Vixen ED81S Refractor Telescope with SXW Sphinx Mount

The ED81S with the Sphinx mount combines both our highest quality short focal length telescope with our highest quality GOTO mount. You will not be disappointed with the operation or image quality from this package. As a first purchase you will easily begin observing hundreds of celestial objects. For the astro-photographer the ED81S and Sphinx mount makes a great combination. With the mount's ability to use an auto guider and connect with other software on your computer, you will be well on your way to taking some great images.

The SPHINX equatorial mount and STARBOOK controller have been intelligently engineered for high-speed automatic location of celestial objects. It is now possible to explore the beauty of the night sky with greater ease and stability. The SPHINX comes standard with built in motors and the world's first star chart go-to controller, STARBOOK, with a large full color LCD display. The Sphinx’s design is exceptional and the exterior styling is equally attractive.

Main features of the SPHINX equatorial mount: 180-tooth worm gears for fine full circle motion. 22lbs. recommended loading capacity for a wide range of optical tubes. Built in DC motors allow for improved motion of the polar axis rotation and reduce the need for heavy counterweights.

A retractable counterweight shaft enables easy storage and transportation. The mount is available on an improved SX-HAL130 heavy duty aluminum tripod. An optional illuminated polar axis scope can be easily added to the mount body.

Main features of the STAR BOOK controller: Large color liquid crystal display. (4.7 inch, 320x420 pixels, STN, 4096 colors) High Speed Internal CPU (32 bit RISC processor, 75MHz, 8MB SDRAM, 4MB Flash ROM upgradeable) Zoom-In/Out buttons for the color star chart display also control the motor speed. As you zoom in closer to an object on the display, the motor speed becomes finer and as you zoom out, the motor speed increases to cover larger distances.

Features and menu options are displayed on the large color screen and are navigated with simple buttons on the controller. The STARBOOK is easy to use and makes the SPHINX available to a wide range of ages and experience levels. A large astronomical database with 22,725 celestial objects is stored. A LAN Port within the controller allows for computer control and network connectivity. The STARBOOK is also compatible with an auto guider (including SBIG ST). The auto-guider port comes standard on all controllers.

Sphinx SX Mount Features:

• The mount uses a 180-tooth worm gear for fine full circle motion.
• Built in motors allow for improved motion of the polar axis rotation and reduces the need for heavy counterweights. The counterweight shaft is stored inside the mount for convenience.
• An optional internally illuminated polar axis scope can be easily threaded into the mount body.
• The SX mount easily handles Vixen’s 8 inch aperture optical tubes and utilizes the standard Vixen dovetail bracket.
• The recommended loading capacity of the SPHINX mount is 22 lbs.
• The weight of the SPHINX mount head (without counterweight) is 15lbs.
• A Half Pillar accessory option adds height adjustment and viewing location versatility.

Star Book Hand Controller Features:

• Large color liquid crystal display. (4.7 inch, 320x420 pixels, STN, 4096 colors)
• High Speed Internal CPU ( 32 bit RISC processor, 75MHz, 8MB SDRAM, 4MB Flash ROM upgradeable)
• Zoom-In/Out buttons for the color star chart display also control the motor speed.
• Features and menu options are displayed on the large color screen
• The STAR BOOK is amazingly easy to use & makes the SPHINX available to a wide range of ages and experience levels.
• A large astronomical database with 22,725 celestial objects is stored.
• A LAN Port within the controller allows for computer control and network connectivity.
• The STAR BOOK controller can be used as a stand alone star atlas from anywhere, anytime.