Built for astrophotographers who want high payload capacity without the bulk of a traditional equatorial mount, the ToupTek SH20 combines precision tracking with portable performance.
The ATLAS Series SH20 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount from ToupTek Astro combines, per axis, a BLDC servo motor, harmonic drive reducer, and 18-bit high-precision encoder to deliver smooth motion, precise positioning, and responsive guiding. With a peak-to-peak periodic error of less than 20", each mount comes with an individual PE test report confirming its tracking performance for long-exposure deep-sky photography.
Designed to balance portability and payload capacity, the SH20 weighs just 5.1 kg (11.2 lb) while supporting up to 20 kg (44 lb) @ 20 cm without counterweights, or 30 kg (66 lb) @ 20 cm with counterweights. Its EQ / Alt-Az dual modes can be switched with a single click without restarting, making it suitable for deep-sky imaging, visual observation, EAA, sky surveys, and Solar System imaging.
The SH20 also features ToupTek´s self-developed control system, supporting PC, Android, and iOS, together with the ASCOM, INDI, and INDIGO ecosystems. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity provide flexible control and seamless integration with popular imaging workflows, including NINA, SharpCap, KStars, MaxIm DL, and StellaVita.
Precision Servo Harmonic Drive
The BLDC servo motor, harmonic reducer (strain wave gear), and 18-bit encoder work together to provide smooth, precise movement with near-zero backlash. Responsive guiding quickly corrects small tracking errors, helping keep stars sharp during long exposures. The SH20 has a peak-to-peak periodic error of less than 20", and each mount includes an individual PE test report to verify its tracking performance.
EQ / Alt-Az Dual Modes
Switch between Equatorial (EQ) and Alt-Azimuth (Alt-Az) modes with a single click, no restart required. EQ mode is ideal for deep-sky astrophotography, while Alt-Az mode suits visual observation, EAA, sky surveys, and Solar System imaging.
Lightweight Design, High Payload Capacity
Weighing just 5.1 kg (11.2 lb), the SH20 supports up to 20 kg (44 lb) @ 20 cm without counterweights and 30 kg (66 lb) @ 20 cm with counterweights. Compatible with both Vixen and Losmandy dovetails, for a wide range of imaging setups.
ToupTek Self-Developed Control System
ToupTek´s self-developed control system supports PC, Android, and iOS, with ASCOM, INDI, and INDIGO compatibility. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB-C provide flexible control via the mobile app, PC, or MHC hand controller, with support for NINA, SharpCap, KStars, MaxIm DL, and StellaVita.
Key AdvantagesPrecise Tracking: 18-bit encoder, <20" PE, and responsive guidingLightweight & High Payload: 5.1 kg (11.2 lb) body with up to 30 kg (66 lb) @ 20 cm payloadDual Operating Modes: One-click EQ / Alt-Az switching without restartingOpen Control Ecosystem: Compatible with major astronomy software and StellaVitaVersatile Applications: Deep-sky imaging, EAA, visual observation, and Solar System imaging