Vixen Mount Sphinx SX2WL WiFi (81160)

Vixen’s SX2WL is a new generation equatorial mount designed for demanding observers and astrophotographers. This mount is controlled via a WiFi module using your smartphone or tablet. With the free STAR BOOK Wireless app, you can easily navigate the sky and use GoTo functions to automatically point the telescope at celestial objects. The removal of the traditional LCD controller reduces power consumption by up to 20%, allowing for longer observation and imaging sessions.

To observe a target, simply select an object from the app’s list. The mount will automatically move and begin tracking. The SX2WL is also compatible with the STAR BOOK TEN controller if you prefer a traditional hand controller. It uses the same precision stepper motors as Vixen’s top AXD model, offering high performance and accuracy.

With a photographic load capacity of 12 kg, the mount head weighs only 7 kg, making it ideal for mobile use. The motors are positioned in the lower part of the mount, helping to balance the setup and reducing the need for additional counterweights.

WiFi Module and App Features

• The Vixen WiFi adapter lets you control the mount wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. The STAR BOOK Wireless app turns your device into a control center for the mount, offering cable-free operation with minimal response delay, comparable to wired controllers.

• Power consumption is reduced by up to 20% compared to controllers with LCD screens, allowing for longer sessions.

• The app’s interface is similar to the STAR BOOK TEN controller and includes up to 259,000 celestial objects. Tap an object to start GoTo and the mount will automatically center it in your telescope’s view.

• You can operate the mount by swiping on the star chart in the app, making control simple and intuitive.

• The app’s database covers Messier, NGC, and IC objects, as well as the sun, moon, planets, comets, and dwarf planets.

• Alignment can be done with one or two stars for good accuracy, or with three or more stars for high-precision pointing. Alignment data is saved and retained even after powering off, so you can resume observing with the same settings.

• The app offers customizable options such as gear backlash compensation, night mode (red display), autoguider support, adjustable GoTo speed, LED brightness, and meridian flip timing to prevent unwanted tube reversal.

Important: The SX2WL is not compatible with older SX mounts that use the original blue Star Book controller.

Technical Details for the WiFi Module

• CPU: 32-bit CISC processor, 120 MHz

• Connection: D-SUB 9PIN (same as STAR BOOK TEN)

• External autoguider port: 6-pin, 6-wire modular plug

• Supported operating systems: Android 6 or higher, iOS 9.0 or higher

• WiFi standard: IEEE 802.11b/g/n

Specifications

• Maximum load capacity: 12 kg

• Mounting saddle: Vixen-Style

• Polar elevation setting: 0°–70°

• Slow-motion azimuth adjustment: +/- 7°

• Worm gear material: Brass

• Worm gear teeth (RA/DEC): 180 each

• Worm gear diameter (RA/DEC): 72 mm

• Worm shaft diameter (DEC): 35 mm

• Worm shaft diameter (RA): 40 mm

• Counterweight bar diameter: 20 mm

• Interfaces: ASCOM, Autoguider ST4

• Input voltage: 12V

• Amperage: 3A

• Toothed belt drive: No

• Mount head weight: 7 kg

• Drive type: Worm wheel

• GoTo system: Yes

• Suitable for travel: Yes

• Counterweights: 1 included

• Tripod: Not included

• Series: Sphinx

• Total weight: 8.9 kg

• Dimensions (H x W x L): 343 x 360 x 128 mm

• GoTo database: 259,000 objects

• Hand paddle: No

• Tracking modes: Parallactic (North/South)

• Tracking speeds: Sidereal, solar, lunar

• Polar alignment: Computer assisted

• Remote control: Yes

• WiFi: Yes

• GoTo language: Multilingual

• Software: StarBook

The SX2WL is a modern, portable mount offering wireless control, high precision, and easy operation for both visual observation and astrophotography.