Vixen is a well-known producer of high-quality telescope mounts that are popular among both amateur and professional astronomers. The company offers a range of equatorial and altazimuth mounts that are designed to meet the needs of different users.
One of the most popular Vixen telescope mounts is the SXP2 equatorial mount. This mount is the top-of-the-line model in the SX series and is known for its excellent accuracy and smooth motion. It is designed to support heavy telescopes and can handle payloads of up to 50 pounds. The SXP2 is equipped with pulse motors that offer precise control and smooth motion, making it a favorite among astrophotographers. Additionally, the mount features Vixen’s micro-step motion control, which ensures accurate and smooth motor rotation.
What is a Vixen Telescope Mount?
Vixen is a well-known brand in the world of astronomy and is known for producing high-quality telescopes and mounts. A Vixen telescope mount is a device used to hold a telescope and allows it to move in various directions to track celestial objects. It is an essential component of any telescope setup and is responsible for providing a stable base to the telescope.
Vixen offers a range of telescope mounts that cater to the needs of both amateur and professional astronomers. These mounts come in different sizes and types, and each has its own unique features. Some of the popular Vixen telescope mounts include the Vixen Polarie Star Tracker Mount, Vixen AXJ Equatorial Mount, and Vixen Sphinx SX2 Mount.
The Vixen Polarie Star Tracker Mount is a portable and lightweight mount that is perfect for astrophotography. It can track the movement of stars and is compatible with cameras and small telescopes. The Vixen AXJ Equatorial Mount, on the other hand, is a more robust mount that is suitable for larger telescopes. It features a high-precision worm gear system that provides smooth and accurate tracking.
The Vixen Sphinx SX2 Mount is a computerized mount that comes with a built-in Go-To system. This mount is perfect for beginners as it makes it easy to locate and track celestial objects. It also features a sturdy tripod and can support telescopes weighing up to 30 pounds.
In conclusion, a Vixen telescope mount is an essential component of any telescope setup. It provides a stable base to the telescope and allows it to move in various directions to track celestial objects. Vixen offers a range of telescope mounts that cater to the needs of both amateur and professional astronomers.
Types of Vixen Telescope Mounts
Vixen offers a wide range of telescope mounts to suit various observing needs. The two main types of mounts are Equatorial Mounts and Alt-Azimuth Mounts.
Equatorial Mounts
Equatorial mounts are designed to track the motion of the stars as they move across the sky. They are ideal for astrophotography and long-exposure observing. Vixen offers several Equatorial Mount options, including:
- SXP2 Equatorial Mount Package: This mount package is designed for astrophotographers and produces edge-to-edge pinpoint stars. It comes with the AX103S Optical Tube Assembly (OTA) and is easy to set up and use.
- AXJ Equatorial Mount: The AXJ Mount features superior performance and ease of use while allowing for heavier payloads. It is perfect for the serious astrophotographer or visual observer.
- AXD2 Equatorial Mount: The AXD2 Mount is a high-precision mount that is perfect for astrophotography. It is designed to hold heavy payloads and has a built-in autoguider port.
Alt-Azimuth Mounts
Alt-Azimuth mounts are designed to move the telescope in two directions: up/down and left/right. They are ideal for visual observing and are easy to set up and use. Vixen offers several Alt-Azimuth Mount options, including:
- APZ Mobile Porta: The Mobile Porta is a highly compact and portable mount that is perfect for grab-and-go observing. It comes with a tripod and is easy to set up and use.
- HF2 Alt-Azimuth Fork Mount: The HF2 Mount is a lightweight and portable mount that is perfect for smaller telescopes. It is easy to set up and use and comes with a built-in handle for easy transport.
- Porta II Mount: The Porta II is a versatile and sturdy mount that is perfect for both visual observing and astrophotography. It is easy to set up and use and comes with a built-in handle for easy transport.
In summary, Vixen offers a wide range of telescope mounts to suit various observing needs. Whether you are an astrophotographer or a visual observer, there is a Vixen mount that is perfect for you.
Benefits of Using a Vixen Telescope Mount
When it comes to observing the night sky, the mount you use to hold your telescope is just as important as the telescope itself. A high-quality mount can make all the difference in your observing experience, and the Vixen telescope mount is one of the best options on the market. Here are some of the benefits of using a Vixen telescope mount.
