Vixen SPHINX SXP2 Equatorial GoTo Mount

Compared with previous models, the new SXP2 mount features larger bearings in order to increase the accuracy and load capacity. The mounting housing is made from a stronger material than the previous SX mounts. The equatorial head is clamped into a fork in order to increase the stability of the polar alignment wedge.

Precise tracking with P-PEC function
The SXP2 mount comes with the modern STARBOOK TEN control system. This includes a P-PEC function for precise tracking. PEC stands for “Periodic Error Corrections” and corrects errors in the mechanics which lead to periodic errors in the gear systems. The P-PEC function, which is based on the PEC function, is designed for the SXP2 equatorial mount. The P-PEC function saves the records of corrections, even after the power supply to the mount has been switched off. It is not necessary to re-enter the data each time, which enables a quicker setup and more precise tracking.

The belt drive system minimizes backlash and noise
Conventional motor-driven systems on equatorial mounts use gear wheels, which are driven by the motor. However, this design generates backlash under the gear wheels, which can lead to inaccuracies. To avoid these errors, the drive was converted to a belt drive system. This drastically reduces the backlash of the gear unit, as well as the noise generated by the drive system. It also ensures a quicker reaction when corrections are required.

16 bearings
The mechanical parts contain a total of 16 bearings. The SXP2 mount uses a set of tapered roller bearings for the RA axis in order to provide additional stability for more precise tracking.

Stable polar alignment wedge
The SXP2 mount uses the same fork as the heavy AXJ mount. This new construction enables a quick and stable configuration of the latitude setting.

Simple and precise polar alignment via reference star
The 6x20 polar finder scope is pre-installed. This allows the user to configure the polar alignment (for both the northern and southern hemispheres). The polar finder scope has a variable illuminated reticle with an automatic power-off function. The brightness can be adjusted in 8 levels so that the user can configure the desired brightness. The polar finder scope can be configured directly via three reference stars and can reach an accuracy of up to 3 arc minutes.

Variable mount head
The mount head has a diameter of 35 mm and features 8 threaded holes for M8 screws spaced at 45 degrees. An optional accessory tray can be attached to the mount head directly or in combination with an optional mounting wedge for dovetail plates. The threaded holes on the mounting head can also be used to mount rails from other manufacturers.

Modern STAR BOOK TEN controller with high-resolution color display and built-in star chart
The STAR BOOK TEN controller is a modern control system with a high-resolution color monitor. The STAR BOOK TEN system contains more than 272,000 celestial objects, including 260,000 stars from the SAO catalog, 109 Messier objects, 7840 NGC objects and 5380 IC objects, as well the soon, moon and planets. Objects can be accessed by name, and information such as images and data can be defined separately.

A combination of innovative, elegant design and user-friendly features
The improved design of the stable and rigid mount body, which features precise tracking with a P-PEC function and the STAR BOOK TEN controller, offers a highly precise, easy-to-use mount that is guaranteed to please astrophotographers and observers.

Special motor mount for lighter counterweight
The heavy RA and DEC motor units are built into the bottom of the declination axis to ensure that the center of gravity of the equatorial head is below the RA and DEC axis. This enables the declination body to function as a counterweight. Thanks to the flat mounting head, the mount can be balanced with a significantly lighter counterweight.

Retractable counterweight bar
The counterweight bar is made from solid stainless steel with a thickness of 20 mm, and enables the use of all counterweights from the SX and GP mount series. The counterweight bar is housed in the declination body.

Accessory shoe
The #35511 polar meter can be placed onto the accessory shoe for quick and easy polar alignment.

• 3.7 kg counterweight
• SXP2 mount
• STARBOOK TEN control

Specs

Warranty

Vixen warranties its products to be free from initial defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period based on part type:

