Quality Telescopes, Mounts, Binoculars, and Spotting Scopes
VMC200L with GPD2 GOTO Mount
with STARBOOK-S
The VMC200L is a unique catadioptric optical system. It incorporates a primary mirror and a meniscus corrector just before a secondary mirror. By doing so, light is corrected twice on the optical path. The end result is that spherical aberration and field curvature are corrected to a high degree of optical performance. Vixen's VMC200L’s primary mirror is f/2.5; the compound optical system is f/9.75. This combination creates a very compact and portable system.
With the optical correction placed before the secondary mirror the VMC200L avoids the necessity of having a corrector plate and all the dewing problems associated with a closed optical tube.
An additional key feature is the rack and pinion focusing that is placed behind the primary mirror. The use of this focusing system eliminates the image shift associated with most other SCT systems. This is especially important when using high power magnification or astro-photography. When focusing, the image is stable and easy to adjust.
The GPD2 equatorial mount is the stronger and heftier of the GP mounts. With its solid steel R. A. and Declination axes and brass worm gears, this mount will hold up to years of heavy use. In order to assure accurate tracking for astrophotography the worm gears are especially machined to a very high precision that minimizes periodic error. Add the new Vixen Starbook S with built in star-chart for complete Go-To capabilities.
The GPD2 holds almost 50% more weight than the GP2. It is easy to use and functions well for both the visual observer and astro-photographer. Motion is controlled by included control knobs for accurate slewing. The polar altitude adjustment varies from 0° to 62° in altitude.
The latest option for the GP2 and GPD2 mounts is the new STARBOOK S which incorporates Vixen’s legendary GOTO controller with BUILT IN STAR CHART that shows you exactly where the telescope is pointing and displays “what’s up” right now. The included (and upgradeable) software contains a 22,000 object database giving the user an endless variety of objects to view. Included are drop down menus of different categories of celestial objects, including Stars, Planets, Messier, NGC and other famous objects. Each sub menu only lists the objects that are available to be viewed at that time. This eliminates the frustration of other GOTO systems that don’t tell you the object is below the horizon until after you have selected it. With the Vixen Starbook you will spend more time viewing and less time searching.
The package includes advanced encoded motors for accurate tracking and an auto-guider port and PEC (periodic error correction) are standard features. All of this makes the GP2 and GPD2 with STARBOOK S the most affordable, quality astro-photographer’s mount available.
Technical data: Construction: Catadioptric Reflector
d=200mm (8”)
f=1950mm, f/9.75
Primary mirror: f=500mm, f/2.5
Secondary mirror: d=72mm, magnification 3.9x
Distance primary-secondary:: 330mm
Central obstruction 80mm diameter (40% of diameter)
Theoretical resolution (Dawes): 0.63"
Theoretical min magnitude: 13.3
Tube length 525mm incl. focuser
Weight: 5.9kg
Finder scope: 7x50Technical data GPD2 Mount:
R.A Axis: 144 tooth worm gears
Declination Axis: 144 tooth worm gears
R.A. graduations: RA 10 min. increment
Dec graduations 2 deg. Increments
Polar Axis Scope: 6x20 wide field
Mount includes pre-installed variable intensity illuminator
Polar Axis Altitude adjustment 0 to 62 degrees
Counter weight 1 x 3.7kg and 1 x 1.9kg
Maximum loading weight 10kg (22lbs)
Price $3499.00
REBATE FORM at PDF Files\Summer_2008_Rebate.pdf
