Mount Accessories

• 900 Mount Upgrades and Spare Parts
• 1200 Mount Upgrades and Spare Parts
• Astro-Physics Mounting Rings
• Stainless Steel Counterweights
• Counterweight Shaft Options - All Currently Available Sizes and Styles including Safety Parts
• Polar Alignment Scope with Illuminator (PASILL4)
• Cable for Polar Alignment Scope (for PASILL3 or PASILL4 version) (CABPAS3)
• Cable for Polar Alignment Scope (for previous PASILL2 version) (CABPAS2)
• Polar Alignment Scope Plug (M4037)
• High Resolution Mounted Encoders
• Key Pad Protector (KEYPRO)
• Adjustable Wood Tripod (AWT000) – 400, 600E, Mach1GTO
• Adjustable Aluminum Tripod (SDS400) - 400
• Tripod Adapter (ADATRI) - 400, 600E, Mach1GTO
• Astro-Physics Portable Piers – 400, 600E, 900, 1200, Mach1GTO
• 6" Eagle Adjustable Folding Pier (EAGLE6)
• Advanced Telescope Systems Piers - 900, 1200
• Bi-Level Support Bars for Pier Accessory Trays (TRAYSB) – for all piers
• Single Level Support Bar for Pier Accessory Trays (TRAYSB1) - for piers and tripods
• Control Box Adapter for Piers and Tripods (CBAPT)
• Accessory Trays for 6" Diameter Piers and Tripods (TRAY06) and (TRAY06H)
• Accessory Trays for 8" Diameter Piers (TRAY08) and (TRAY08H)
• Accessory Trays for 10" Diameter Piers (TRAY10) and (TRAY10H)

Mounting rings attach to the cradle plate of the mount and hold your tube assembly firmly in place. The tops of the rings are also flat which allows you to support your guidescope, camera or other accessories. The rings feature a hinged assembly with thumbscrew closure. They are felt-lined to prevent marring of your tube. Please order the size that corresponds to the outside diameter of your tube assembly.
	Astro-Physics Rings 55RING - 130mm Astro-Physics refractors (except the Gran Turismo version) or other telescope tubes of 5.5" diameter 65RING - 140mm f7.5 StarFire EDF and all 155mm and 160mm Astro-Physics refractors or other telescope tubes of 6.5" diameter 80RING2 - 180 StarFire EDT/EDF, 206 StarFire EDF and other telescopes with 8.0" diameter tubes, pair. 80RING21 - 180 StarFire EDT/EDF, 206 StarFire EDF and other telescopes with 8.0" diameter tubes, single ring.
	Top of rings: Two 10-32 and two M8 holes for GR4400 and GR34FB (guidescope rings), PGBCBR (piggyback camera bracket with flat plate), DOVE08 (8" dovetail plate), DOVE15 (15" dovetail plates), and Losmandy D series plates. The plates are used to attach accessories to the top of the rings. Bottom of rings: Drilled and tapped for 1/4-20 screws. The hole patterns fit the following mounts: Astro-Physics 400, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO mounts; Carton alt-azimuth; Vixen DX and Super Polaris; and the TeleVue Systems mount. If you wish to see a detailed version of this diagram, please click here.

55RING

$175.00

in stock

65RING

$190.00

in stock

80RING2

$450.00

in stock

80RING21

$225.00

in stock

Our counterweights are precision machined from 303 stainless steel. A bronze sleeve is press fit into the center hole to prevent marring of your counterweight shaft as you adjust the position of the counterweights. The weights slip easily onto the counterweight shaft and are secured in position with a large hand knob/brass pin assembly. The brass pin will not mar your shaft.

Keep in mind that you can adjust the position of the weights to counterbalance varying loads. However, the addition of a guidescope, camera and other heavy accessories may necessitate an additional counterweight. If you plan to mount your catadioptric, Newtonian or any other scope, figure that you will need a counterweight total equal to approximately 80% of the weight of your tube assembly and accessories. Handy measurements: 5 lb. Counterweight - thickness 3/4" 10 lb. Counterweight - thickness 1 3/8" 18 lb. Counterweight - thickness 2 1/2 " 900 Counterweight Shaft (M9404-A) - usable length 12 7/8 " 1200 Counterweight Shaft (M12601-D) - usable length 18 1/2 " 6 lb. Counterweight - thickness 1 1/8" 9 lb. Counterweight - thickness 1 13/16 " Mach1GTO Counterweight Shaft (M8084-A) - usable length 13 5/8 " We recommend the following combinations of weights for our refractors: 6 lb. Counterweight (6SLCWT)- For 400, 600E, 800 and Mach1GTO mounts 9 lb. Counterweight (9SLCWT) - For 400, 600E, 800 and Mach1GTO mounts 6SLCWT $95.00  in stock 9SLCWT $115.00  in stock Recommendations for specific telescopes: 105 Traveler EDF Tube Assembly - one 9 lb. 130 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly - one each 6 and 9 lb. 155 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (2.7" focuser) - two 9 lb. 5 lb. Counterweight (5SCWT) - for 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO (with optional shaft) 10 lb. Counterweight (10SCWT) - for 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO (with optional shaft) 18 lb. Counterweight (18SCWT) - for 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO (with optional shaft) 5SCWT $110.00  in stock 10SCWT $135.00  in stock 18SCWT $190.00  in stock Recommendations for specific telescopes: 155 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (2.7" focuser) - one 18 lb. 155 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (4" focuser)-one 10 and 18 lb. 180 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (4" focuser) -two 18 lb.

