Instrument Capacity |
The maximum weight of the instruments that can be attached to the mount. |
400 lb.
(180 kg) |
800 lb.
(360 kg) |
OTA Aperture |
The maximum diameter of the telescope. |
Up to 24 in. (0.6 m) |
Up to 32 in. (0.8 m) |
Astronomy Software |
TheSky™ Space edition controls the mount, CMOS/CCD/DSLR cameras, autoguiders, motorized focusers, filter wheels, instrument rotators, and more.
Features
• Interactive simulated sky charts
• Detailed information on up to 1.5 billion objects
• Configurable user interface
• TPoint telescope modeling
• Advanced autoguiding interface
• Advanced satellite tracking
• Automated pointing calibration
• Automated astrometry
• Observatory startup and shutdown
• Web-based object imports
• Scripted operation
• Extensible device support
• 800+ page user guide
Learn more > |
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Cross Platform Software Control |
TheSky™ Space edition is compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems, including ARM32, ARM64, and x86_64 architectures. All support platforms are included. |
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Direct Software Control |
The Apollo can be directly controlled through its Ethernet connection (TCP/IP) by scripting TheSky™ Space edition, and/or using third-party tools based on Microsoft .NET®, C/C++ source code, Microsoft COM®, or MathWorks MATLAB®. Contact Software Bisque for details. |
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Maximum Slew Speeds |
Generally, 30 degrees per second is a reasonable maximum limit with typical telescope loads.
Slew speeds are configurable up to a maximum 60 degrees per second if necessary. |
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Motor Controller |
An industrial three-axis direct drive motor controller (10-20A, 20 kHz control algorithm rate).
A 120-220V AC 15A power supply unit is integrated within the mount base. |
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Computer to Mount Communication Interface |
An Ethernet port is located on the mount base. TCP/IP protocol is used for communications with an external computer.
The motor controller also has two external serial ports. |
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On-Axis Absolute Encoders |
5.9 in. (15 cm) diameter, 26-bit on-axis absolute encoders on the azimuth, altitude, and instrument rotator axes. |
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Components |
320 lb. (145 kg) total mount weight is shipped in four separate components:
• Base: 115 lb. (52 kg)
• Fork center: 50 lb. (14 kg)
• Drive tine: 88 lb. (40 kg)
• Support tine: 62 lb. (28 kg) |
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Drive Tine Bearings |
Primary bearing: |
8 in.
(20 cm) |
8 in.
(20 cm) |
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Secondary bearing: |
5 in.
(12.5 cm) |
5 in.
(12.5 cm) |
Motor Torque Constant |
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8.7 Nm/Arms |
13.1 Nm/Arms |
Support Tine |
3.9-in. (12.5 cm) self-aligning bearing with an integrated multi-axis telescope stress relief mechanism. |
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Azimuth Axis Bearings |
Primary bearing size: |
8 in.
(20 cm) |
10 in. (25.4 cm) |
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Secondary bearing size: |
5 in.
(12.5 cm) |
6 in.
(15 cm) |
Azimuth Axis Travel |
540 degrees maximum rotation with spring-loaded stops at the limits of travel. |
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Altitude Axis Travel |
0 – 90 degrees with spring dampened physical stops at end of travel. |
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Internal Brake |
In the event of power loss, an integrated brake on the altitude axis stops rotation.
The azimuth axis does not employ a brake but has spring-dampened limits to gently stop rotation. |
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Slew Speed Range |
Double-precision speed specification, driven by TheSky Space™ edition and the TPoint TCSpk™ pointing kernel. |
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Cabling |
Cables required for mount operation and the controller are enclosed within the Apollo™ housing. A large access conduit through each fork accommodates custom instrument cables. |
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Cable Access Covers |
Removable cable covers provide easy access to internal cabling. |
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Locking Pins |
Both the altitude and azimuth axes can be locked in place to prevent rotation while mounting the telescope and other instrumentation. |
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Assembly Time |
The four individual mount components can be fully assembled by a two-person team in about one hour. |
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Motor Torque |
The continuous torque from the motors (not maximum torque) that is supplied to the altitude and azimuth axes. |
65 Nm |
103 Nm |
Fork Width |
The distance between the inside of both tines. |
24 in.
(60 cm)* |
24 – 28 in.
(60 – 75 cm)* |
Fork Width Adjustments |
High compression clamping mechanisms on both tines and the fork base allows the fork’s width to be adjusted to match the width of the telescope or instrumentation. |
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Fork Arm Length |
Distance from the fork base to the center of telescope mounting. |
28 in.
(70 cm)* |
28-34 in.
(75-86 cm)* |
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* Custom height and width fork arms for non-standard payloads are available for an additional fee. Email FrontDesk@bisque.com for pricing and availability. |
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Optional Instrument Rotator |
The optional Software Bisque direct-drive instrument rotator is the third axis on the direct-drive motor controller and plugs into the motor drive tine. TheSky and the TCSpk automatically corrects field rotation based on the telescope model. |
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Optional Telescope/OTA Attachment |
The optional Scope Rail System permits “drop-in” telescope mounting. |
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Operating Temperatures |
The operating range for the mount’s control system is 0 – 40 degrees C.
• A built-in heater automatically turns when the ambient temperature drops below 5 degrees C and turns off when the temperature exceeds 10 degrees C.
• At higher temperatures, two built-in cooling fans can be turned on to cool the controller’s electronics. |
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