Earlier this year Pegasus Astro announced the development of the Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Mount, a portable EQ/ALT-AZ mount that incorporates high precision strain wave (harmonic) gears.
They have recently added much more information about the mount as well as a new Pegasus Carbon Fiber Tripod for the mount and accessories including a half pier extension.
Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Harmonic Gear Mount
The Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Mount offers a strain wave drive on the RA and DEC movement which ensures a backlash-free operation with high torque at high payloads. A fully CNC machined aluminum alloy 6061 body which is black and blue anodized and a selection of branded parts (stepper motors, strain wave gear) inside the mount, ensure that Nyx-101 will perform flawlessly for many years. The mount includes an electronic brake on the RA axis to prevent backsliding when power is off as well as safety limit stops during slew or tracking.
Harmonic gears on both axis ensure high payload and a smooth, backlash-free operation. A hybrid combination of a stepper motor and belt system is offered along with sophisticated electronics that can drive the RA axis down to 0.10 arcsecs of resolution. The reduction on the RA axis is 500:1 and 300:1 on the DEC axis.
Counterweights are not required for weights up to 20Kg. Counterweights can be installed for higher photographic loads with the mount’s compatibility with a M12 shaft.
The lightweight design (6.4 Kg) provides heavy performance as evidenced by the payload of weight the mount can lift. The CNC machined aluminum alloy AL6061 (used in aircraft) makes the mount a rigid choice for your setup. From a small refractor to a fully loaded SCT 11-inch telescope, the NYX-101 can easily handle the payload.
The Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Mount can be used as a German Equatorial mount or as an ALT/AZ which is more suitable for visual observations. The mode can be switched using the Pegasus Astro PC or mobile application.
A safety power-off brake is installed on the RA Axis and provides an instant safe stop during a planned or unplanned power interruption. The NYX-101 has been designed with reverse voltage polarity protection, a saver if you accidentally reverse voltage or battery polarity during the night.
The mount offers built-in wireless & USB control with wireless and USB 2 connectivity out of the box. And both technologies can work together simultaneously. The mount is compatible with the LX200 protocol and Sky Safari for mobile interaction. The mount fully supports the ASCOM6 and INDI framework.
The NYX-101 requires only 12V for its smooth operation. This means that you can use your normal 12V battery without any additional converters. The mount consumes less than 0.6 amps during tracking and up to 2.5 amps during slewing.
The power cable is a GX12 type with can securely lock onto the mount and the USB type B special socket ensures a secure grip. Both of these sockets are placed on the non-movable part of the mount so no cables move during slews and tracking. A second GX12 socket allows you to provide power to your imaging equipment.
An ST-4 port is available at the back of the mount. The port is compatible with a simple hand controller or with an ST-4 guiding camera. In the front of the mount, there is a place for the QHY Polemaster (adapter included), which allows you to perform a precise polar alignment.
A set of sensors allows you to orient the mount at the correct altitude and azimuth in order to have an initial, rough, polar alignment (for lower focal lengths such as camera lenses or visual observation). The mobile application guides you through that process.
The Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Mount integrates a barometric sensor required to calculate atmospheric, refraction corrections during mount tracking. For smaller focal lengths this is might be overkill but if you have an SCT you will notice a welcome change in your guiding performance.
NYX-101 includes a low profile and rigid universal saddle that accepts Vixen and Losmandy 3-inch dovetails.
The Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Mount specifications include:
– Material: CNC machined 6061 aircraft aluminum alloy
– Mount Mode: Equatorial or Altazimuth
– Mount Drive: Strain Wave (Harmonic) Gear and Belt resulting reduction 500:1 (RA) and 300:1 (DEC)
– Load Capacity: 20 Kg without counterweights; 30 Kg with counterweights
– Weight: 6.5 Kg
– Safety/Power Off Brake: On RA Axis
– Dovetail: Vixen and Losmandy 3-inch
– RA Motor Resolution: 0.10”
– Max Slew: 6 degs/sec
– Power Voltage: 12V DC unregulated; 0.7A during tracking, 2Amps during slewing
– Guide Port: ST4
– Counterweight Shaft: M12 Shaft
– Communication: Wireless 802.11g and USB2
– Operating Temperature: -20° to + 50°C
Pegasus Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Pegasus Carbon Fiber Tripod for the NYX-101 Harmonic Drive Mount offers tripod legs made from carbon fiber that are rigid and lightweight. Pegasus Astro suggests using this tripod with imaging equipment for up to 15Kg.
The tripod highlights include:
– Carbon fiber design
– Carry/storage bag
– Metallic (3 pcs) spikes to replace rubber shoes
– 2 x Alen Hex Keys
– Length Retracted: 65 cm
– Max length: 120 cm
– Weight: 2000 gr
– Max Load Capacity: 50 kg
– Angle of Legs: 35° Fixed
Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Harmonic Gear Mount Accessories
A purpose built Half Pier Extension (180mm) for the NYX-101 mount. The pier can be easily constructed by purchasing these three parts: EQ6/Universal adapter; Aluminum Standoffs – 3 pcs; and Carbon Tripod Adapter (this is included with the purchase of the Carbon Fiber Tripod).
For those that do not purchase the Pegasus Carbon Fiber Tripod, the EQ6/Universal Tripod Adapter can be doubled to assemble the half-pier extension. Three additional standoffs can be purchased to increase pier stability (the Half Pier accepts up to 6 standoffs).
You can learn more about the Pegasus Astro NYX-101 Mount here.
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