Astro-Physics
900 Mount Upgrades and Spare Parts

Since the introduction of the 900 German Equatorial in late 1994, 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 900 mount that you own. Some of these upgrades are available for all 900s 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 HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO designations of the 900 mounts, please refer to a brief history of all 900 models. If you require a spare part not listed below, please do not hesitate to call.
900 Declination Axis Upgrade (900DU)

For all previous model 900 mounts, we can upgrade the bearing system in the Dec axis to the present standard. This will allow full tracking and guiding with excellent precision in all mount orientations including upside down operation well past the zenith. In addition, we will add a spring-loaded bracket, modify the worm bearing support for more precise worm reversals and check out all guiding functions with our test equipment. List of things we will install:

  • Add new thrust bearing to the Dec worm wheel
  • Add preload system to shaft bearings
  • Add spring-loaded motor box bracket
  • Modify the worm bearing support and adjust preload
  • Set all preloads to factory specifications
  • Re-grease worm wheel and motor reduction gears
  • Test the fully assembled Dec. axis for precise reversal motion

Should I upgrade my mount?: It is only when you are trying to control the mount to arc second position accuracies in declination that it becomes important to have this axis modified to the latest configuration. If you don't fit this profile, the upgrade is not necessary.

Mounts: All 900 mounts with serial number 900450 and earlier numbers, as well as 900501. Mount models include 900HDA, 900QMD, 900SMD and 900GTO models.

This upgrade is very time-consuming, so several mounts must be done at one time in order to be cost effective. Since we are providing this upgrade with no profit, we ask that you arrange to send your mount in according to our upgrade schedule. If you require that your mount be upgraded at a different time, there will be a surcharge.

Procedure for upgrade:

  • Find the serial number of your mount. It is stamped on a metal plate that may be located on the inside of the polar forks or in one of the honeycomb cutouts where the RA and Dec axes connect (you have to take the mount apart).
  • Call Astro-Physics to determine the next available date and obtain a Return Authorization number. You can book ahead into a future month on the schedule, if you wish.
  • Send the dec axis to arrive between the dates specified below. We will begin the repair right after these dates, so it is important that all parts be here on time. If your dec axis is late, there may be a surcharge (to cover additional setup costs) or it may have to wait for another time. Be sure that you pack it well. We suggest that you wrap it in a thick layer of bubble wrap, particularly around the motor box area and put it in a box with packing material. Then, put that box in another larger box, again with packing material between the boxes. That will assure safe transport.
  • Assuming that the process goes smoothly, we should be able to ship it in a week to 10 days (allow additional time for shipping). Please note that shipping and insurance charges are additional. We normally ship ground, so please let us know if you want it shipped by a faster service.

Upgrade Schedule.
The Dec axis MUST arrive between these dates so that we can update your mount during the full moon time, for your convenience. Please read the procedure above.

March 19-24, 2010
Additional dates to be announced.

 

900DU$550.00 Call Contact Astro-Physics about 900DU

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900 Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter with Azimuth Bearing (900RPA)
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. The top plate of the adapter rotates through the 900GTO mount’s full 15 degrees of azimuth motion. (It does not rotate through a full 360 degrees!) 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 900 Pier Adapter (900SPA) 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 1/4 ID x 1"OD flat washers, 1.9" 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.

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
900RPA$270.00 OctoberAdd 900RPA To My Cart

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900 Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA)

The Mount Base/Pier Adapter was included with every prior 900 mount, however many people have purchased an extra one to use on a second pier.

The Standard Pier Adapter includes the machined flat plate, four machined aluminum lock knobs with 1/4" ID x 1" 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 will either fit into your Astro-Physics pier and is bolted from the side or bolts on top of a flat surface. In mid-July 2008, we began shipping a redesigned version of this plate. Three additional holes were tapped into the top to allow our Tripod Adapter Plate (ADATRI) to be used on an 8" pier.

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

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
900SPA$160.00 Call Contact Astro-Physics about 900SPA

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900 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge (900WDG) and Wedge Assembly (900WDGA) for 0-20 or 68-88 Latitude

900WDGA

 

900WDG

If your latitude is below 20 or above 68 degrees, one of these wedges will allow you to place your 900 mount in the proper position for polar alignment. You will use the wedge in place of the Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA) or Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (900RPA) shown above. The 900 Wedge Assembly (900WDGA) 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 can order the 900 Wedge by itself (900WDG). Just 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 include six 5/16-18 x 5/8 socket buttonhead screws and six 5/16 x 9/16"OD x 0.060" flat washers, which enable you to attach the pier adapter 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. For custom installations onto a flat surface, use our 900 Flat Surface Adapter (900FSA).

The 900 Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge can be set up for either tropical (0-20 deg.)or polar (68-88 deg.) latitudes. Simply remove the 6 screws that attach the flat plate, rotate the plate so the Azimuth Adjuster Block will either be on the low side (tropical 0-20 deg.) or on the high side (polar 68-88 deg.) and re-assemble.

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.

900WDG$210.00 in stockAdd 900WDG To My Cart
900WDGA$295.00 in stockAdd 900WDGA To My Cart

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900 Flat Surface Adapter (900FSA)

 




 

 

Use this Flat Surface Adapter to attach either the Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (900RPA) or the Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge (900WDG) to a flat plate on your custom made pier or tripod. You can also use it with the Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA) to give a more finished appearance.

