Vixen Advanced Polaris (AP) Modular EQ Mount

[FLO]

This new Vixen Advanced Polaris modular EQ mount is the replacement for the venerable Vixen GP2. 

Designed initially for the Japanese home market, where most astronomers must travel to a dark sky location, the mount has a modular design so can be easily carried in a bag or rucksack then assembled for use in a number of ways such as alt-az for visual use or with motors and a controller for astrophotography.  

The fit, finish and attention to detail is very nice indeed, typically japanese, and the compact modular design is intriguing. Particularly so because where Vixen (surely the most copied telescope and mount manufacturer) go others often follow. This new mount might be an indicator of things to come. 

The Vixen is not yet readily available and we are still gathering information. The Vixen Japan website (not English-speaking) includes details of the mount's modular design and a video and we will update this thread with details when we receive them. 

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Very interesting. I am looking for something like this for travel purposes. If it is lightweight (like some iOptron options I am considering), it would certainly be a candidate

[FLO]

We are thinking it would make a rather nice portable imaging setup with motors, controller and a Borg telescope, though perhaps we are getting a little ahead of ourselves 

[DaveS]

I saw this at Astrofest and was very interested. I particularly liked the way the cover came off so batteries could go inside. Attention to detail.