VC200LDG-SXW "SPHINX" Includes:VC200L Optical Tube - 200mm VISAC (Vixen Sixth-Order Aspheric Cassegrain)SXW Sphinx Mount with Star Book Hand ControllerAluminum Tripod SX-HAL110 - Adjustable 70cm to 120cm1-1/4 Inch 20mm & 9mm LV Eyepieces7x50 FinderscopeFlip Mirror DiagonalModel # TS-PC-2734Weight: 22 kg / 48.5 lbs The VC200L's catadioptric optical system is one of the most sophisticated optical designs available on the market today and has recently received some manufacturing upgrades. The New VC200L has a lighter-weight optical tube with improved anti-reflection coatings a metal carrying handle and now comes standard with a 7x50 finderscope. If you are looking for a photographic catadioptric this is an excellent choice. With its unique VISAC (Vixen Sixth-Order Aspheric Cassegrain) primary mirror the telescope gives a sharp image that is free of chromatic aberration and is flat and sharp to the edge of 35mm film. The VISAC optical system is composed of a concave primary mirror a convex secondary mirror and a three element field corrector. Especially noteworthy is its sharpness and flatness at the edge which far exceeds that of Schmidt-Cassegrain systems of the same aperture. It provides a pinpoint star image less than 15 microns even at the edge of its 42mm image circle. The open tube design eliminates the dew problem that is common with conventional Schmidt-Cassegrain systems and its size makes it very easy to handle. The VC200L is well suited for observation and astrophotography of the moon planets star clusters nebulae and comets. The rack-and-pinion focusing mount accepts optional 2 eyepieces and accessories and an f/6.4 reducer for photographic use is also available.The SPHINX equatorial mount and STAR BOOK controller have been intelligently engineered for high-speed automatic location of celestial objects. It is now possible to explore the beauty of the night sky with greater ease and stability. The SPHINX comes standard with built-in motors and the world's first star chart go-to controller STAR BOOK with a large full-color LCD display. The SPHINX's design is exceptional and the exterior styling is equally attractive. Sky & Telescope magazine has recognized the SPHINX as a Hot Product for 2004! Main features of the SPHINX equatorial mount: 180-tooth worm gears for fine full circle motion. 22lbs. recommended loading capacity for a wide range of optical tubes. Built in DC servo motors allow for improved motion of the polar axis rotation and reduce the need for heavy counterweights. A retractable counterweight shaft provides easy storage and transportation. The mount comes on a improved SX-HAL110 heavy duty aluminum tripod. An optional illuminated polar axis scope can be easily added to the mount body. The mount utilizes the standard Vixen dovetail bracket for attachment of telescopes. Power: 12V center pin positive. Not compatible with Vixen AC adapter AM-AC-3599 Main features of the STAR BOOK controller: Large color liquid crystal display. (4.7 inch 320x420 pixels STN 4096 colors) High Speed Internal CPU (32 bit RISC processor 75MHz 8MB SDRAM 4MB Flash ROM upgradeable) Zoom-In/Out buttons for the color star chart display also control the motor speed. As you zoom in closer to an object on the display the motor speed becomes finer and as you zoom out the motor speed increases to cover larger distances. Features and menu options are displayed on the large color screen and are navigated with simple buttons on the controller. The STAR BOOK is easy to use and makes the SPHINX available to a wide range of ages and experience levels. A large astronomical database with 22725 celestial objects is stored. A LAN Port within the controller will allow for computer control and network connectivity once downloads are available from Vixen. Vixen will offer flash upgrade downloads from their website. A future flash ROM download will allow for compatibility with an auto guider (including SBIG ST). The auto-guider port comes standard on all controllers. The STAR BOOK controller can be used as a stand-alone star atlas from anywhere anytime.