The 900 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, then the Pier Adapter or Hi-Lo Latitude Wedge 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 900 Flat Surface Adapter to your pier is 7.230” in diameter. This is the same size bolt circle as is found on our Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA), so if you are replacing a Standard Pier Adapter with a Rotating Adapter or Wedge, you can use the same holes. 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 900FSA 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 7.75" in diameter. The 900 Flat Surface Adapter itself is 8.375" in diameter

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced. Note: although the older 800 mounts had the same diameter base as the 900 series, their bases are too thick for this adapter. DO NOT purchase this adapter for an 800 mount!
900FSA$130.00 in stockAdd 900FSA To My Cart

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Pier Adapter Knob Kit for 900

9KBKIT Knobs with Washers

 This kit contains four machined and black anodized Pier Adapter Knobs and 1/4" ID x 1" 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 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 (900SPA) or Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (900RPA). Please note, a complete set is included with your pier adapter when you purchase it.

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
9KBKIT$50.00 in stockAdd 9KBKIT To My Cart

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Heavy-Duty Azimuth Adjuster Upgrade Kit for 900 Mounts (9AZKIT)
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# S900AZA and four 1/4" ID x 1" OD washers.

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced. You may wish to consider purchasing a taller Azimuth Adjuster Block (M12020-A), if you use an older Standard Pier Adapter, since this unit sits higher than the original azimuth adjusters. New Standard Pier Adapters come with this taller block. The Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter already comes with the appropriate Azimuth Adjuster Block.
9AZKIT$158.00 in stockAdd 9AZKIT To My Cart

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1.2" Azimuth Adjuster Block (M12020-A)
If you purchase the Azimuth Adjuster Assembly (S1200AA-A) and use the Standard Pier Adapter, 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" provides a better connection for the opposing screws and looks proportionate. This is a suggested, but not essential upgrade. This block is not needed if you use the Precision-Adjust Rotating Pier Adapter (900RPA) or if you are ordering a new Standard Pier Adapter (900SPA).

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA,QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
M12020-A$15.00 in stockAdd M12020-A To My Cart
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900 Polar Fork Assembly (S900PF-A)

The height was increased 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.

Note: This Tall Polar Fork Assembly Upgrade is now included on all new 900GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 900GTO purchase.

Mounts: All 900 mount models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced. Plese note: HDA and QMD mounts require removal of the RA motor/gearbox to change out the polar fork.

S900PF-A$200.00 in stockAdd S900PF-A To My Cart
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900 Altitude Adjuster Assembly (9ALKIT)

Individuals who own the very earliest 900 mounts may want to consider upgrading to this more substantial altitude assembly. You may also consider purchasing just the Altitude Adjustor Brace (9ALBKIT) described below if you want to reuse the original Altitude Knob, Threaded Rod and other components, which are common to both designs. Installation instructions.

Includes: Our part # S900AA-A, four 1/4-20 x 5/8" flathead socket cap screws.

Mounts: All 900 mounts (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This Heavy Duty Altitude Adjuster Upgrade is now included on all new 900GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 900GTO purchase.

9ALKIT$105.00 in stockAdd 9ALKIT To My Cart
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900 Altitude Adjuster Brace (9ALBKIT)

If you do not wish to replace the entire Altitude Adjuster Assembly with 9ALKIT above, you may wish to consider purchasing just the brace and installing the other original parts yourself. Installation instructions.

Includes: Our part # M9060-A and four 1/4-20 x 5/8" flathead socket cap screws.

Mounts: All 900 models (HDA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This Heavy Duty Altitude Adjuster Brace Upgrade is now included on all new 900GTO Mounts and does not need to be added to a new 900GTO purchase.

9ALBKIT$55.00 in stockAdd 9ALBKIT To My Cart
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900 R.A. Clutch Set Screws (F0021), 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.

Mounts: All 900 mount models (DA, QMD, SMD and GTO) that have been produced.
Note: This is an optional item and is not included with new 900GTO purchases.
F0021$3.00 in stockAdd F0021 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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900GTO Name Plate (M12611E9G)

Engraving on the name plate has been changed to "Astro-Physics 900GTO Servo Drive". The original SMD (servo motor drive, but not go-to) and GTO (servo motor drive with go-to) versions of the mount shared the same name plate "Astro-Physics 900 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.

Mounts: 900GTO 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.
M12611E9G$30.00 in stockAdd M12611E9G To My Cart

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900GTO Quick Release Control Box Adapter Kit (9CBKIT)

If you are upgrading your 900GTO 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 #s M9396-A, E0262, 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 three 10-32 x 3/8" socket buttonhead screws.

Mounts: 900GTO only. We will request the serial number of your mount when you order to ensure that this adapter can be used with your mount.
9CBKIT$60.00 in stockAdd 9CBKIT To My Cart

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R.A. Sight Hole Cover - for 900GTO mounts shipped since October 2005 (M9403)

This sight hole cover threads onto the back of all 900GTO mounts shipped since 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.
M9403$40.00 Call Contact Astro-Physics about M9403
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Copyright © 2010, Astro-Physics, Inc. - All Rights Reserved
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