Equatorial mount GOTO VIXEN model SXD2WL with Wifi

GOTO VIXEN equatorial mount model SXD2WL with Wifi

Vixen has developed a new generation of SX mounts for demanding observers and astrophotographers.

The SXD2WL mount is easily operated via a Wifi module with a smartphone or tablet. By controlling the mount with your smartphone via the free STAR BOOK Wireless app, you can easily use sky navigation features such as automatic GoTo sweep of celestial objects via your smartphone or tablet. By eliminating the power consumption of the conventional LCD display (STAR BOOK TEN), the power consumption of the mount is reduced by up to 20%, allowing for longer astronomical observations and astrophotography.

When the desired celestial object is selected from a list, it is automatically placed in 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 family of mounts.

With a photographic load capacity of 15 kg, the mount's cross axis weighs only 9.2 kg, making it ideal for mobile observations.

In addition, the motors mounted on the bottom of the mount also serve as a counterweight, so the mount requires less weight to balance.

The SXD2 mount in detail:

Precision stepper motors and microstepping motion control system

At the heart of the SXD2 are precision stepper motors, which offer better performance and response than previous models. The microstepping motion control system offers powerful yet very smooth drive characteristics, which occur in both fine movements and fast sweeps. Built-in bearings The bearings of the RA and DEC axes and the helical 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 gears are particularly smooth, allowing very precise tracking. Declination axis as counterweight The solid motor units are installed at the bottom 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 that fewer additional counterweights are needed

Latitude adjustment Latitude is adjustable between 0 and 70 degrees (divided into 3 zones and adjustable +/- 15 degrees per zone, for high, middle and low latitudes); latitude scale in 2 degree increments; fine adjustment with tangent screw head, approx. 0.8 degrees per turn.

Integrated PFL-II polar finder with illumination

The integrated 5x20 mm polar finder with a 10° field of view features a 3-star alignment system. This eliminates the hassle of setting the original date and time. The illuminated reticle with variable brightness and auto-off is adjustable in 8 levels and illuminated in red. The setting accuracy is 3 minutes of arc.

The wireless module in detail

The Wifi adapter Vixen for EQ mounts allows you to control your mount Vixen via smartphone or tablet. With the STAR BOOK Wireless smartphone app (free) you can navigate the sky wirelessly. The app turns your smartphone or tablet into a control unit for the equatorial mount in the blink of an eye. The response delay of the mount, considered the biggest drawback of wireless connections, has been reduced to a level comparable to that of wired connections.

Reduced power consumption compared to conventional controllers with LCD monitor

Stand power consumption is reduced by up to 20%, enabling longer observations than with conventional wired controllers such as the STAR BOOK TEN.

Similar operation to the STAR BOOK TEN controller

The STAR BOOK Wireless application has a similar structure to the STAR BOOK TEN controller. Depending on the star map configuration, it contains up to 259,000 celestial objects. Tap on a celestial object in the object list and start the GoTo. The mount will automatically move to that object and place it in 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 sliding your finger across the star chart in the app. Since there are no buttons, simply slide your finger over the star chart to operate the mount comfortably.

Extensive astronomical information included

In addition to data on easily observable celestial bodies, such as Messier objects, NGC objects and IC objects, it 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 accurate positioning. By aligning the mount to three or more stars, you can achieve high-precision alignment of the mount to high magnifications. Objects are then approached precisely and centered in the field of view of your telescope. The alignment information is saved and can be retained even when the device is turned off. By leaving the telescope in its current state after finishing an observation without moving it, you can start the automatic setup with the same settings for the next observation.

Individual adjustment options

Like the STAR BOOK TEN control unit, the app offers various individual settings, such as gear backlash compensation, red night mode, autoguiding and variable GoTo speed and LED brightness. The time of the target tube reversal (meridian flip) can also be set at will. Even if the object moves south during tracking, you can prevent the telescope tube from inverting.

Important note: Cannot be used on older SX mounts with the old blue Star Book!

Technical information about the Wifi module: CPU with 32-bit 120 MHz CISC processor The unit connects to the mount via a D-SUB 9PIN connector as in the STAR BOOK TEN. It has a 6-pin, 6-wire modular connector for external autoguider operation. Supported operating systems are Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher, IEEE 802.11b/g/n WLAN standard.

Technical specifications:

• RA sprocket: 180 teeth
• DEC sprocket: 180 teeth
• Material and shaft diameter Carbon Steel / Decl. 35 mm, RA 40 mm thick
• Polar finder: 6x20 mm, polar finder PFL-II
• Fine adjustment of height: 0° to 70°, (fine adjustment +/- 15°, height)
• Rear sight rod 20 mm diameter
• Azimuth adjustment: fine worm screw adjustment
• Power supply: DC12 V; 0.4~1.7 A
• Max. load 15 kg, photographic, without counterweight
• Counterweights: 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 at 120 MHz
• Operating system: Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher
• Connection: D-SUB 9PIN connector
• ST4 autoguider input
• Power consumption SXD2WL+Wireless unit: DC12V / 0.3-2.0 A (10 kg load), 0.4-2.2 A (15 kg load)

what comes in the box?

• SXD2WL Equalizer Stand
• Wireless unit
• 2 counterweights 1.9 kg and 3.7 kg
• Mounting hardware
• Pole locator PFL-II
• Cigarette lighter cable

GOTO VIXEN equatorial mount model SXD2WL with Wifi