Smooth and Accurate Tracking
One of the most important features of a telescope mount is its ability to track the stars smoothly and accurately. The Vixen mount uses advanced technology to achieve highly stable and smooth rotations of the pulse motors, ensuring that your telescope stays on target even during long observing sessions.
Modular Design
The Vixen mount is designed to grow with your needs. Its modular design means that you can add accessories and upgrades as you become more experienced and your observing needs change. This makes the Vixen mount a great investment that will last you for years to come.
Easy to Use
The Vixen mount is designed to be easy to use, even for beginners. Its alt-azimuth design allows for simple up and down and side-to-side motions, making it intuitive to operate. This means that you can spend less time fiddling with the mount and more time observing the night sky.
Versatile
The Vixen mount is compatible with a wide range of telescopes, making it a versatile choice for any astronomer. Whether you have a small refractor or a large reflector, the Vixen mount can handle it with ease.
Portable
Finally, the Vixen mount is designed to be portable. Its lightweight construction and easy-to-assemble design make it perfect for taking on the go. Whether you’re heading out to a dark sky site or just observing from your backyard, the Vixen mount is a great choice for portable observing.
In conclusion, the Vixen telescope mount is an excellent choice for any astronomer looking for a high-quality, versatile, and easy-to-use mount. Its smooth and accurate tracking, modular design, and portability make it a great investment that will last you for years to come.
Choosing the Right Vixen Telescope Mount
When it comes to choosing a Vixen telescope mount, there are several factors to consider. In this section, we will discuss the three main factors to keep in mind: mount capacity, mount weight, and mount type.
Mount Capacity
The mount capacity refers to the maximum weight that the mount can handle. It is important to choose a mount with a capacity that matches the weight of your telescope and any accessories you plan to use, such as cameras or eyepieces. Overloading a mount can cause it to become unstable and affect the quality of your observations.
Mount Weight
The weight of the mount is also an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to transport your telescope to different locations. A heavier mount may be more stable, but it can also be more difficult to move around. On the other hand, a lighter mount may be easier to transport but may not be as stable.
Mount Type
Vixen offers several types of mounts, including equatorial mounts and alt-azimuth mounts. Equatorial mounts are designed to track the movement of celestial objects as they appear to move across the sky. Alt-azimuth mounts, on the other hand, are simpler to use and are better suited for terrestrial viewing.
Another factor to consider when choosing a mount type is whether you want a manual or motorized mount. A manual mount requires you to adjust the mount by hand to keep the object in view, while a motorized mount will automatically track the object for you.
Overall, when choosing a Vixen telescope mount, it is important to consider the weight and capacity of the mount, as well as the type of mount that will best suit your needs. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a mount that will provide stable and accurate observations.
Setting Up a Vixen Telescope Mount
Setting up a Vixen telescope mount can be a bit intimidating for beginners, but don’t worry! With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can have your mount assembled and ready to use in no time. In this section, we’ll go over the three main steps to setting up your Vixen telescope mount: tripod setup, mount assembly, and optical tube assembly.
Tripod Setup
The first step in setting up your Vixen telescope mount is to properly set up the tripod. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Find a level and stable surface to set up your tripod.
- Extend the legs of the tripod to the desired height, making sure that the tripod is level.
- Attach the spreader to the legs of the tripod to add stability.
- Attach the mount head to the tripod using the provided screws.
Mount Assembly
The second step in setting up your Vixen telescope mount is to assemble the mount itself. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Attach the declination axis to the mount head using the provided screws.
- Attach the right ascension axis to the declination axis using the provided screws.
- Attach the slow-motion control cables to the mount head.
- Attach the counterweight shaft to the mount head using the provided screws.
- Attach the counterweight to the counterweight shaft.
Optical Tube Assembly
The final step in setting up your Vixen telescope mount is to attach the optical tube assembly (OTA) to the mount head. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Attach the dovetail plate to the OTA using the provided screws.
- Attach the dovetail plate to the mount head using the provided screws.
- Balance the OTA by adjusting the position of the counterweight on the counterweight shaft.
