10Micron AZ 8000 DDS

10Micron AZ 8000 DDS

Description

The AZ 8000 DDS is 10Micron’s most powerful robotic fork mount, designed for heavy-duty scientific and satellite-tracking applications. It supports telescope tubes up to 40" and 700 kg payload. Equipped with high-torque direct drive motors, Renishaw absolute encoders, and onboard electronics, the AZ 8000 DDS sets a new standard for professional observatory automation.

It features an ultra-rigid compact fork, low base height (ideal for smaller domes), and full integration with a microserver and internal sky model. Optional dual Nasmyth ports (180 mm) can host up to 50 kg each. The derotator/focuser interface (GO2) is software-integrated and supports payloads up to 50 kg (optional).

Key performance:

• Pointing speed over 20°/s

• <5" RMS pointing accuracy with 25-star model (up to 100)

• ~1" typical tracking for 15-minute exposures

• Encoder readout error <0.01"

Safety is prioritized through:

• Mechanical stops: Az ±300° (~2 turns), Alt 100°

• Electromechanical brake in Alt axis

• Anti-wrap logic

• Emergency stop buttons onboard and remote with safety relay

• Acoustic alerts and collision/unbalance protection

All functionality is accessible via the included stand-alone 5-line Keypad or remotely via Ethernet or RS-232. Full support is provided for ASCOM clients and LX200-compatible software. A professional web interface is under development.

Technical specifications

• Name: AZ 8000 DDS

• Mount type: Alt-azimuth fork, direct-drive with Renishaw absolute encoders

• Payload: up to 700 kg, 1000 mm (40") diameter

• Weight: 950 kg (mount only)

• Dimensions: 190 × 100 × 150 cm

• Nasmyth: 2 × 180 mm ports, 50 kg each

• Bearings: Large-diameter precision ball bearings

• Motors: Direct-drive, zero-backlash

• Encoders: Renishaw high-resolution, <0.01" readout error

• Power: 48 V, 20 A peak

• Go-To speed: >20°/s

• Pointing accuracy: <5" RMS (25-star model)

• Tracking accuracy: ~1" typical over 15 minutes

• Derotator/focuser: GO2 interface (optional), 50 kg capacity, internal temperature probe

• Interfaces: RS-232, Ethernet, GPS, ST-4

• Internal control system:

  • Mount modeling up to 100 points

  • Multiple model storage

  • Configurable tracking speed

  • Adjustable movement limits

  • Refraction compensation

  • Leap second support

  • Assisted balancing

  • Direct dome control (RS-232)

• Object database:

  • Stars: by name, Bayer, Flamsteed, SAO, HIP, HD, PPM, ADS, GCVS

  • Deep sky: M, NGC, IC, PGC, UGC (to mag 16)

  • Solar system: Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, satellites

  • User-defined objects and fast-slew presets

• Safety features:

  • Stops: Az ±300°, Alt 100°

  • Anti-wrap logic

  • Electromechanical Alt brake

  • Emergency stop buttons onboard and remote

  • Acoustic alerts

  • Unbalance/collision protection

• Keypad:

  • Metal housing, 5-line heated display, dimmable, LED-backlit industrial keys

  • Full functionality without PC

• PC control:

  • Ethernet and RS-232

  • Firmware/orbital updates

  • Virtual keypad, mount manager

  • ASCOM proprietary driver, LX200 compatible

Additional information

• Includes Renishaw absolute encoders

• 48 V power supply included

• Stand-alone Keypad #1452059 included

• Derotator/focuser optional

• Mandatory packaging: ref. #1456801

• Warranty only valid with approved 10Micron power supplies