sky before the GO-TO sends you there. With the ability to zoom to any area you can easily find your target object. When you have viewed all 270000 objects, you can enter and save your own discoveries. No computer needed with the STAR BOOK TEN. Add the Advance Unit, ann expansion unit designed for the STAR BOOK TEN controller. The installationof the Advance Unit in the STAR BOOK TEN controller enhances your autoguiding capabilities. Withthis unit installed you can view an image from a CCD-based imaging camera, record to or play back from a SD/SDHC card and adjust the shutter exposure controls of a DSLR camera.

The new Astro Imaging capabilities of the STAR BOOK TEN include integrated video imaging and Video Auto Guiding. With the Zoom In feature for guiding and planetary observing, you can lock on an object, capture the image, and save it to stack later. The full metal construction of this observatory quality mount incorporates bronze 135mm 270 tooth RA Gear and 21 Needle Bearings (13 on RA Axis & 8 on DEC Axis). With all these features and Permanent PEC, Night Vision Mode, and a 270,000 Database the STAR BOOK TEN with the NEW AXD2 Mount is a revolutionary design for telescope mounts. Covered by Vixen's 5 Year Warranty and manufactured in Japan. Tripod not included.

Sturdy yet Light Weight
Strong and durable A7075 Aluminum Alloy is used for the R.A and DEC axes on the AXD2 Mount. The A7075 material is stronger than titanium and has a specific gravity 38% less than titanium. This makes the AXD Mount very sturdy but easily transported.

Smooth Movement
A total of 21 bearings are used in the mount's movable parts, for smooth movement and precise slewing of the AXD2 Mount.

Solid R.A. Worm Wheel
he AXD2 Mount has an R.A. Axis 50mm (abut 2" thick) The brass R.A. worm wheel has 270 teeth, which contributes to the precise tracking of the AXD2 Mount

Precision Stepping Motor
Vixen's precise micro-step motion control system generates 400 signal pulses per second on the stepping motor. The accurate rotations guarantees outstanding performance of the AXD2 Mount and excellent responsiveness. The stepping motors have a torque strong enough to slew a payload of 66lbs (30kg)

Advanced Motor Layout
The built in R.A. and DEC motors are placed in he lower part of the declination body on the AXD2 Mount. This brings the center of balance of the declination body under the crossing point between the R.A. and DEC axes and serves as a portion of counterweight. Moreover, the short distance from the crossing point to the mount head is a configuration designed to lighten a heavy counterweight.

VPEC Periodic Error Correction
The periodic motions of each AXD2 Mount are individually measured at Vixen's factory for accurate performance and precise periodic error correction. The periodic error, which is measured by the VPEC, is recorded on nonvolatile memory inside the mount and it is not lost when you turn off the power. This is a great advantage to both the novice and experienced astrophotographers, enabling you to take impressive images with less likelihood of failure. Both PEC and VPEC can also be added by the user to raise the tracking accuracy as the occasion demands.

Minimum Backlash
The stepping motors control the rotation of the gears from low to high speed by means of Vixen's unique micro-step motion control system,. This eliminates the need for numerous reduction gears in the motor gear train resulting in excellent decrease in backlash.

Star Book Ten
Revolutionary Star Chart Go-to Navigation Controller. An integral part of the SXD2, SXP and AXD Mounts. Available for the SX2 Mount.

Autoguiding with the Vixen Advance Unit
The expansion slot of the STARBOOK TEN allows you to use the Advance Unit for autoguiding. The Advance Unit enables you to capture a guide star on the screen using the optional Vixen CCD Video Camera (or other commercially availbe CCD video cameras). You will be able to display the guide star and the star chart side by side on the STARBOOK TEN screen.