The Vixen SXD2 Mount with VC200L Reflector Telescope and Tripod is a highly corrected 8.0" f/9.0 catadioptric telescope for astro imaging. Its sophisticated aspherical optical design delivers excellent image correction throughout its large 42mm illuminated field.
The VC200L is designed for astro imaging - at the edge of a 35mm SLR format stars remain sharp (< 15 µm). This level optical performance is comparable to the resolving power of fine quality digital imaging systems. Employing the optional f/6.4 reducer significantly shortens exposure times.
Vixen has fitted the VCL200L's OTA with a piggy-back camera holder - this allows taking photos through the telescope while using a second camera in parallel to the OTA. Additionally, the VC200L can be used to guide the secondary imaging system.
The SXD2 provides a precise and stable motorized mount for long observation sessions, or long-exposure astrophotography. Dual stepper motors provide smooth and virtually vibration-free tracking that run at up to 250pps. Its full-circle brass wheel gear allows the mount to track over extremely long periods with little tracking error.
The Star Book Ten is a computerized hand controller that is loaded with a database of 272,342 celestial objects such as the Moon, Sun, and planets, plus astronomical catalogs including SAO, NGC, and Messier. The SB10 has a 5" 800x400 resolution LED backlit TFT LCD screen that displays star charts, maps, as well as menu options. To aid set-up, there is a built-in 6x20 polar alignment scope that is set inside the mount. It has an 8° wide angle field of view and an illuminated reticle. The Polaris guide scale, for use in the Northern hemisphere, is accurate through the year 2025. An Octant 4-star pattern is also set on the reticle for use in the Southern hemisphere.
- Design: catadioptric reflector
- Aperture: 8.0" / 200 mm
- Focal ratio: f/9
- Focal length: 1800 mm
- Tube length: 23.6" / 599 mm
- Tube diameter: 9.1" / 232 mm
- Tube weight: 13.2 lb / 6.3 kg
- Focuser: 2" - optional 1.25"/ T2 adaptations
- Mount adaptation: Dovetail plate for GP, Sphinx, EQ mounts
- Dawes resolution limit: 0.63"
- Theoretical minimum magnification: 13.3
- Finderscope: 7x50 QR finder scope
- VISAC: Vixen's Sixth-Order Aspherical Cassegrain. Primary mirror held by retaining ring instead of hooks to decrease flare and enhance contrast
- Motorized and computer-guided equatorial mount
- 33 lb payload capacity, excluding counterweights
- Precise azimuth adjustment indicators
- Vixen-style dovetail saddle
- Built-in polar alignment scope
- Lightweight aluminum
- White powder-coated head
- Variable height from 25 to 39"
- Maximum leg spread of 63.5" diameter
- Folded length of 32"
- 77 lb payload capacity
- Weighs 12.1 lb
- Powered by mount through connector port, button-battery included to keep internal clock running
- 5" TFT LCD display with LED backlight
- 800x480 WVGA resolution
- Red backlit keypad
- Independent screen and keypad dimming control
- ST-4 compatible integrated autoguider port
- "GOTO" slewing with up to 1000x sidereal rate
- 272,342 celestial object database: SAO: 258997, NGC objects: 7840, IC objects: 5386, Messier objects: 109, 7 Planets, 1 quasi-planet, Moon, and Sun
- Programmable user-defined objects
- Automatic and manual GoTo Slewing
- Sidereal tracking with different tracking speeds for the Sun, the Moon, planets, comets, and artificial satellites including the International Space Station
- Backlash compensation
- Periodic error correction (PEC) removes inaccuracies inherent in gears and allows for more accurate tracking, especially for long-exposure astrophotography
- Adjustable screen brightness
- Hibernate mode
- Built-in speaker
- Software updates using LAN connection
- Compatible with Windows SP, Vista, 7, 8, & 8 Pro
- Not compatible with Mac, Linux, and Unix operating systems
- 6.7x6.1x1.2" weighing 13.4 oz