10Micron GM 4000 HPS II GoTo-Mount

GM 4000 HPS: max. 150kg load capacity

• Unguided imaging
• Satellite tracking
• high-precision spectroscopy
• Exoplanet search – even for field use!

German "go to" equatorial mount, professional grade, exclusive 10Micron HPS technology with absolute axis-encoders and high performances motor drives; high payload capacity of 150 Kg (330 lbs).  

The GM4000HPS mount, now in the new M2 version, is built for observatories with an instrumentation up to a weight of 150 kg – 330 lbs (excluding counterweights). It is ideal for remotized observation sites, and its loading capacity allows for mounting instruments like 300 mm diameter refractors, 400 mm diameter Newton reflectors, 600 mm diameter Cassegrains and so on. Movements are driven by two servo brushless motors, with timing belt reduction having zero-backlash. Both axes feature a classic worm – wormwheel pairing. The wormwheels are made of bronze (B14), with a diameter of 330 mm and 430 teeth in right ascension, and a diameter of 244 mm and 315 teeth in declination. The worms are made of alloy tempered steel with a diameter of 32 mm. The axes themselves are made of alloy steel, with a diameter of 85 mm (right ascension) and 80 mm (declination), for the maximum rigidity.

The electronics is housed in an easily detachable housing (control box), mounted above the right ascension axis, in order to obtain the best accessibility of all connections. The connections of the mount and keypad secutiry lock screws. Only one cable runs from the control box to the mount. The axes feature a 60 mm diameter hole allowing for the passage of instrumentation cables. This effectively solves the problem of entangling cables and damaging instruments, especially for remote observatories. The mount is powered with low voltage, requiring a maximum power of about 100W. This makes possible using the mount even in locations with limited power available. The GM4000HPS can be controlled completely using the included hand pad, without requiring any external PC.

Main features of the new Controlbox V3:

• Advanced Mainboard: New ARM based processor for enhanced performance and future-proofing.
• High-Quality Industrial Connectors: All power and data connections feature high-quality Binder connectors from Germany, ensuring superior protection against moisture, dust, and environmental hazards.
• Enhanced Connectivity: A dedicated port for an external WiFi antenna improves wireless communication capabilities.
• Optimized Data Interfaces: New RJ ports for LAN, Autoguide, and GPS ensure reliable signal transmission.
• Precision GPS Integration: The GPS module connects via a PS2 interface (instead of RJ), featuring a built-in PPS signal for ultra-precise timekeeping, ideal for satellite tracking applications.
• Professional Power Connector: The previous connector is replaced with a two-pin Binder plug for 24V DC power. A new power cable is included.
• Expanded AUX Interface: A 6-pin AUX port (DIN EN 61076-2-106) enhances remote switch control and power-on feedback

DRIVE MECHANICS

• Self-locking, high-precision worm-wheeldrives with classic friction clutches
• High torque Servo DC motors eliminate imbalance motor stall
• GM 4000 HPS II with ultra portable on-axis encoder mount for uncompromizing stand-alone field use

DRIVE ELECTRONICS

• Ultra-high-precision RA & Dec on axis encoders, featuring more than 10 million increments (interpolated), fully encapsulated and calibrated
• Up to 0.5" RMS tracking accuracy - for long duration unguided imaging
• Closed loop (encoder controlled) satellite tracking speed - up to 20°/s
• Extremely low power consumption and miniature format (20 x 15 x 8cm) electronics
• After an observing session, the entire electronics box (motor electronics with Linux computer) and HC can be easily detached and protected from premature aging and moisture damage
• Service friendly design - electronics box and HC can be easily exchanged for service, without returning the precisely adjusted HPS mount

FIRMWARE

• Automatic refraction correction function implemented – the only way for perfect unguided tracking during long exposures
• Intuitively operated V3.x software and QSI motor control system, integrated into an onboard Linux computer – intelligence built-in
• No external PC or laptop mandatory in the field – all functions in the onboard computer can be accessed via stand-alone hand control unit (HC)
• Precise multistar pointing models, entering satellite and comet trajectories, programming individual observing sessions and much more
• Well documented firmware and drivers, working autonomously w/o additional planetarium software, without need for external RS-232 converters/USB ports
• Excellent documentation in English and German
• Electronic balance - requiring one time balancing only
• Ultra stable pointing model for safe East/West load reversal – no change of pointing model necessary when changing accessories
• Precise polar alignment – software aided and accomplished within minutes
• Fully remote controlled via your observatory PC with 10/100 LAN included, perfectly prepared for your future Internet observatory

Technical Data

Important note: ALL 10 MICRON mounts can ONLY be used with approved power supplies from these category. Damages induced by using third party power supplies will result in loss of warranty!

Scope of Delivery

• 10Micron GM 4000 HPS II GoTo-Mount, body only
• Not demountable

Please ask for carrying costs.