DESCRIPTION
The DSV-3 is a premium medium size heavy duty Alt-Az mount, offering a sizeable load capacity in a portable package. For the astronomer looking for a high quality Alt-Az mount capable of high power tracking and capable of handling a variety of eyepieces and accessories, the DSV-3 is loaded with features to provide the user maximum control and comfortable observing - see list of features below (mounts in pictures may be shown with optional upgrades). The DSV-3 can carry 5" triplet/6" doublet refractors, 7" Maksutov-Cassegrain and up to 11" Schmidt-Cassegrain and similarly sized telescopes, when used with a suitable tripod.
Twin dovetail clamps (saddles)
• Enjoy side by side views of the same target through two different telescopes.
• The dovetail clamps in the DSV-3 can be collimated so the 2 scopes point at the same object.
• Standard-sized dovetail clamps make it easy to swap your scope between an EQ mount and the DSV-3.
• Two 4" dual Vixen/Losmandy dovetail clamps are included standard in the DSV-3 price, they can be upgraded to longer Losmandy/CGE-compatible at additional cost.
Geared slow motion controls with adjustable clutches
• High reduction ratio for precise motion control and high power tracking.
• No need to unlock/lock the axes every time you move the mount from one object to another.
• Full circle gears, no need to reset the mechanism.
• Large knurled knobs, easy grasp even when wearing gloves.
• Spring loaded worm mechanism to minimize backslash.
• On-the-fly adjustable clutches to match the slow motion controls to the load on the mount.
Quick Balancing System (QBS)
• Balance heavy accessories such as binoviewers, large EPs, etc.
• Simply slide the balancing weight to compensate for the different EPs in your set.
• QBS can be installed on the right or left side dovetail clamp.
• Easy to see markers are provided to identify the balancing point of the different EPs in your set.
• Tool-less installation & setup - easy to remove for transportation or storage.
Convenience Features
• Altitude brake for easy eyepiece changes.
• Bubble level for easy mount setup.
• Guiding handle included in the price.
• Built-in column provides clearance for long optical tubes.
Top Notch Construction
• Made from CNC-machined 6061 Aluminum and stainless steel parts.
• Massive ball bearings used in both axes for smooth motions and long term reliability.
• Custom Aluminum knobs, knurled for easy grip even when wearing gloves.
• Stainless Steel fasteners used throughout, for lasting good looks and corrosion resistance.
• Designed and made in USA.
Specifications
• Dimensions: 12-1/2" H (16-1/2" with DSC installed) 10-1/2" W (15" with QBS installed) 4" D (5-1/4" with encoders option installed)
• Weight: 12 lb 8 oz (standard head)
• Tripod fitting: your choice of 3/8-16, 1/2-13 or 5/8-11.
• Finish: satin black powder coat (optional gloss white available).
Upgrades Available
• Encoder system for use with user-supplied DSC (it has been tested to work with Sky Commander, Argo Navis and Nexus DSCs)
• Larger Losmandy/CGE compatible saddles.
• White powder coat finish instead of standard black
• Adapters for using flexible slow motion knobs instead of the standard knobs (flexible knobs can be removed for transportation).
• 8" extension column/riser for added clearance and comfort when observing with long telescopes
• Digital tracking/GOTO system (see description below)
The DSV-3 can be ordered with a digital tracking/GOTO system. It uses the proven Sidereal Technologies (SiTech) Dual Servo Telescope Control 1 (DSTC-1) computer. The DSTC-1 is a compact, lightweight telescope control computer that uses the mount encoders as well as servo motors with encoders to accurately track celestial objects. It can be combined with Digital Setting Circles (DSC) computers, such as the Sky Commander, Argo Navis or the Nexus DSC to provide digital object finding and GOTO capability. Once aligned, you simply push-to (like you would with a manual Alt-Az mount), slew using the hand pad, or GOTO (if using with a DSC) to the object you want to observe, and the system automatically tracks the object. System includes DSTC-1 computer, wired hand pad, mount encoders, servomotors, gearboxes, cables and bracket to hold choice of user-supplied DSC.
Pricing
• Mount head with standard saddles: $945.00 + shipping cost (shipping cost to be quoted at time or ordering based on location)
• Encoder system (10K steps) for user-supplied DSC (includes encoder to DSC cable and DSC bracket): add $320.00
• SiTech DSTC-1 tracking/GOTO system: add $1600.00
• Larger Losmandy/CGE-compatible saddles upgrade: add $50.00 per side.
• Flexible slow motion knobs adapters: add $30.00
• White powder coat finish upgrade: add $50.00
• 8" extension column/riser: add $120.00
