10Micron AZ 3000 HPS Mount incl. ColdTemp Upgrade

10Micron AZ 3000 HPS Mount incl. ColdTemp Upgrade

Description
The AZ 3000 HPS mount is an altazimuth mount derived from the mechanical platform of the GM3000 HPS. Designed for professional-grade use, it offers exceptional versatility and precision, making it ideal for scientific tasks such as satellite tracking, photometric and astrometric data acquisition, as well as LiDaR laser-based applications.

The standard configuration is designed for single-side optical mounting and comes equipped with a short stainless steel counterweight bar. Precise weight counterbalancing is not required: counterweights totaling approximately 50% of the payload are sufficient to ensure mechanical stability. An optional double telescope configuration is available (ref. #1453905), offering a combined payload capacity of up to 100 + 65 kg.

Due to its altazimuth design, long-exposure astrophotography requires a field derotator. ASCOM-compatible field de-rotators such as the IR90 by PlaneWave or the Gemini by Optec are recommended for achieving the renowned tracking precision expected from all 10Micron systems.

ColdTemp Upgrade (included in this version)
This factory-integrated upgrade allows the AZ 3000 HPS to operate reliably in extremely cold environments. It cannot be added retroactively and must be installed during the mount’s initial assembly. The ColdTemp Upgrade brings the operating temperature down to −30 °C, with internal components certified for continuous operation at −40 °C.

Included in the ColdTemp package:
• Ultra-low temperature grease for worm gears and bearings (maintains suitable viscosity down to −60 °C)
• Thermally compensated preloaded springs for both axes and shafts
• Integrated Linux-based control unit certified for operation to −40 °C
• All internal cables replaced with high-endurance silicone-insulated wires using low-temperature copper alloy cores
• Absolute encoders modified for continuous use at −40 °C
• Several days of cold chamber testing under extreme environmental conditions
Important: Wi-Fi is not compatible with the ColdTemp Upgrade.

Technical specifications:
• Name: AZ 3000 HPS
• Mount type: Altazimuth
• Weight: 65 kg
• Instrument payload capacity:

• 100 kg for standard single telescope configuration

• 100 + 65 kg for optional dual telescope configuration (with ref. #1453905)
  • Counterweight shaft: 50 mm diameter, stainless steel
  • Axes: 80 mm (azimuth) and 50 mm (altitude), alloy steel
  • Bearings: Preloaded tapered roller bearings
  • Worm wheels:

• Azimuth: 315 teeth, 247 mm diameter, B14 bronze

• Altitude: 255 teeth, 192 mm diameter, B14 bronze
  • Worm screws: 32 mm and 24 mm, hardened and lapped alloy steel
  • Drive system: Backlash-free timing belt with automatic backlash compensation
  • Motors: 2-axis brushless servo motors
  • Power supply: 24 V DC
  • Power consumption:

• ~1 A while tracking

• ~3.5 A at maximum slewing speed

• ~5 A peak load
  • Slewing speed: Adjustable from 2°/s to 12°/s
  • Pointing accuracy: < 20 arcseconds with internal multi-star software-based mapping
  • Tracking accuracy: < ±1 arcsecond over 15 minutes (< 0.7" RMS) with internal compensation of flexure and polar misalignment
  • Software safety limits: ±150° (AZ), ±95° (ALT)
  • Mechanical safety stops: ±155° (AZ), ±100° (ALT)
  • Standard operational temperature range: −15 °C to +35 °C
  • ColdTemp operational temperature range: −35 °C to +35 °C
  • Storage temperature range: −40 °C to +50 °C
  • Communication ports: RS-232, Ethernet, GPS port (PS2), ST-4 autoguide port

User interface and internal database:
• Professional 5-line heated graphic keypad with LED backlighting
• Multilingual menu interface
• Alignment: 2- or 3-star model, with up to 100 stars available for model refinement
• Support for multiple stored alignment models
• Star modeling software “Model Maker” for automated alignment
• Real-time atmospheric refraction and flexure compensation
• Orthogonality correction and balance assistance features
• Adjustable limits for horizon height and meridian crossing
• Sidereal, solar, and lunar tracking speeds
• Time synchronization: manual entry or GPS-based with leap second support for UT1–UTC correction
• Dome control via RS-232
• Comet and asteroid filters integrated
• Fully remote operation with Internet-based diagnostics and support

Additional information:
• Entirely CNC-machined from solid blocks of aluminum alloy, no cast components
• Internal cable routing throughout, no exposed cables
• Standalone operation with onboard Linux processor
• Remote operation supported via RS-232 and Ethernet
• Compatible with proprietary 10Micron ASCOM driver and Meade LX200 protocol
• Firmware and orbital data updates (comets, asteroids, satellites) via RS-232 or Ethernet
• Wi-Fi connectivity is not available in ColdTemp-equipped versions
• Supplied with:

• AZ 3000 HPS mount with modified absolute encoders

• ColdTemp-upgraded control box with Linux OS

• Heated professional hand control unit with graphic display

• Cables

• Short stainless steel counterweight bar
  • Counterweights and power supply must be ordered separately
  • Mandatory packaging: reinforced wooden crate with pier adapter, ref. #1453199
  • Warning: only power supplies officially approved by 10Micron may be used. Use of unauthorized supplies voids warranty.