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[atomant]

Hi Fellow Starnuts,

I purchased Vixen's new GOTO german equatorial mount, the Sphinx, last Christmas from Shutan.
[Boy, I do miss Shutan in downtown Chicago]
Previously, I had owned a Losmandy GM8 and a Takahashi EM2 mounts. Both were excellent mounts. However, living in Chicago, starhopping was getting more difficult.
With a little bonus money, I went to Shutan's 1st annual camera and scope expo. The Vixen mount was being showcased by Televue. I played around with the Starbook controller and quickly loved the goto method.

Things I like about the Vixen Sphinx mount:
-ease of setup [ portable tripod, compact mount]
-versatility [ I can mount my 90mm refractor, 6" reflector or 8" cassegrain]
-fast and easy to use GOTO system [point to object in controller, slews fast to objects, faster than a 24v Takahashi Temma 2 mount]
-software upgradeable thru internet

Things for improvement:
-better software and hardware support from Vixen and 3rd party [can't enter goto coordinates]
-declination lock should be a simple lever, not a small double ended rod.
-lower priced accessories

For quick visual goto, Vixen's system is very user friendly. I don't need to lug out a laptop. The star charts in the Starbook show me more information than 2 lines of text on other controller.

Anyone interested in a test drive, drop me a line, I would be happy to bring the mount along to the next star party.

Clear skies,

[jglover]

atomant said:

Anyone interested in a test drive, drop me a line, I would be happy to bring the mount along to the next star party.

I'd definitely be interested to see the Vixen mount. I'm in the market for a good GOTO GEM. Overall, I've been happy with the accuracy of my cheap little Nexstar mount but I need something heavier to carry my scopes. The ED80 pushes the limits of the Nexstar mount and my 102mm achromat will not mount on it as it is too heavy. I'd been leaning towards the Celestron ASGT just because I'm familiar with the Nexstar system. I've also looked seriously at the Meade LXD75 series mounts but they are really hard to find. I'd never realy considered the Vixen until I read the recent review of the mount, so I'd love to have the chance to see one in person.

I'd also like to see the Sky90 as well and run it side by side with my ED80. One of these days I'm going to get me a nice 4 or 5 inch APO so it would be cool to be able to look thru a Tak.

[atomant]

Hi John,

I am planning to head out to Silver Spring State Park in Yorkville for some observing with the Sphinx mount tonight around 8:30.

Maybe I'll be lucky to catch a few meteors too.

[jglover]

atomant said:

I am planning to head out to Silver Spring State Park in Yorkville for some observing with the Sphinx mount tonight around 8:30.

Hi Bill,

I've gotta work tomorrow and spent pretty much the whole afternoon and evening out geocaching with my son. Next weekend is also not good as I'll be out of town, but hopefully after school starts there will be a little more free time to get out on the weekends. Thanks for the invite though!

[atomant]

Right now, Vixen North America is clearing out their inventory. Televue and Vixen has severed partnership. New outfit is Vixen Optics.
If you ever wanted a nice mid-sized goto system, this is a great time to grab one at wholesale prices before they're gone!!