Vixen Mount Sphinx AXJ Starbook Ten GoTo (57347)

The AXJ is part of Vixen’s Atlux series of large mounts and offers a significantly higher load capacity than the smaller Sphinx SXD2. With a maximum payload of 22 kg, the AXJ can support much heavier equipment, making it ideal for advanced users who require both strength and portability.

This mount stands out for its exceptional build quality and reliability, making it a long-term investment for serious astronomers. Its superior construction justifies the higher price, ensuring stable performance over many years.

Key Features

• The AXJ achieves high tracking accuracy with V-PEC, offering a periodic error of just +/- 4.0 arcseconds. V-PEC is factory-calibrated and automatically corrects periodic error as soon as the mount is in use. Users can also store their own periodic error corrections for even greater precision.

• The belt-drive system reduces backlash and keeps noise levels very low, while providing fast response and smooth operation.

• The mount uses 14 bearings to ensure smooth movement in both right ascension and declination axes, as well as the worm gear shaft.

• The polar elevation can be set from 0° to 70°, divided into three zones (high, middle, and low altitude), with fine adjustment possible within +/- 15° per zone. The altitude scale is marked in 5° increments, and two large clamping screws allow for precise adjustments.

• A 6x20 polar finder scope is included, providing an 8° field of view and a 3-star alignment system with positioning accuracy within 3 arcminutes. The reticle is illuminated with eight brightness levels and features automatic shut-off to conserve battery life. The finder can be used in both northern and southern hemispheres.

• The mount head is made from scratch-resistant anodized aluminum and includes multiple threaded holes (M8 and 5/16") to accommodate a variety of prism clamps and accessories. Vixen offers several attachment options, including the AXD plate for mounting two telescopes in parallel.

• The right ascension axis uses two sets of bearings, and the mount’s EQ design allows it to handle up to 22 kg. The placement of the motors and worm gear in the lower part of the mount reduces the need for heavy counterweights.

• The 25 mm thick stainless steel counterweight shaft is retractable and compatible with AXD II counterweights. It can be stored inside the declination axis for easier transport.

• An accessory shoe is provided for attaching a compass, such as the Vixen Pole finder QPL, to simplify polar alignment.

The Star Book Ten controller comes standard with the AXJ mount. It is also available separately for upgrading the SX2 mount, but is not compatible with older Star Book controllers from previous SX and Atlux mounts.

Specifications

• Maximum additional load capacity: 22 kg

• Polar elevation setting: 0° to 70°

• Mount head weight: 17.4 kg

• Counterweights: 2 included

• Counterweight bar diameter: 25 mm

• Right ascension axis diameter: 40 mm

• Declination axis diameter: 40 mm

• Worm gear material: Brass

• Worm wheel material: Brass

• Declination worm gear diameter: 98 mm

• Right ascension worm gear diameter: 114.5 mm

• Declination worm shaft diameter: 15.5 mm

• Right ascension worm shaft diameter: 15.5 mm

• Motor type: Stepper motors

• Worm gear teeth (DEC): 192

• Worm gear teeth (RA): 225

• Mounting saddle: Not included

• Drive type: Worm wheel

• Built-in level: Yes

• GoTo system: Yes

• PEC correction: Yes

• Tripod: Not included

• Polar finder: Yes

• Series: Sphinx

• Overall size (L x W x H): 42 x 46.6 x 13.8 cm

• Total weight: 22.4 kg

• Type: Mount

• Mount design: Equatorial

• Suitable for astrophotography: Yes

• GPS: No

• Tracking speeds: Sidereal, solar, and lunar

• Software: StarBook

• GoTo language: Multilingual

• Object database: 270,000

The AXJ mount is a robust and versatile solution for demanding astronomers, offering advanced features, high precision, and the capacity to handle large and heavy optical setups.