Astro-Physics
1200 Mount Options, Upgrades and Spare Parts

Since the introduction of the 1200 German Equatorial in 1992, we have offered successive generations with improvements in both the mechanical construction and drive system. Since our design and production staff includes experienced CCD imagers, we are continually pushing the mounts to the limits of performance. Equally important, our customers have offered valuable feedback and suggestions throughout the years.

We are pleased to offer a variety of upgrades and spare parts so that you can obtain maximum performance from the 1200 mount that you own. Some of these upgrades are available for all 1200s and some are appropriate to particular models, but not others. Please check the product descriptions carefully to determine if a particular upgrade or component can be used with your mount. If you are confused by the DA, QMD, SMD and GTO designations of the 1200 mounts, please refer to a brief history of all 1200 models. If you require a spare part not listed below, please do not hesitate to call.
1200 Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter with Azimuth Bearing (1200RPA)
The new pier adapter rotates on a bearing surface for ultra-smooth operation. This allows you to lock the mount down with no need to loosen the base during azimuth adjustment. This option is especially recommended for use in the field. You may wish to purchase two or more of these assemblies to install on separate piers. Perhaps you have a permanent observatory and a portable pier for traveling to dark sky sites. The Standard 1200 Pier Adapter (1200SPA) is another option to consider. More information and Instructions (PDF)

The Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter includes two machined plates, four machined aluminum lock knobs with 5/16 x 1.5"OD flat washers, azimuth adjuster block, six 5/16-18 x 5/8" socket buttonhead screws and 5/16 x 9/16"OD x 0.060" flat washers. All machined parts are black anodized and the fasteners are stainless steel. This adapter will mount directly into an Astro-Physics Portable Pier. The Precision Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter can also be used in conjunction with the 1200 Flat Surface Adapter (1200FSA) for installation with your own custom pier or with the 1200 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge (1200WDG).

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: The Azimuth Adjuster Block on this adapter is designed to be used with the Heavy Duty Azimuth Adjuster and does not need to be upgraded.

1200RPA$295.00 in stockAdd 1200RPA To My Cart

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1200 Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA)

The standard 1200 Pier Adapter was included with every mount shipped prior to 2003. Many people purchased an extra one to use on a second pier.

Beginning in 2004, we offer two choices for the pier adapter - the original standard version or the new Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter with Azimuth Bearing (1200RPA) as shown above.

The Standard Pier Adapter includes the machined flat plate, four machined aluminum lock knobs with 5/16 x 1.5"OD flat washers, azimuth adjuster block, six 5/16-18 x 5/8" socket buttonhead screws and 5/16 x 9/16"OD x 0.060" flat washers. All machined parts are black anodized and the fasteners are stainless steel.

The adapter plate fits into your Astro-Physics Portable Pier and is bolted from the side or bolts on top of a flat surface. In late 2007, four additional holes were tapped into this plate to allow the 900 Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA) or the 900 Flat Surface Adapter (900FSA) to be used on a 10" pier.

Please refer to this illustration for important dimensions.
1200 Mount Base (Pier Adapter) Dimensions

Mounts: Can be used with all previous mounts - DA, QMD, SMD and GTO versions.
Note: The Azimuth Adjuster Block on this adapter is designed to be used with the Heavy Duty Azimuth Adjuster and does not need to be upgraded.

1200SPA$180.00 in stockAdd 1200SPA To My Cart

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1200 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge (1200WDG) and Wedge Assembly (1200WDGA) for 0-22 or 69-90 Degrees Latitude.

 

If your latitude is below 22 or above 69 degrees (21.5 and 68 degrees respectively for older mounts), one of these wedges will allow you to place your 1200 mount in the proper position for polar alignment. Many of you will use the wedge in place of the Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA) or Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (1200RPA) shown above. The 1200 Wedge Assembly (1200WDGA) comes complete with the azimuth adjustor block, the center pivot screw and the four locking knobs with their hardened washers. Those of you who already have a Standard Pier Adapter, or who wish to use the wedge with the 1200 Rotating Pier Adapter (see below) can order the 1200 Wedge by itself (1200WDG). If using in place of your Standard Pier Adapter, simply transfer the azimuth adjustor block, the center pivot screw and the four locking knobs supplied with your original adapter to this wedge and bolt it onto your pier. Both of the wedge pier adapter configurations also include six 5/16-18 x 5/8 socket button head screws and six 5/16 x 9/16"OD x 0.060" flat washers, which enable you to attach the wedge to your Astro-Physics pier. Please note that this adapter must fit inside another part and be bolted from the side. It cannot be bolted directly onto a flat surface. If you wish to attach to a flat surface, use our 1200 Flat Surface Adapter (1200FSA).