Vixen Electronic Parts: Limited One Year Warranty 

Vixen Mechanical Parts: Limited Two Year Warranty  

These warranties do not cover defects caused by owner negligence. If a product has a qualifying defect, Vixen will repair or replace such product or part thereof that upon inspection by Vixen or an authorized representative is found to be defective in materials or workmanship. As a condition to the obligation of Vixen to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned together with proof‐of‐purchase and product registration satisfactory to Vixen. Repair Procedure:   To initiate the repair process for any Vixen product that presents with a defect during the period covered by the warranty, please contact a Customer Service representative at (855) 875-4515 or by email at returns@outerlimittelescope.com to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and shipping address information.   Once you have received the RMA number, return said product or part to Explore Scientific. Customers are responsible for all shipping costs related to repairing the unit both returning the product to our facility and return shipment. In the event that you must return your Vixen product to Explore Scientific, we recommend that you use a carrier that offers shipment tracking for all returns with the ability to insure your package for full value and safe return to Explore Scientific so that you are completely protected if the shipment is lost or damaged in transit. (If you choose not to (1) use a carrier that offers tracking or (2) insure or declare the full value of the product, you will be responsible for any lost shipment.) Each return must include the RMA number (which should be written on the outside of the box), and proof of purchase to show that the return is within the warranty window, a written statement detailing the nature of the claimed defect, as well as your name, return shipping address, and a phone number where we and/or the carrier returning your product can reach you. (Usually included on the RMA Paperwork) Once the product arrives at Explore Scientific, our Quality Control team will inspect the item and address the reported problem if possible. If the Explore Scientific representatives are unable to repair the product, it will need to be returned to Japan for repair. At that point, the customer will be notified that the item needs to be returned to Japan for repair.  Customer will be informed of bi‐directional shipping costs related to returning the product to Vixen headquarters in Japan. To reduce those costs, Explore Scientific will be consolidating shipments to Japan once a month, and said product will also return together once corrected

Shipping Policy

Shipping Options:

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING - Upon placement of the order, the parcel should ship out within 5 business days. Some products require a signature and some do not, it will depend on the price of the product. If the delivery driver does not feel comfortable leaving the package outside the home, they will keep it at a pickup location and leave you a note or attempt re-delivery at a later date.

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Order Confirmation:

As soon as you place your order, you will receive an order confirmation e-mail.  This means that we have received your order in our system and pre-authorized your payment method for the purchase.  As soon as we receive your order, we automatically reach out to our suppliers to confirm that it is in stock and available for immediate shipment.  If your item is on back order or unavailable, we will void the pre-authorization and reach out to you via phone or e-mail. If your item(s) are available for immediate shipment (within five business days), we will process the charges and submit the order for delivery.

Order Shipment:

All products are shipped directly from the manufacturer. As a result, shipment times may vary. 

If your order is in stock and we process the charges to your payment method, it will ship within five business days from the date of your order.  We will send you a shipping notification within 24 hours of your order leaving the warehouse to the e-mail address you provided when checking out.  If you do not receive shipping information from us within six business days of your order, please follow up with us at orders@outerlimittelescope.com or give us a call @ (855) 875-4515

Damages:

Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you notice any damage you should make a note of it on the document when signing for delivery.  If your item(s) do arrive damaged, please send photos to returns@outerlimittelescope.com, and we will process a return/refund on your behalf. 

Return Policy

The Vixen SPHINX SXP2 is a GoTo equatorial mount designed for astrophotography. With precise tracking and advanced features, including a built-in autoguider port and PPEC capability, the SPHINX SXP2 is the go-to choice for serious astrophotographers. The mount has a maximum payload capacity of 44 pounds, allowing for the use of larger telescopes and accessories.

Features

The Vixen SPHINX SXP2 equatorial mount is loaded with advanced features. Some of its key highlights include:

- Precise Tracking: The SPHINX SXP2 offers high-precision tracking for accurate long-exposure astrophotography. It features Vixen's STAR BOOK TEN controller, which allows for quick and easy alignment and goto functionality.

- Autoguider Capability: The mount has a built-in autoguider port, allowing for easy connection to a guide camera for even more accurate tracking and alignment.

- PPEC Capability: The SPHINX SXP2 also features periodic error correction (PPEC) capability, allowing users to correct for any minor tracking errors in the mount's gears.

- Maximum Payload Capacity: With a maximum payload capacity of 44 pounds, the SPHINX SXP2 can handle larger telescopes and accessories without issue.

- Easy to Transport: Despite its impressive capabilities, the mount is still relatively lightweight and easy to transport for those on-the-go astrophotographers.

Why Choose the Vixen SPHINX SXP2?

If you're serious about astrophotography, the Vixen SPHINX SXP2 is an excellent choice. Its advanced features, including precise tracking, autoguider capability, and PPEC, make it an ideal mount for long-exposure imaging. With a maximum payload capacity of 44 pounds, it can handle larger telescopes and accessories with ease. And thanks to its relatively lightweight and compact design, it's still easy to transport for those who like to do their astrophotography on-the-go.

Conclusion

Overall, the Vixen SPHINX SXP2 is a top-performing GoTo equatorial mount. Its advanced features and impressive payload capacity make it an excellent choice for astrophotographers who demand precision and reliability from their equipment. Order yours today and start capturing stunning images of the cosmos!