Astro-Physics Counterweight Shaft Options

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Polar Alignment Scope with Illuminator (PASILL4)

	Our updated polar scope will allow you to quickly align your mount on the pole stars to ensure greater tracking accuracy throughout your observing session. The reticle was designed for use in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
	The updated reticle is marked for epochs 2005 through 2030 and has been improved for users in the southern hemisphere. Even users of the GTO computerized mounts will find these polar scopes useful, particularly if your telescope is not orthogonal to the mount. The unit threads into the base of the polar axis of all past and present models of the 400, 600, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO German Equatorial heads (except the first black 1200 mounts that were produced). The illuminator, with red LED, allows you to see the reticle at night. It can be powered two ways: AA batteries with battery pack (shown in 2nd photo) Cable that plugs directly into mount (shown in 3rd photo), 800 mounts require part #E0187 (RCA phono to 3.5mm adapter) Parts included: Polar alignment scope with two covers, reticle illuminator with short cable, battery pouch with two AA batteries, 27.5" cable to power the reticle from your mount (CABPAS3 or CABPAS4), 0.9mm wrench.

PASILL4

$215.00

in stock

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Cable for Polar Alignment Scope - for PASILL3 or PASILL4 version (CABPAS3 or CABPAS4)

These cables enable you to power the Polar Alignment Scope (PASILL3 or PASILL4 version) directly from the reticle output on your 400, 600, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 or Mach1GTO mount. The 800 mount requires part #E0187 (RCA phono to 3.5mm adapter). This method allows you to control the brightness level with the keypad (GTO mounts) or controller (non-GTO mounts) and it frees you from relying on AA batteries. The cable is included if you purchase PASILL4. Call Astro-Physics to be sure that this cable has the correct polarity for your polar scope's LED. CABPAS3 - Cable for Polar Alignment Scope with reverse polarity LED - for PASILL3 and some PASILL4. Plugs directly into reticle output on mount (part #E0187 required for use with 800 mounts). CABPAS4 - Cable for Polar Alignment Scope - for PASILL3 and some PASILL4. Plugs directly into reticle output on mount (part #E0187 required for use with 800 mounts).

CABPAS3

$20.00

Call

CABPAS4

$20.00

Call

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Cable for Polar Alignment Scope for previous PASILL2 version (CABPAS)

The CABPAS2 cable enables you to power the PASILL2 Polar Alignment Scope (previous version, sold from January 2001 to July 2002) directly from the reticle output on your 400, 600, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 or Mach1GTO mount. The 800 mount requires part #E0187 (RCA phono to 3.5mm adapter). This method allows you to control the brightness level with the keypad (GTO mounts) or controller (non-GTO mounts) and it frees you from relying on batteries. Click here for photos and illustrations that will help you to identify which polar scope you have.

CABPAS

$20.00

in stock

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Polar Alignment Scope Plug (M4037)

This adapter threads into the rear of the right ascension axis to allow use of the Polar Alignment Scope (all models - PASILL, PASILL2, PASILL3 or PASILL4). Some 400 mount models require this part to attach encoders as well as the polar scope. This is one of the most common items to be misplaced and we maintain an extra stock if you have lost yours. Mounts: Most 1200 mount models (except the original black 1200DA models), all 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO). It is also used in some 400 mount models that have been produced.

M4037

$12.00

in stock

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Key Pad Protector (KEYPRO)

The KEYPRO keypad protector (shown with the keypad so that you can see how it fits) is a heavy-duty molded rubber casing with a full 1/4" thickness on all impact surfaces. If you accidentally drop your keypad, the rubber casing will absorb much of the blow. Your display, keypad, electronics and the case itself will be protected from damage. In addition, the rubber prevents the keypad from sliding when placed on a table or other flat surface and the keypad will feel secure in your hands as you observe. The KEYPRO also offers protection during transport and storage. The black case is designed with cutouts for the cable and retractable hanger. The keypad protector is now included with the 900GTO, 1200GTOand Mach1GTO .

KEYPRO

$33.00

in stock

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High Resolution Mounted Encoders, 10K-Step

Our mounted encoders will allow you to use digital setting circles with your Astro-Physics mounts. The 10,000-step encoders are enclosed in machined aluminum housings that were designed to look like an integral part of your mount, rather than an after-market add-on. The encoders read the movements of the shaft directly. One encoder is mounted securely to the declination axis just above the counterweight shaft and the other to the polar axis housing. You can upgrade previous models of our 400, 600E, 800, 900 and 1200 German Equatorial Mounts (see exceptions below). If you have a GTO model mount, you will not need these encoders since the encoders built into your servo motors are much more accurate. However, it is possible to use them, if you wish.

ENC10-400   - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 400 mount ENC10-600  - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 600E mount (cannot be used with some early models, please call before purchasing) ENC10-900    - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 900 mount (cannot be used with 900GTO mounts shipped October 2005 or later, serial numbers 900451 or larger (with the exception of 900501, which can use the encoders)) ENC10-1200  - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 1200 mount (cannot be used with 1200GTO mounts shipped May, 2006 or later, serial numbers 1200572 or larger). ENC10-800    - 10K-Step Encoders for previous 800 model (cannot be used with some early models of the 800 mount, please call before purchasing)

ENC10-400

$320.00

in stock

ENC10-600

$320.00

in stock

ENC10-900

$320.00

in stock

ENC10-1200

$320.00

in stock

ENC10-800

$320.00

in stock

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This page was last modified: May 8, 2008

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL  61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513   Fax: 815-282-9847