The 1200 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge can be set up for either tropical (0-22 deg.) or polar (69-90 deg.) latitudes. Simply locate the Azimuth Adjuster Block either on the low side (tropical 0-22 deg.) or on the high side (polar 69-90 deg.) in the drilled and tapped holes provided. Tapped holes to reposition the north and south locking knobs for the high latitude configuration are also provided. The low latitude arrangement is shown in the images at left and is how the wedge is shipped.

The 1200 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge can also be used with the 1200 Precision Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (1200RPA) to make polar alignment easier for mounts used in the field. The Wedge has been drilled and tapped to accept the 1200 Flat Surface Adapter (1200FSA). Attach the Flat Surface Adapter to the top of the Wedge with four 1/4 - 20 x 3/4" socket head cap screws (not included). If you have the 1200 Wedge Assembly, just remove the four Locking Knobs and the Azimuth Adjuster Block and leave the center pivot screw in place so it won't get lost! Then install the Precision Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter into the Flat Surface Adapter.

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced. Note that the latitude range of earlier mounts is slightly different from the current 1200GTO mounts due to different polar fork styles. This wedge will work with ALL versions.

1200WDG$315.00 in stockAdd 1200WDG To My Cart
1200WDGA$395.00 in stockAdd 1200WDGA To My Cart

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1200 Flat Surface Adapter (1200FSA)

 

 

 

Use this Flat Surface Adapter to attach the Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (1200RPA) to a flat plate on your custom made pier or tripod or to the top of your 1200 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge (1200WDG) . You can also use it with the Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA) to give a more finished appearance.

The 1200 Flat Surface Adapter is precision machined aluminum. It has been polished smooth and then anodized black.

The Flat Surface Adapter bolts onto the flat plate on top of your pier or tripod. Matching holes (1/4-20) are also provided on the top plate of the 1200 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge. Then the Pier Adapter simply slips in (just as it fits into our pier) and you fasten from the side with the six screws and washers provided with the Pier Adapter.

The bolt circle for attaching the 1200 Flat Surface Adapter to your pier is 9.230” in diameter. The holes in your flat mounting surface must form a square with sides running east - west and north - south as opposed to a diamond (45° rotation) with diagonals running east - west and north - south. The holes for mounting the 1200FSA to your flat surface are counter-bored to accept the head of a standard ¼” socket head cap screw (13/32” or 0.406” diameter).   This allows the Pier Adapter to sit perfectly in the Flat Surface Adapter. Because installations will vary, we do not provide the four screws for mounting the Flat Surface Adapter to your pier or tripod. Your pier's top plate should be a minimum of 9.75" in diameter. The 1200 Flat Surface Adapter itself is 10.375" in diameter.

1200FSA$140.00 in stockAdd 1200FSA To My Cart

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Pier Adapter Knob Kit for 1200 Mounts (12KBKIT)

This kit contains four machined and black anodized Pier Adapter Knobs and 5/16 " ID x 1.5" OD flat washers. If you do not purchase one of our pier adapters shown above, for instance, if you purchase the Monolith Pier from Particle Wave Technologies, you will need these knobs to attach your 1200 mount to the Monolith.

The kit can also be purchased as spares if you lose or damage the knobs that came with your Standard Pier Adapter (1200SPA) Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge Assembly (1200WDGA) or Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (1200RPA). Please note, a complete set is included with your pier adapter when you purchase it.

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
12KBKIT$54.00 in stockAdd 12KBKIT To My Cart

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Heavy-Duty Azimuth Adjuster Upgrade Kit for 1200 Mounts (12AZKIT)

This one-piece assembly makes azimuth adjustment easier and more accurate for precise polar alignment in your observatory or in the field. The heavy-duty construction and integrated one-piece design results in smooth control of the azimuth axis. Large left and right adjuster knobs are graduated for precise control of azimuth position angle. The small graduations are 1.3 arc minutes per graduation; long graduations are 6.5 arc minutes per graduation. The size of the knobs makes them easy to turn with very little torque required, even with the mount fully loaded.

The kit includes a set of hardened washers for the four lock-down knobs. With these washers, the lock-down knobs can hold the mount down tight, while still allowing the axis to be easily adjusted with your fingers. This will eliminate minor shifts in the axis when you are tweaking your azimuth adjustment.

