Astro-Physics Rings

Top of rings: Two 10-32 and two M8 holes for GR4400 and GR34FB (guidescope rings), PGBCBR (piggyback camera bracket with flat plate), DOVE08 (8" dovetail plate), DOVE15 (15" dovetail plates), and Losmandy D series plates. The plates are used to attach accessories to the top of the rings.

Bottom of rings: Drilled and tapped for 1/4-20 screws. The hole patterns fit the following mounts: Astro-Physics 400, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO mounts; Carton alt-azimuth; Vixen DX and Super Polaris; and the TeleVue Systems mount.

If you wish to see a detailed version of this diagram, please click here.

Parallax Rings

Parallax Instruments is a great source for a variety of mounting rings for other scopes. Let Joe Nastasi know which mounting plate you plan to use and he will drill the hole pattern you need. If you are planning to use them with our mounting plates, specify the Astro-Physics hole pattern on the top and bottom of the rings. Please order the rings directly from Parallax Instruments.

There is a thumbnail of the hole pattern for our rings listed above. If you wish to see a detailed version of this diagram, please click here.

Keep in mind that you can adjust the position of the weights to counterbalance varying loads. However, the addition of a guidescope, camera and other heavy accessories may necessitate an additional counterweight. If you plan to mount your catadioptric, Newtonian or any other scope, figure that you will need a counterweight total equal to approximately 80% of the weight of your tube assembly and accessories.

Handy measurements:
5 lb. Counterweight - thickness 3/4"
10 lb. Counterweight - thickness 1 3/8"
18 lb. Counterweight - thickness 2 1/2 "
900 Counterweight Shaft (M9404-A) - usable length 12 7/8 "
1200 Counterweight Shaft (M12601-D) - usable length 18 1/2 "
6 lb. Counterweight - thickness 1 1/8"
9 lb. Counterweight - thickness 1 13/16 "
Mach1GTO Counterweight Shaft (M8084-A) - usable length 13 5/8 "

We recommend the following combinations of weights for our refractors:

6 lb. Counterweight (6SLCWT)- For 400, 600E, 800 and Mach1GTO mounts
9 lb. Counterweight (9SLCWT) - For 400, 600E, 800 and Mach1GTO mounts

6SLCWT

$95.00

in stock

9SLCWT

$115.00

in stock

Recommendations for specific telescopes:
105 Traveler EDF Tube Assembly - one 9 lb.
130 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly - one each 6 and 9 lb.
155 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (2.7" focuser) - two 9 lb.

5 lb. Counterweight (5SCWT) - for 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO (with optional shaft)
10 lb. Counterweight (10SCWT) - for 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO (with optional shaft)
18 lb. Counterweight (18SCWT) - for 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO (with optional shaft)

5SCWT

$110.00

in stock

10SCWT

$135.00

in stock

18SCWT

$190.00

in stock

Recommendations for specific telescopes:
155 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (2.7" focuser) - one 18 lb.
155 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (4" focuser)-one 10 and 18 lb.
180 StarFire EDF Tube Assembly (4" focuser) -two 18 lb.

Our polar scope will allow you to quickly align your mount on the pole stars to ensure greater tracking accuracy throughout your observing session. The reticle was designed for use in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

The reticle is marked for epochs 2005 through 2030 and has been improved for users in the southern hemisphere compared to the prior reticle for the last epoch. Even users of the GTO computerized mounts will find these polar scopes useful, particularly if your telescope is not orthogonal to the mount.

The unit threads into the base of the polar axis of all past and present models of the 400, 600, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 and Mach1GTO German Equatorial heads (except the first black 1200 mounts that were produced). The illuminator, with red LED, allows you to see the reticle at night.

We introduced this LED cable in February 2010. It allows you to power your illuminator directly from your mount's control box. No more fiddling with battery packs and intermediary cables!

All current and former Astro-Physics control boxes allow the user to adjust the brightness of the reticle either with a built-in rheostat, keypad firmware or PC software control.

How does the PASILL4L Polar Alignment Scope differ from the PASILL4?

Parts included: Polar alignment scope with two covers, LED cable (CABLED2), 0.9mm hex wrench for reticle alignment.

Optional accessory: AstroElectric Polar Scope Dimmer Controller (AEDIM)

This battery-powered controller unit by AstroElectric powers the illuminator for your Polar Alignment Scope and allows you to adjust the LED brightness. It can be used with the PASILL4L if you don't wish to power your illuminator from the mount's control box.

You can also use it to replace the battery pack that was included with the PASILL4 and PASILL3 (earlier Polar Scope versions). No more hassle trying to determine which polarity cable you need. One of the jacks on the top of the controller has standard polarity; the other has reverse polarity. If your LED doesn't light while plugged into one jack, try the other.

Parts included: Two"AA" batteries. Velcro strips.

