Vixen AP-SM Equatorial Mount with Star Book One Controller

Portable and Powerful: Achieve Precision Tracking and Stunning Astrophotography Shots Anywhere

Want seamless tracking? Discover the Vixen AP-SM Equatorial Mount for precise celestial alignment without complex setups. Take your stargazing and astrophotography to the next level.

Features

• Advanced Motorized Mount: Achieve stable, accurate celestial tracking for pinpoint alignment.
• Pulse Stepper Motor Technology: Enjoy silent, vibration-free movement for detailed long-exposure shots.
• STAR BOOK ONE Controller: Navigate the night sky effortlessly with multiple tracking speeds and modes.
• Portable and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs), it’s perfect for on-the-go astronomy.
• Versatile Tracking Speeds: Choose from sidereal, lunar, solar, and king rates for precise object tracking.
• Backlash & Periodic Error Compensation (PEC): Keep your tracking sharp and clear for extended observation.
• Vixen-Style Dovetail Saddle: Securely mount a wide variety of telescopes for easy swapping between instruments.
• 13.2 lb (6 kg) Load Capacity: Supports mid-sized telescopes and astrophotography gear, accommodating scopes up to 100mm.
• Dual Power Options: Run on four AA batteries or a USB power bank for up to 4 hours in remote locations.
• Precision RA/DEC Gears: Brass gears with 144 teeth offer smooth movement along the 73.5 mm RA and 58.4 mm DEC axes.

The Vixen AP-SM Equatorial Mount is for You If…

• You’re a mobile astronomer who loves traveling to dark-sky sites and needs a lightweight, portable mount.
• You’re an astrophotographer aiming for clear, long-exposure shots, free from vibrations and tracking errors.
• You want hassle-free, professional-grade celestial tracking without wasting time on complex setups.
  
• You’re looking for multiple tracking speeds—including sidereal and solar—for precision on a range of celestial objects.
• You’re tired of complicated alignment and prefer intuitive controls to start stargazing or photographing in minutes.
• You need a mount that can handle mid-sized telescopes up to 13.2 lbs (6 kg) with stability and ease.
  

Achieve Crystal-Clear Astrophotography and Precision Tracking with the Vixen AP-SM Mount

Imagine capturing every detail of the night sky, whether you’re in a remote dark-sky location or your own backyard. The Vixen AP-SM Equatorial Mount is engineered specifically for dedicated amateur astronomers and mobile astrophotographers who value both portability and high-level performance. At just 3.9 kg (8.6 lbs) without the counterweight, this ultra-portable mount supports telescopes up to 13.2 lbs (6 kg), ideal for mid-sized scopes like 80mm to 100mm refractors or even an 8-inch reflector. You’ll have the freedom to add essential accessories like cameras, autoguiders, and filters, allowing you to fully customize your setup.

For astrophotographers, the Vixen AP-SM offers professional-grade features that elevate long-exposure imaging. The advanced pulse stepper motor technology provides silent, vibration-free tracking, keeping your shots stable and sharp without mechanical interference. The built-in backlash and periodic error compensation (PEC) actively minimize small mechanical shifts, preserving the clarity of your long-exposure shots. For capturing deep-sky objects like galaxies, nebulae, and planets, these features are critical in delivering high-quality, clear images that reveal the night sky’s finest details.

One of the mount’s standout features is the STAR BOOK ONE Controller. This intuitive handheld Go-To device offers multiple tracking rates—sidereal, lunar, solar, and king—so you can seamlessly switch between objects, whether observing the moon, planets, or stars. The precision-crafted RA and DEC worm gears, made from high-quality brass with 144 teeth, ensure smooth, accurate movement across a 73.5 mm RA axis and a 58.4 mm DEC axis, keeping celestial objects stable in your field of view, even during long sessions.

The Vixen AP-SM is designed with true portability in mind, offering a dual power system that runs on four AA batteries or a USB power bank. The battery setup provides up to four hours of runtime, ideal for extended sessions in remote locations where electricity is unavailable. The USB Micro-B terminal supports mobile power banks, keeping your mount powered without needing bulky external sources. With twin-screw azimuth adjustments and tangent-screw altitude controls, you’ll enjoy precise alignment with an altitude range of 0-65° and an azimuth adjustment range of 6.5° per full rotation. This fine-tuning level ensures optimal stability and accuracy in every setup.

The Vixen-style dovetail saddle allows you to mount and switch telescopes quickly, making it easy to adapt your setup on the go. With seven precision bearings in the RA and DEC axes, the mount is built for durability, providing seamless tracking for years of use, whether you’re a dedicated stargazer or an avid astrophotographer.

With its powerful tracking capabilities, robust portability, and high-end features, the Vixen AP-SM Equatorial Mount lets you observe and capture the night sky like never before. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned astronomer, this mount offers precision tracking, user-friendly control, and the flexibility to meet your celestial observation and photography needs.

Everything You Need for a Perfect Setup

The Vixen AP-SM Equatorial Mount package includes essential accessories to make setup and operation smooth and simple. At the center is the STAR BOOK ONE Hand Controller, a highly intuitive device that makes celestial tracking a breeze. Paired with the included STAR BOOK Cable, you’ll enjoy reliable control and various tracking modes to capture everything from sidereal to lunar movements with accuracy.

For stable, balanced tracking, the package also includes a Counterweight Bar and a 1 kg Counterweight. These provide the support needed to keep your telescope steady, even when using additional accessories. You’ll have the flexibility to balance different setups and maintain stability across a variety of load capacities.

Additionally, the package includes an Allen Wrench Set for precise assembly and adjustments, whether you’re at home or in the field. With these included accessories, the Vixen AP-SM Mount is ready to use out of the box, allowing you to focus on what matters most—capturing the cosmos.

Enhance Your Alignment Precision with the Vixen Polar Meter

For astronomers and astrophotographers seeking top-tier alignment accuracy, the Vixen Polar Meter is the perfect addition to your Vixen AP-SM Mount. This precision tool simplifies polar alignment, helping you lock onto the celestial pole quickly and accurately. Skip complex routines and achieve optimal tracking within minutes, making setup fast and efficient.

The Vixen Polar Meter is invaluable for long-exposure astrophotography, where precise alignment is essential to keeping objects centered and in focus. Compact and easy to attach, this accessory integrates seamlessly with your AP-SM mount, enhancing your setup’s stability. If you’re looking to take your night sky captures to the next level, the Vixen Polar Meter is the key to professional-grade results.