The adjuster block installs easily on your base plate using the existing hole pattern and screws. Simply remove the two existing adjuster blocks and replace them with the new unit. Place the four washers beneath the lock-down knobs. The washers have a sharp edged side and a rounded edge side. Place them with the sharp edge of the washers facing up toward the knob, rounded edge down onto the painted surface of the base plate. Complete instructions and tips for adjusting both the azimuth and altitude axes are included in the package. Installation takes only a few minutes, but will result in significantly easier setup the next time you are out under the stars.

Includes: Our part# S1200AZA-A and four washers.

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This Heavy Duty Azimuth Adjuster Upgrade is now included on all new 1200GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 1200GTO purchase.
You may wish to consider purchasing a taller Azimuth Adjuster Block (M12020-A) for your older 1200 Standard Pier Adapter since this unit sits higher than the original azimuth adjusters.

12AZKIT$158.00 in stockAdd 12AZKIT To My Cart

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1.2" Azimuth Adjuster Block (M12020-A)

If you purchase the Azimuth Adjuster Assembly (12AZKIT), you may wish to consider upgrading to the new taller Azimuth Adjuster Block, as well. Although the original 1.1" block will work effectively with the new adjuster assembly, this new 1.2" version provides a better connection for the opposing screws and looks proportionate. This is a suggested, but not essential upgrade.

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced. Note: This 1.2" Azimuth Adjuster Block Upgrade is now included on all new 1200 Standard Pier Adapters (1200SPA) and does not need to be added to a new 1200SPA purchase.

M12020-A$15.00 in stockAdd M12020-A To My Cart

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1200 Polar Fork Assembly (S1200PF-B)

The height was increased by 3/4" (19mm) to allow more room for your hand when tightening the rear knob or adjusting the altitude. We also eliminated the sharp corner to prevent the possibility of the cords catching. It looks a bit spiffier as well. For future reference, here are photos of the previous polar fork assemblies and the new version.

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This Tall Polar Fork Assembly Upgrade is now included on all new 1200GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 1200GTO purchase.

Instructions: Upgrade Replacement of 1200GTO Polar Forks S1200PF-B (PDF file). These instructions show the 1200GTO, however are applicable to all models.

S1200PF-B$220.00 in stockAdd S1200PF-B To My Cart

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1200 Altitude Adjuster Assembly (12ALKIT)

Individuals who own the very earliest 1200 mounts may want to consider upgrading to this more substantial altitude assembly. For your reference, we provide photos of the previous altitude adjuster assembly and the new version. You may also consider purchasing just the Altitude Adjustor Brace (12ALBKIT) described below.

Includes: Our part# S1200AA-A and four 1/4-20 x 3/4" socket head cap screws. Installation Instructions

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This Heavy Duty Altitude Adjuster Upgrade is now included on all new 1200GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 1200GTO purchase.

12ALKIT$110.00 in stockAdd 12ALKIT To My Cart

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1200 Altitude Adjuster Brace (12ALBKIT)

If you do not wish to replace the entire Altitude Adjuster Assembly (S1200AA-A) above, you may wish to consider purchasing the brace and installing the other original parts yourself. For your reference, we provide photos of the previous altitude adjuster rod and the current version.

Includes: Our part# M12050-A and four 1/4-20 x 3/4" socket head cap screws. Installation Instructions

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This Heavy Duty Altitude Adjuster Brace Upgrade is now included on all new 1200GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 1200GTO purchase.

12ALBKIT$58.00 in stockAdd 12ALBKIT To My Cart

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1200 RA Motor Bracket Kit with Spring-Loaded Action (12SLBR)

Redesigned RA Motor Bracket with built-in spring-loaded action that will place the worm gear into mesh with adequate force to allow proper tracking, but not too much force to cause binding.

Includes: Our part# M12270-B, two F0009 shoulder bolts and Instructions.

Mounts: All GTO and SMD 1200 mount models that have been produced.
Note: This RA Motor Bracket Upgrade is now included on all new 1200GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 1200GTO purchase.

12SLBR$65.00 in stockAdd 12SLBR To My Cart

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1200 Declination Motor Bracket Kit with Spring-Loaded Action (12SLBD)

Redesigned Declination Motor Bracket with built-in spring-loaded action that will place the worm gear into mesh with adequate force to allow proper tracking, but not too much force to cause binding.

Includes: Our part# M12560-B, two M12673 modified shoulder bolts and instructions.

