Vixen SXD2WL Equatorial GoTo mount with Wifi module

Vixen SXD2WL Equatorial GoTo mount with Wifi module

Precision telescope mount Vixen SXD2WL with GoTo and Wifi module for control with a smartphone or tablet - Made in Japan.

SXD2WL equatorial GoTo mount with Wifi module
Easy control via smartphone or tablet
Convenient GoTo panning by tapping on the display
Photographic load capacity of up to 15 kg possible
Only 9.2 kg light and therefore very transportable
Large worm gears with 180 teeth each and 72 mm worms
Free STAR BOOK Wireless app with star map program
Object database with Messier objects, NGC objects, IC objects, sun, moon, planets, comets
Database with up to 259,000 celestial objects depending on map settings
Vixen has developed a new generation of SX mounts for demanding observers and astrophotographers.

The SXD2WL mount is simply operated via a WiFi module with a smartphone or tablet. The free STAR BOOK Wireless app is available for user-friendly control of the mount. This allows you to easily use practical celestial navigation functions such as automatic GoTo panning to specific celestial objects via your smartphone or tablet. Since the power consumption of the conventional LCD screen (STAR BOOK TEN) is eliminated, the power consumption of the mount is reduced by up to 20%. This makes astronomical observations and astrophotography possible over longer periods of time.

If you tap on the desired celestial object from a list, it is automatically panned into the telescope's field of view and tracking begins. An existing STAR BOOK TEN control can also be used on this mount without any problems. Equipped with the same precision stepper motors as the top-of-the-line AXD mount, the SXD2WL brings a new standard of performance and precision to the Vixen mount family.

With a photographic load capacity of 15 kg, the mount's axes weigh just 9.2 kg and are therefore ideal for mobile observations. In addition, the motors located in the lower part of the mount also serve as a counterweight. This means the mount requires less weight to balance.

The SXD2 mount in detail

Precision stepper motors and micro-step motion control system
At the heart of the SXD2 are the precision stepper motors, which offer better performance and response than previous models. The micro-step motion control system scores with powerful yet very quiet drive properties, which are present both in fine movements and in fast panning.

Built-in bearings
The RA and DEC axle bearings and worm shafts have been significantly improved to reduce the load on the engines. This means that the motors move much more smoothly than in previous models.

High precision worm gears
High-precision processing technologies eliminate worm gear errors. The edges of the two worms and worm wheels are particularly smooth and thus enable very precise tracking.

Declination axis as a counterweight
The massive motor units are installed in the lower part of the declination axis, so that the SXD2's center of gravity is below the intersection of the RA and DEC axes. This means you need fewer additional counterweights.

Latitude setting
The latitude is adjustable between 0 and 70 degrees (divided into 3 zones and adjustable +/- 15 degrees per zone, for high, medium and low latitudes); Latitude scale in 2 degree increments; Fine adjustment with a tangent screw head, approximately 0.8 degrees per turn.

Built-in PFL-II polar finder with illumination
The built-in 5x20 mm polar finder with 10° field of view has a 3-star alignment system. This eliminates the hassle of setting the date and time. The illuminated reticle with variable brightness and automatic switch-off is adjustable in 8 levels and illuminated in red. The setting accuracy is 3 arc minutes.

The wireless module in detail

The Vixen Wifi Adapter for EQ Mounts allows you to control your Vixen mount via a smartphone or tablet. This allows you to use the STAR BOOK Wireless smartphone app (free) to carry out celestial navigation without any wiring. The app turns your mobile device into a controller for the equatorial mount in no time. The response delay of the mount, which is considered the biggest disadvantage of wireless connections, has been reduced to a level comparable to wired solutions.

Reduced power consumption compared to conventional controllers with LCD monitors
The mount's power consumption is reduced by up to 20%, enabling longer observations than with conventional wired controls such as the STAR BOOK TEN.

Operation similar to the STAR BOOK TEN control
The STAR BOOK Wireless app has a similar structure, as you already know from the STAR BOOK TEN control. Depending on the star map setting, it contains up to 259,000 celestial objects. Tap a celestial object in the object list and start GoTo. The mount now automatically moves to this target and brings it into the field of view of the telescope. All of the popular features of the STAR BOOK TEN are retained.

Convenient operation
When looking through the telescope, you operate the mount by swiping on the app's star map. Since there are no buttons, you simply slide your finger over the star map and can easily operate the mount.

Extensive astronomical data included
In addition to data from easily observable celestial bodies such as Messier objects, NGC objects, IC objects, this also includes the sun, moon, planets, comets and dwarf planets.

High precision alignment
By aligning it with one or two stars, you can get a fairly precise positioning of the mount. By aligning with three or more stars, high-precision alignment of the mount can be achieved for high magnifications. The objects are then approached exactly and centrally in the field of view of your telescope. The orientation information is saved and can be retained even when the device is turned off. By leaving the telescope in its current state without moving it after completing an observation, you can start the automatic installation with the same settings the next time you observe.

Individual setting options
As with the STAR BOOK TEN control, the app offers various individual settings such as gear backlash compensation, night mode in red, autoguider as well as variable GoTo speed and LED brightness. You can also set the timing of the lens barrel reversal (meridian flip) as desired. Even if the object moves south during tracking, you can prevent the telescope tube from reversing.

Important Information
Cannot be used on old SX mounts with the old blue Star Book

Technical information about the Wifi module
CPU with 32-bit CISC processor 120 MHz
The unit is connected to the mount via a D-SUB 9PIN connector like the STAR BOOK TEN.
It has a 6-pin, 6-wire modular connector for external autoguider operation.
Supported operating systems are Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher, Wi-Fi standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n


CHARACTERISTICS

RA sprocket: 180 teeth
DEC sprocket: 180 teeth
Axle material and diameter: Carbon steel / Dec. 35 mm, RA 40 mm thickness
Polar finder telescope: 6x20 mm, PFL-II polar finder
Height fine adjustment: 0° to 70°, (fine adjustment +/- 15°, height)
Counterweight bar: 20mm diameter
Azimuth adjustment: screw fine adjustment
Power supply: DC12V; 0.4~1.7A
Maximum load: 15 kg, photographic, without counterweight
Counterweight: 1x 1.9 kg and 1x 3.7 kg
Tripod connection: 45mm spigot
Dimensions: 36cm (H) x 12cm (W) x 36cm (L)
Weight: 8.8 kg (19.4 lb), without counterweight
32-bit CISC processor 120 MHz
Operating System: Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher
Connection: D-SUB 9PIN connector
Autoguider input: ST4
Power consumption SXD2WL+Wireless unit: DC12V / 0.3-2.0A (load 10kg), 0.4-2.2A (load 15kg)

SCOPE OF DELIVERY

SXD2WL mount
Wireless unit
2 counterweights: 1.9 kg and 3.7 kg
Assembly tool
Polar finder PFL-II
Cigarette lighter cable
Technical data
ELECTRONICS, HARD & SOFTWARE
Voltage 12V
Smartphone app ✓
WiFi ✓
GENERAL TECHNICAL DATA
Color white
Polar finder telescope as standard; illuminated
Pole height adjustment (°) 0-70
Goto ✓
Worm gear teeth DEC (piece) 180
Worm gear teeth RA (piece) 180
Diameter worm wheel RA 72 mm
Diameter worm wheel DEC 72 mm
Counterweight rod diameter 20 mm
Worm shaft material: brass
Azimuth fine adjustment (°) 70
Type of motors stepper motors
Maximum motor speed (°/s) 1000
PEC correction ✓
Autoguiding ASCOM/INDI drivers
material
aluminum
steel
Mounting type German/equatorial mount with GoTo
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHTS
Net weight (without accessories) 8800 g
Maximum load capacity 15 kg
Counterweight 5.6 kg
​