- Attach any accessories, such as a finder scope or eyepiece, to the OTA.
And there you have it! With these three steps, you should now have your Vixen telescope mount set up and ready to use. Happy stargazing!
Using a Vixen Telescope Mount for Astrophotography
Astrophotography is a fascinating hobby that involves capturing images of celestial objects such as stars, galaxies, and nebulae. To get the best results, you need a reliable telescope mount that can keep your camera steady and track the movement of the stars. The Vixen telescope mount is an excellent choice for astrophotography, and here’s why.
Stability
The Vixen mount is designed to provide maximum stability for your telescope and camera setup. It has a solid build quality and can support a wide range of telescopes and accessories. The mount’s base is sturdy and has adjustable legs that can be extended or retracted to suit your needs. This feature is especially useful when you are setting up on uneven terrain.
Tracking
Tracking is an essential aspect of astrophotography, and the Vixen mount delivers excellent performance in this regard. It uses a high-precision motor that can track celestial objects accurately, even at high magnifications. The mount also has a built-in polar alignment scope that allows you to align the mount with the celestial pole quickly.
Compatibility
The Vixen mount is compatible with a wide range of telescope accessories, including dovetail plates, tube rings, and more. This means you can easily attach your telescope and camera setup to the mount without any fuss. The mount also has a variety of ports for connecting accessories such as autoguiders and GPS modules.
Ease of Use
The Vixen mount is designed to be user-friendly, even for beginners. It comes with a hand controller that allows you to control the mount’s movement and access its various features. The controller has a simple interface that is easy to navigate, and you can even connect it to your computer for more advanced control options.
In conclusion, the Vixen telescope mount is an excellent choice for astrophotography. Its stability, tracking, compatibility, and ease of use make it a top pick for both beginners and experienced astrophotographers. With the Vixen mount, you can capture stunning images of the night sky and explore the wonders of the universe.
Maintenance and Care for Your Vixen Telescope Mount
Taking care of your Vixen telescope mount is essential for ensuring that it lasts a long time and performs well. Here are some tips for maintenance and care of your Vixen telescope mount:
Cleaning
Cleaning your Vixen telescope mount is important to keep it free from dust and debris. Use a dry lint-free cloth to wipe the mount down. If there is stubborn dirt, a damp cloth can be used. Be careful not to damage any components while cleaning.
Greasing
The Vixen telescope mount is supposed to be greased for life, but if you need to replace the worm grease, use thick gear grease that has good load-bearing properties. Lithium grease can be used for the bearings and other components, but proper bearing grease is best. The worm experiences a lot of load, so it’s important to use the right type of grease.
Collimation
Collimation is the process of aligning the optics of your telescope. If your Vixen telescope mount is out of collimation, you can adjust the tilt of the primary mirror using the collimation screws. If you have gone through this process and your telescope is still out of collimation, contact Vixen customer support.
Storage
When not in use, store your Vixen telescope mount in a dry and cool place. Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or in a humid environment. Cover the mount with a protective cover to keep it free from dust and debris.
Battery Care
If your Vixen telescope mount uses batteries, remove them when not in use to avoid corrosion. Store the batteries in a cool and dry place. Always use fresh batteries when needed.
Taking care of your Vixen telescope mount is easy and straightforward. By following these tips, you can ensure that your mount lasts a long time and performs well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vixen telescope mounts are a great option for amateur astronomers who want to explore the night sky. With a variety of models available, Vixen offers something for everyone, from the portable Polarie Star Tracker to the sturdy Great Polaris mount.
One of the benefits of Vixen mounts is their computerized GoTo system, which makes it easy to find celestial objects in the sky. This feature is especially useful for beginners who may not be familiar with the night sky and need help locating objects.
Another advantage of Vixen mounts is their compatibility with a range of astronomical telescopes. Whether you have a refractor, SCT, or Newtonian telescope, there is a Vixen mount that can support it.
Additionally, Vixen offers a range of accessories and add-ons for their mounts, such as tripod extensions and counterweights, which can enhance the performance and functionality of your mount.
Overall, Vixen telescope mounts are a reliable and versatile choice for amateur astronomers. With their user-friendly features and compatibility with a range of telescopes, they are a great investment for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the night sky.