10Micron GM1000 HPS
The GM1000HPS is the smaller brother of the GM2000HPS mount. Its weight is about 20kg and maximum load capacity is 25kg. Also the GM1000HPS is equipped with absolute encoders. By no means is this a portable mount, but at a weight of 20kg this mount can be transported rather well. Add to that the ability of unguided imaging, and effectively this mount is up and running almost as fast as a true mobile mount, like the RainbowAstro RST-135E.
Important is to level the mount well and point as close to the north as possible with a regular compass. Using MountWizzard4 a quick 3-point model can be built in about a minute. The software will give quantitative information on how many fractions of a turn both the azimuth or altitude adjustment knobs need to be turned. Then running a second automated 3-point model will likely give a fairly good result. Any polar alignment error < 5 arcmin is considered acceptable. Once within that limit, running a final 18 point model will give enough precision for a mobile setup with focal lengths up to 1000mm to run unguided.
The mount runs on 24V DC power and is controlled via a separate control-box that houses a Linux-based computer. The control-box can be controlled using either the hand controller or a PC. Connection with the PC can be established using either WiFi, Ethernet or RS-232/USB.
Specifications
Mount Type: German Equatorial
Weight: 19.5kg
Payload capacity: 25kg
Counterweight shaft: 30mm, stainless steel, 1.7kg
Tracking: absolute encoders on both axes
Guiding: unguided, accuracy 0.6” RMS for 15min using multi-point model
Electronics: Control box with Linux-based operating system
Connectivity: RS232/USB, Ethernet or WiFi
Azimuth adjustment
Adjustment of the azimuth during polar alignment is done by pressing adjustment screws against a block on the GM1000HPS-specific mounting plate that is mounted on the tripod. During polar alignment, the handset will show the required amount of rotation for each screw in degrees.
Altitude Adjustment
The altitude screw allows for fine adjustment of the altitude. For larger adjustments, the side-knobs need loosening. For smaller adjustment they can stay tight. A large adjustment knob can be attached, but this may lead to accidental adjustment when putting the mount in the case. Adjusting using a hex screwdriver works well.
Counterweights
The mount does not come standard with counterweights, only a shaft. Weights are selected based on the scope used. 10Micron offers 3kg and 6kg weights. Three 6 kg weights provide enough counter-weight to each of the Takahashi scopes in use. Sliding them further in or out compensates for the difference in weight between the scopes.
Control-box
With the mount comes a separate control-box. It is essentially a small linux-based computer that manages all functions of the mount. The control-box can be accessed through an ethernet-cable or WiFi for remote control. Local control works through a hand pad. Don’t expect too great of a user experience from a four-line display, but it works well.
MBox
Having access to exact location and time information is crucial for proper unguided tracking. There are different ways to achieve this. It can be downloaded from the acquisition computer, or it can be entered via the handpad. Alternatively, an MGBox V2 can be connected to the control box. It automatically syncs location, time and weather info to the mount. A ‘set and forget’ option. Make sure that for location date/time info in acquisition software ‘read from mount’ is selected.
Power Supply
The mount comes standard with a 110/220V AC adapter brick. It feeds the mount with 24V DC power supply using a pretty solid ‘screw-on’ connector. If the mount is also used in the field, 10Micron offers a mobile power supply adapter. It converts 12V DC to 24V DC. Even if you use a battery pack in the field that provides 110/220V, using the mobile adapter is the better choice. It uses much less energy than the 110/220V adapter.