10Micron AZ 4000 HPS (counterweight bar version)

10Micron AZ 4000 HPS (counterweight bar version)

Description
This mount is based on the mechanics of the GM4000 HPS II and offers a very stable altazimuth configuration. The AZ4000 HPS is a highly versatile research-grade mount, ideal for scientific activities such as satellite tracking, photometric and astrometric measurements, LiDaR laser applications and more. Due to its alt-azimuthal design, an optional field de-rotator (ASCOM-compatible) is necessary to achieve long exposures without field rotation.

Electronics are housed in a separate control box (V3 version), which is easy to detach. Motor, encoder and hand pad connections are equipped with locking screws. The mount can be operated directly via the supplied hand pad without the need for a PC. The graphic display and red illuminated keys, usable with gloves, provide optimal visibility in all conditions. A built-in heating system ensures operation in cold environments.

Main features of the V3 control box:
• Latest-generation ARM mainboard
• Binder industrial connectors (Germany)
• Dedicated external Wi-Fi port
• RJ ports for LAN, autoguider and GPS
• GPS module via PS2 with PPS signal
• Binder 24 V DC connector (cable included)
• AUX 6-pin port (DIN EN 61076-2-106)

The standard version is designed for single-sided optical tube mounting and includes a counterweight bar. An optional dual-optics version allows side-by-side installation of two or more instruments. This configuration is compatible with GM4000 series Loduel and Maxidual plates, supporting up to four instruments (two per side). The mount is entirely CNC-machined from aluminum alloy, with no cast parts.

Technical specifications:
• Name: AZ 4000 HPS
• Mount type: Altazimuth
• Weight: 125 kg
• Load capacity: 150 kg (single OTA)
• Counterweight shaft: Ø 60 mm, stainless steel
• Axes: Ø 85 mm / 80 mm, alloy steel
• Bearings: Preloaded tapered roller bearings
• Worm wheels: 430 teeth (Ø 330 mm, AZ), 315 teeth (Ø 244 mm, ALT), B14 bronze
• Worm shafts: Ø 32 mm, hardened and ground steel
• Drive system: backlash-free toothed belt, automatic compensation
• Motors: 2-axis brushless servo motors
• Power supply: 24 V DC
• Power consumption: ~1.5 A tracking, ~5 A full speed, ~6 A peak
• Slew speed: 2°/s to 8°/s (max. 6°/s on RA)
• Pointing accuracy: < 20" (multi-star model)
• Tracking accuracy: < ±1" over 15 min (< 0.7" RMS) with flexure and alignment compensation
• Operating temperature: -15 °C to +35 °C (option -35 °C to +35 °C)
• Storage temperature: -40 °C to +50 °C
• Software limits: ±150° (AZ), ±95° (ALT)
• Mechanical limits: ±155° (AZ), ±100° (ALT)
• Ports: RS-232, Ethernet, GPS, ST-4 autoguider

User interface:
• Heated 5-line LED graphic hand pad
• 2 or 3 star alignment, up to 100 stars for modeling
• Stores multiple models
• Flexure and orthogonality error correction
• Atmospheric refraction compensation
• Sidereal, solar and lunar tracking
• Time setting via GPS or manually
• Dome control via RS-232
• Multilingual interface
• Comet and asteroid filters
• Horizon limits, meridian flip settings, assisted balance
• Remote assistance via Internet

Additional information:
• Fully CNC machined, no cast components
• Fully integrated internal cabling
• Standalone operation, no PC required
• Remote control via RS-232, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Firmware and orbital elements updates via RS-232 / Ethernet
• Proprietary ASCOM and Meade LX200 compatibility
• Supplied with: AZ 4000 HPS mount with absolute encoders, V3 control box, graphic hand pad, cables, counterweight bar, Wi-Fi module
• Counterweights and power supply not included (available separately)
• Mandatory special packaging: ref. 1454199 (column adapter and wooden crate)