Desert Sky Astro Products
Quality Astronomical Accessories
Contact information:
1625 E Villa Theresa Dr, Phoenix AZ 85022
Tel. (602) 550-4331
Email: desertskyastro@cox.net
DSV-M MINI ALT-AZ MOUNT
The DSV-M provides an affordable and highly portable solution for your 60-80mm refractor, 5"- 6" SCT
or 90mm - 127mm Mak. It is designed for use with the LWT-1 Astro Tripod or with most heavy-duty
photo tripods equipped with a center column and a 3/8-16 mounting post. For use on tripods without a
center column, see the extension column accessory below.
The DSV-M outclasses anything currently offered in its price and size range. Check the list of features
below and compare to some others Alt-Az mini mounts. You will see that really there's no comparison.
Body
Made of precision-fitting parts, CNC-machined from solid chunks of 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum. Some
others use welded parts, castings or even pieces of tube with plastic end caps!
Axes
The DSV-M's unique design allows the axes to be coplanar (the axes cross) without interfering with
each other. This results in a more compact mount, better axis alignment and reduces side forces, for
smoother motion. Less sophisticated designs offset the axes. Further, the DSV-M axes are
spring-loaded, allowing for fine axis adjustment and super-smooth motions. No rough spots or
sudden lockdown effect.
Shafts
CNC machined from Stainless Steel for strength and corrosion resistance. Some others use regular
bolts.
Bearings
Each axis on the DSV-M is supported by two precision ball bearings and a large Teflon thrust bearing.
Some others use plain bearings or thrust bearings only!
Dovetail clamp (saddle)
The DSV-M comes standard with a non-marring Vixen-style dovetail clamp. This is a compact design
that maintains the mount's stylish outline. Some other mounts use a bolt type dovetail clamp or even
just a plate with holes to attach your scopes tube rings
Knobs
The DSV-M uses large custom CNC-machined Aluminum knobs, knurled for easy grip even when
wearing gloves. Some others use cheap plastic knobs or charge additional money for metal knobs.
Fasteners
The DSV-M is assembled using Stainless Steel hardware throughout for corrosion resistance and
lasting good appearance. No rust-prone plated steel fasteners used, as is the case with lesser mounts.
Specs
Dimensions: 5-1/2" H x 4-1/4" W x 2-1/2" D.
Net weight: 2.5 lb
Tripod fitting: 3/8-16 (fits most heavy duty photo tripods)
Tough satin black powder coat finish.
Recommended Payload
The DSV-M is recommended for refractors up to 80mm F/7, Schmidt-Cassegrains up to 6",
Maksutov-Cassegrain up to 5" in aperture. This assumes the tripod used can carry the combined
weight of the mount, the telescope(s) and accessories being used.
Price
$180.00 + $12.00 shipping within CONUS.


Extension Column for DSV-M Alt-Azimuth Mount
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This accessory allows using the DSV-M with tripods
not equipped with a center column. It also works
with other brands of mounts and tripods where
extra clearance may be desired.
Specifications
- 2.5" baseplate and 2" diameter column.
- Aluminum & Stainless Steel construction.
- 8" overall height.
- 3/8-16 tripod fitting & mounting bolt thread
- Tough satin black powdercoat finish.
Price
$50.00 + $12.00 shipping