It's true, this amazing mount looks like a large EM-200 but the size is just impressive. It releases an immediate feeling of stability and refinement. Its design points out the EM-200 but it is much more than a simple oversizing.
In spite of its weight of 45 kg, the EM-500 EQ mount will not be restricted to an only observatory use. Indeed, it is installed quickly on its stand pier and will be polar-aligned in a few minutes only using its integrated and precise polar finder. With a maximum loading capacity of 45 kg, it will be able to receive large-sized tubes, such as Mewlon-300 or the BRC-250 reflectors.
The EM-500 becomes a fabulous and final tool for the demanding amateur astronomer who will consider his transport for a temporary use in altitude for example.
Main specifications:
| Type | German Equatorial Mount |
| R.A. slow-motion | Motor driven |
| DEC. slow-motion | Motor driven |
| Azimuth adjustments | ± 15° (rotary base plate supplied) |
| Elevation adjustments | 20° to 50° |
| Polar finder / Accuracy | Built-in / 2' |
| R.A. setting circles accuracy | 10" |
| DEC. setting circles accuracy | 2° |
| Encoders | Supplied |
| Weight | 45 kg |
| Counterweights | 2 x 10.5 kg |
| Maximum loading capacity | 45 kg (without counterweight) |
| Optimum loading capacity | 30 kg (without counterweight) |
| Operating voltage | 12V / 24V DC |
| Power consumption | @12VDC : 0.52A (NS, sidereal rate and tracking speeds) ; 1.4A (HS, pointing speed)
@24VDC : 0.39A (NS, sidereal rate and tracking speeds) ; 1.55A (HS, pointing speed) |
| Tube mouting | With TMP0210 or TFK2210 plates, 2 x M8 screws (35mm) |
| Mounting capacities | Tube rings, plates and dovetail mounting plates |
| Option | Short and long stand piers |
Mechanical specifications:
| R.A. axis diameter (material) | 50 mm (bronze) |
| R.A. worm gear shaft diameter (material) | 25 mm (iron) |
| R.A. gear diameter (material) | 149 mm/144 teeth (bronze) |
| DEC. axis diameter (material) | 50 mm (aluminium) |
| DEC. worm gear shaft diameter(material) | 25 mm (brass) |
| DEC. gear diameter (material) | 149 mm/144 teeth (bronze) |
Motor Drive Specifications:
| Type | Temma-2 |
| Stepper motor accuracy | 115 pps |
| Slow motion speeds | R.A. : 0.1x to 1.9x sidereal rate
Dec. : ± 1.5' to; 13.5' (by increment of 1.5'/sec) |
| High speed mode | @12V. : 260x sidereal rate (R.A. and DEC.)
@24V. : 520x sidereal rate (R.A. and DEC.) |
| Worm gear shaft cycle | 10 minutes |
| Tracking accuracy | ± 3.5" |
| Autoguiding | SBIG compatible (with mini-DIN PS2 connector) |
| PC connectivity | RS-232 serial port (with S-VHS to DB-9 cable, supplied) |
 | The fully integrated motor drives ensures a reliable and precise control of tracking and slewing speeds for astrophotographic or CCD guiding. The electronic control panel allows speed adjustments of slewing corrections by increment of 0.1x sidereal rate on both axes. A connector is available for autoguiding (SBIG compatible) as well as a RS-232 serial port
The tracking accuracy is announced with an error of ± 3.5 arcsecond per turn of 10 minutes worm gear shaft (without guiding system). |
 | The mount is delivered with the same handbox that equips other Takahashi mounts. It is provided with R.A. and DEC. rotation reversers as well as a switch for slow (green LED) and fast 100x (red LED) speeds.
The EM-500 EQ mount is equipped with Temma-2 goto system. An automatic pointing of the celestial objects is possible when the mount is connected with a computer (with a serial cable, provided). The Pegasus 21 computer control software is provided too. The Temma-2 system is compatible with a large range of astronomical softwares (TheSky6 or Starry Night, for instance). |
 | The EM-500 polar finder is equipped with a ring level which makes it possible to quickly calibrate the polar alignment reticle. The polar alignment is made by the means of a large altitude screw and with 2 azimuth screws. Once the Polaris position has been exactly determined (with graph or software), then the polar alignment takes only a few seconds, as it takes on smaller mounts.
The Temma-2 system includes two encoders located at the end of each axis and connected to the control panel by two cables. |
ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTS
