Jump to content

Narrowband

Vixen Sphinx mount, any good?


JonC

Recommended Posts

There is a Vixen Sphinx on astro buy+sell for £300 that's reasonably near to me.

Vixen Sphinx mount
Starbook controller
HAL 130 tripod

I am looking for a mount to carry a SW 130pds, and probably controlling it via stellarium (ASCOM drivers available). I have been watching various used HEQ5s on ebay, but looks like they go for another £150 ish. Just wondered if people think this is best avoided?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Sphinx is a pretty sturdy mount AFAIK. It is a more modern and heavier version of my trusty Great Polaris, which carries the C8 with ease. It has an ST4 port so there should be options to control it. Not sure what software would support it, however. Not sure about the HAL130 tripod (I have a wooden tripod).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This might seem like a dim question, are vixen mounts compatible with celestron/skywatcher tripods? I noticed that the steel celestron heq5 style tripods come up for sale sometimes, and should add some rigidity.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Jon, I have the Sphinx with Hal tripod and it is an excellent visual mount. It carries my grab and go TV-76 with ease. I can't recall the size of the thread for the tripod but it may be m8 and fits inside my tele optic giro also (Whatever that is). I have the pier extension which I find essential for a refractor and also the table top tripod which is great for setting up on benches at family get togethers. You will need some ruby lith plastic to cover the overly bright screen to protect your night vision, I got mine from widescreen I think.

Hope this helps

Dannae

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This site has useful info for the Sphinx and Starbook controller

http://enzerink.net/peter/blog/2008/06/24/vixen-star-book-faq

Confession time? This is my old mount. It was bought new from Orion Optics along with my OMC200 (8" Mak) which it coped with perfectly ok although I only ever did visual. I'm sure it would be fine with the 130.

It's a very well

engineered piece of kit and the Hal tripod is pretty solid.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.