This cable is made by Astro-Physics and features an anodized aluminum housing for the LED. The generous 33" of cable length enables you to power the Polar Alignment Scope directly from the reticle output on your mount's control box or with the AstroElectric Polar Scope Dimmer Controller (AEDIM). This cable is included with PASILL4L, the current Polar Alignment Scope, and can be used with earlier versions as described below:

Use with PASILL3, PASILL4:

• To power directly from the mount. Substitute CABLED2 for the original cable and intermediary cables that were provided. You will use only one cable rather than a combination of two cables.
• To power from the original battery pack. CABLED2 can only be used with the battery packs from these polar scopes if the battery pack has normal polarity. Please refer to the Losmandy Polar Scope Polarity Test Instructions to help you determine the polarity of your current cable.
• To power from AstroElectric Polar Scope Dimmer Controller (AEDIM). Use CABLED2 and AEDIM together. Do not use any of the original cables or battery pack.

For use on all 400, 600, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 or Mach1GTO mounts. The 800 mount requires part #E0187 (RCA phono to 3.5mm adapter). RoHS compliant.

Click here for photos and illustrations that will help you to identify which polar scope you have.

The CABPAS3 and CABPAS4 cables look identical, however the CABPAS3 cable is wired to work with a reverse polarity LED cable. It was necessary to make two different versions because the LED cables that the manufacturer provided with our PASILL3 and PASILL4 were not wired in a consistent manner. Some were wired with normal polarity and others were wired with reverse polarity. When the polar scopes were originally shipped to customers, we provided the correct cable to match your LED cable. Please refer to the Losmandy Polar Scope Polarity Test Instructions to help you determine which cable you have. If you need a replacement cable for your PASILL3 or PASILL4 Polar Alignment Scope, there are several options to consider.

If you plan to use the original battery pack that came with your polar scope and your polar scope has reverse polarity: You will need the CABPAS3.

If you plan to use the original battery pack that came with your polar scope and your polar scope has normal polarity: You can use either the CABPAS4 or the new CABLED2.

The 800 mount requires part #E0187 (RCA phono to 3.5mm adapter).

CABPAS3 - Cable for Polar Alignment Scopes with reverse polarity LED - for PASILL3 and some PASILL4. Plugs directly into reticle output on mount (part #E0187 required for use with 800 mounts).

CABPAS4 - Cable for Polar Alignment Scopes with normal polarity - for some PASILL4. Plugs directly into reticle output on mount (part #E0187 required for use with 800 mounts).

Click here for photos and illustrations that will help you to identify which polar scope you have.

The CABPAS2 cable enables you to power the PASILL2 Polar Alignment Scope (previous version, sold from January 2001 to July 2002) directly from the reticle output on your 400, 600, 600E, 800, 900, 1200 or Mach1GTO mount. The 800 mount requires part #E0187 (RCA phono to 3.5mm adapter). This method allows you to control the brightness level with the keypad (GTO mounts) or controller (non-GTO mounts) and it frees you from relying on batteries.

Click here for photos and illustrations that will help you to identify which polar scope you have.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that the adapter will fit all Losmandy polar scopes from prior years.

This adapter threads into the rear of the right ascension axis to allow use of the Polar Alignment Scope (all models - PASILL, PASILL2, PASILL3 or PASILL4/L). Some 400 mount models require this part to attach encoders as well as the polar scope. This is one of the most common items to be misplaced and we maintain an extra stock if you have lost yours.

NOTE: Do not order this part if placing a new mount order (already included when needed).

Mounts: Most 1200 mount models (except the original black 1200DA models), all 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO). It is also used in some 400 mount models that have been produced.

The KEYPRO keypad protector (shown with the keypad so that you can see how it fits) is a heavy-duty molded rubber casing with a full 1/4" thickness on all impact surfaces. If you accidentally drop your keypad, the rubber casing will absorb much of the blow. Your display, keypad, electronics and the case itself will be protected from damage. In addition, the rubber prevents the keypad from sliding when placed on a table or other flat surface and the keypad will feel secure in your hands as you observe. The KEYPRO also offers protection during transport and storage.

The black case is designed with cutouts for the cable and retractable hanger.

The keypad protector is now included with the 900GTO, 1200GTOand Mach1GTO .

ENC10-400   - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 400 mount
ENC10-600  - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 600E mount (cannot be used with some early models, please call before purchasing)
ENC10-900    - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 900 mount (cannot be used with 900GTO mounts shipped October 2005 or later, serial numbers 900451 or larger (with the exception of 900501, which can use the encoders))
ENC10-1200  - 10K-Step Encoders for previous models of 1200 mount (cannot be used with 1200GTO mounts shipped May, 2006 or later, serial numbers 1200572 or larger).
ENC10-800    - 10K-Step Encoders for previous 800 model (cannot be used with some early models of the 800 mount, please call before purchasing)