Mounts that can be upgraded: All GTO and SMD 1200 mount models that have been produced.
Note: This Declination Motor Bracket Upgrade is now included on all new 1200GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 1200GTO purchase.

12SLBD$45.00 in stockAdd 12SLBD To My Cart

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1200 Modified Clutch Set Screws (M12668), recommend two

If you operate your mount remotely and are concerned about cables snagging on the RA clutch knobs, you may wish to remove them and substitute our modified set screws. Please do not attempt to install standard set screws, since they must be a particular length and profile to work properly. If you install the modified screws, you will have to use the 5/32" allen-head wrench from the set included with your mount to loosen and tighten them. Please tighten evenly with respect to the opposing clutch knob and do not over tighten. These set screws are only necessary for the side of the mount that has the cable. The normal clutch knobs will remain on the other side. Please note that each mount requires only 2 modified clutch set screws.

You can see a photo of this screw in place in the lower right-hand photograph under the DOVEKBREP product description.

Mounts: All 1200 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This is an optional item and is not included with new 1200GTO purchases.

M12668$4.00 in stockAdd M12668 To My Cart

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Replacement Assembly for 900/1200 Dovetail Knob (DOVEKBREP)

To reduce the possibility of a cable snag while operating your mount remotely, you may wish to remove one of the dovetail knobs that secure the Dec axis to the R.A. axis, and substitute it with our replacement assembly.  The assembly would only be needed for the side of the mount that has the cable.  The standard dovetail knob will remain on the other side.  You will only need to purchase one per mount.

Use the 3/16” allen-head wrench included with your mount to install and adjust tightness. Tighten to approximately the same tension as the corresponding knob on the other side.

WARNING: Do not over-tighten the knob replacement assembly!

 

Note that a small portion of the assembly will protrude from the side of the mount. This is normal and should not interfere with the mount cable during remote operation.

Please refer to the image at the right.

DOVEKBREP$15.00 in stockAdd DOVEKBREP To My Cart

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1200GTO Name Plate (M12611E12G)

Engraving on the name plate has been changed to "Astro-Physics 1200GTO Servo Drive". The original SMD (servo motor drive, but not go-to) and GTO (servo motor drive with goto) versions of the mount shared the same name plate "Astro-Physics 1200 Servo Drive". Note that the GTO designation was not there. We decided to more clearly identify the mount and offer the new name plates to prior GTO owners, as well. You will need two name plates, one for either side of the Dec. axis. Please note that they are priced each.

Mounts: 1200GTO only. We will request the serial number of your mount when you order to ensure that this is the proper name plate for your mount.

M12611E12G$30.00 in stockAdd M12611E12G To My Cart

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1200GTO Quick Release Control Box Adapter Kit (12CBKIT)

If you are upgrading your 1200GTO from the GTOCP1 Control Box, you will need this adapter kit. It features a dovetail attachment so that the GTOCP3 control box can be easily removed. Simply loosen the two thumbscrews and lift the control box from its position. We also provide two set screws if you prefer to use them.

Includes: Our part# M12622-A, two 8-32 x 1/4" socket set screws, two 8-32 x 3/8" thumbscrews (to use in place of the set screws, if desired) and two 10-32 x 3/8" socket buttonhead screws.

Mounts: 1200GTO only. We will request the serial number of your mount when you order to ensure that this adapter can be used with your mount.

12CBKIT$60.00 in stockAdd 12CBKIT To My Cart

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R.A. Sight Hole Cover - for 1200/400 mounts and 900 mounts shipped prior to Oct. 2005 (M12666)
This sight hole cover threads onto the back end of the Right Ascension axis of the following mounts:
  • all 400 mounts
  • all 1200 mounts, except the original black, metric mount
  • all 900 mounts shipped prior to October 2005

One of these aluminum covers is included with all new mount purchases, but now they are available separately for anyone who needs one.
The rear of the 900GTO R.A. axis was redesigned in October 2005 to be slightly larger than the 1200s, 400s and earlier versions of 900s. This change resulted in the need for a larger diameter cover.
If you are uncertain when your 900GTO shipped, please use the photos (right) as a reference for where to measure on your mount to determine the correct cover size. We used a 1200GTO since it was readily available; however, the measurement points are identical on older 900 mounts.

M12666$40.00 Call Contact Astro-Physics about M12666
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This page was last modified: August 4, 2010

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Machesney Park, IL  61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513   Fax: 815-282-9847