Mounts: 600EGTO

ASTRO-PHYSICS HISTORY
600EGTO German Equatorial Mount (600EGTO)
Includes Go-to Keypad Controller and DigitalSky Voice™ software

The 600EGTO is not available to purchase and we do not have any plans to produce this particular model in the future. A new mount in this size range is in development with planned introduction in 2005. This information is presented for present owners and those who are curious about its history. If you are one of the lucky owners, you may want to consider some of these accessories.

Additional photos to view:

	600EGTO with 130mm f6 StarFire EDFS, 8" Dovetail Plate Adjustable Wood Tripod and other accessories
	600EGTO with 155mm f7 StarFire EDFS, Adjustable Wood Tripod and other accessories

The Astro-Physics 600E German Equatorial mount offers many fine features to provide superb performance in a compact, portable package. It was engineered to provide a firm, steady platform for your high-resolution instrument. Both axes respond to fingertip pressure with no hint of backlash. Built-in clutches can be disengaged for ultra-smooth sweeping or locked for astro-photography.

The 600E is constructed of the highest quality components to provide you with years of observing pleasure. All parts are machined of aluminum and stainless steel. We avoid the use of any carbon steel shafts or plated-steel fasteners because they will deteriorate with time. This mount will not rust or bind up and will retain its appearance and function throughout the years.

Rigid aluminum castings enclose the worm gears and the right-ascension and declination motors. Drive components are protected from dirt and dust, extraneous wires and gearing are eliminated, and the overall appearance is enhanced.

When coupled with the options described separately, the 600E will be your portable observatory for home or dark-sky site. Within minutes, you will be assembled and polar-aligned, ready to enjoy the wonders of the night sky.

Features

Virgin aluminum sand castings, precision hollow cast and machined for light weight and rigidity
Gears and motors are fully enclosed
Gear in declination axis allows full 360 degree continuous rotation; scope can move through zenith for photography
Large thrust bearings form stable thrust surfaces for tremendous rigidity in a small package
Hollow right-ascension and declination shafts maximize strength at minimum weight
Removable stainless steel counterweight shaft for compact storage
Fine altitude and azimuth adjustments for quickly and accurately zeroing in on the pole in the field
Base fits into 6" outside diameter pier with 0.083" wall thickness

Specifications of Equatorial Head

Worm wheel	4" (10.2cm), 192 teeth, fine-pitched bronze wheel
Worm gear	Brass
RA/Dec shaft	2.5" hollow shafts
Counterweight shaft	13.75" useable length, 1.125" diameter stainless steel, removeable
Latitude range	15 to 57 degrees
Azimuth adjustment	Approximately 17 degrees
Setting circles	Porter Slip Ring design, engraved
Right ascension	10 minute increments, 2-minute vernier
Declination	1 degree increments, pointer
Motors	Zero-cogging servo motors
Power consumption	0.3 amps at sidereal rate, 1.2 amps with both motors slewing
Power requirements	12VDC, acceptable range 11.5 to 15
Capacity	Approximately 25 lbs (11.4kg) scope and accessories, depending on length. Will accommodate many refractors up to 6"f7", reflectors to 8", Cassegrains to 10" Some telescopes are very heavy for their size and will require a larger mount.
Weight of equatorial head	29.5 lbs. (13.4 kg) for the head and 4 lbs (1.8 kg) for the counterweight shaft

Servo Motor Drive
The drive system uses a high-quality, zero-cogging DC servo motor controlled by a microprocessor to an accuracy of 0.2 arc seconds per step. Tracking is very smooth, noticeably smoother than any stepper motor drive. The system can be accurately controlled over a speed range of 4800:1 (0.25x sidereal for guiding to 1200x sidereal for 5 degree per second slewing). The circuit draws only 0.3 amps when tracking the stars, 1.2 amps with both motors slewing and requires 12 volts to operate. The servo drive will satisfy the requirements of the sophisticated, advanced astrophotographer, yet is easy for the casual, visual observer to use. Please refer to GTO Control Box and Keypad for Servo Drive.

DigitalSkyVoice™ Software
DigitalSky Voice is a terrific observing companion offering lots of observing ideas and information. If you plan to use an IBM-compatible personal computer to control your telescope, you will have lots of fun with this program. The software is included with the mount. Please refer to DigitalSky Voice Software for additional information.

Dimensions

The diagram shows several dimensions that are commonly requested. In addition, if the scope is horizontal and pointing west or south, the measurement from the top of the pier to the middle of the cradle plate is 11.75." Please note that these dimensions will vary somewhat depending on your latitude. We quote them for 42 degrees because that is the latitude of Astro-Physics and all of our equipment is set up that way. It is also a good average value.

Recommended Accessories

Santa Barbara Instrument Group Auto-guiding and CCD Imaging System
13.8V 5-Amp (PS138V5A) or 15V 10-amp (PS15V10AC) Regulated Power Supply with Cigarette Adapter
Mounting plates: FP1500, DOVE08, DOVE15, and DOVELM2
Adjustable Hardwood Tripod with shelf and carrying case
Stainless Steel Counterweights: 6 lbs., 9 lbs.
Portable Pier – 6" diameter, heights 42", 48" 54" or 62"
Accessory Trays for Tripods and Piers and Control Box Adapter

There are many other accessories to consider. Please refer to these sections for additional recommendations:
Mounting Accessories
Mounting Plates
Electronics - Control Box, Keypad, Controller & Cables

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