Astro-Physics 1150GTO German Equatorial Mount

Observatory-Class Precision Mount Astro-Physics 1150GTO Precision tracking. Serious payload capacity. Built for automated imaging, remote observatories, and demanding astrophotography. 125 lb Capacity GTOCP6 Control APCC Pro Included Optional Absolute Encoders Observatory Performance Without Giving Up Portability The Astro-Physics 1150GTO is a mid-sized observatory-class German equatorial mount designed for large astrophotography systems, automated observatories, and demanding field installations. With approximately 125 lb (57 kg) of instrument capacity, the 1150GTO provides the rigidity and tracking performance required for substantial imaging systems while retaining separable RA and Declination assemblies for easier transport and installation. 125 lb Instrument Capacity ±3.5″ Native Periodic Error 12–24V DC Power Range 0.19″ AE/AEL Peak-to-Peak PE Built Around the Needs of Serious Imaging Systems Payload Large Imaging Systems Approximately 125 lb of instrument capacity makes the 1150GTO suitable for substantial refractors, Cassegrains, Ritchey-Chrétiens, CDKs, cameras, guiders, focusers, and imaging accessories. Cable Management Through-the-Mount Cabling Integrated pathways for power, USB, and Ethernet help simplify complex observatory and imaging installations while reducing external cable movement around the mount. Transport Separable Axes The RA and Declination assemblies can be separated, reducing the weight of the individual components during transport, setup, or observatory installation. 1150GTO Features Approximately 125 lb (57 kg) instrument capacity Integrated power, USB, and Ethernet cabling Quiet, powerful belt-drive system Brushless micro-stepper motors Self-synchronizing Periodic Error Management Auto-adjusting gear mesh Precision balancing through the clutches Flexible 12–24V DC operation Precision azimuth adjuster with rotating base Built-in bubble level Defined park positions for simplified daytime alignment Custom tracking rates in both axes ASCOM V2 driver support Optional Astro-Physics GTO Keypad compatibility Threaded for QHY PoleMaster installation RA and Declination axes separate for transport Choose the 1150GTO Configuration Standard 1150GTO The standard 1150GTO configuration delivers Astro-Physics precision mechanics and GTOCP6 control without factory-installed absolute encoders. Absolute Encoder 1150GTO-AE Adds factory-installed dual Renishaw absolute encoders designed for the standard operating-temperature range. Extended Temperature 1150GTO-AEL Includes factory-installed dual absolute encoders with the extended-temperature encoder configuration. AE / AEL Models Sky-Aware Absolute Encoder Performance 0.19 arcsecond peak-to-peak Astro-Physics specifies periodic tracking error of approximately 0.19 arcsecond peak-to-peak and 0.05 arcsecond RMS for the absolute-encoder-equipped AE and AEL versions. The absolute encoder system also gives the mount "Sky-Aware" axes. The clutches can be loosened and the telescope repositioned manually while the mount retains knowledge of its pointing position. The rapid encoder feedback loop also helps the axes resist outside disturbances such as cable drag and wind loading. GTOCP6 Control System The included GTOCP6 control box provides the electronic interface between the precision mechanics of the 1150GTO and modern observatory or astrophotography software. Connectivity Flexible Connections Physical connectivity includes USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and RS-232, allowing the mount to fit into a wide variety of portable and permanent imaging configurations. Computer Control ASCOM Support Astro-Physics' ASCOM driver provides integration with compatible ASCOM astronomy software for imaging, pointing, sequencing, and observatory control. Optional Control GTO Keypad The optional Astro-Physics GTO Keypad provides independent mount operation for observers who prefer a dedicated hand controller rather than a computer in the field. APCC Pro & PEMPro Included An Astro-Physics Command Center Pro (APCC Pro) software license is included with the 1150GTO, along with PEMPro v3. APCC Pro adds advanced mount-control and modeling capabilities, including pointing and tracking-rate corrections. Astro-Physics' dual-model capability can also provide pointing and tracking correction when the telescope is in the counterweight-up position. Individually Optimized Tracking Each mount is tested by Astro-Physics for periodic-error performance. The standard 1150GTO is specified at ±3.5 arcseconds of native periodic error before correction. Astro-Physics generates a unique optimized periodic-error curve for each mount and programs it into the GTOCP6 control system. Periodic Error Management can then be enabled through Astro-Physics software or the optional GTO Keypad. 1150GTO Specifications Instrument Capacity Approximately 125 lb (57 kg) of telescope and accessories, depending on instrument size and length Recommended Telescope Range Refractors up to approximately 200 mm; 14–16" Cassegrains, Ritchey-Chrétiens, and CDKs, subject to instrument dimensions and imaging requirements RA Axis / Polar Fork 31.7 lb (14.4 kg) Declination Axis 21 lb (9.5 kg) Latitude Range 0° to 78° Azimuth Adjustment Approximately 18° total, ±9° from center Counterweight Shaft 1.875" (47.6 mm) diameter × approximately 16.4" (419 mm) usable length Counterweight Shaft Weight 13 lb (5.9 kg) RA & Dec Worm Wheels 7.2" (183 mm), 225-tooth aluminum RA & Dec Worm Gear 0.71" (18 mm) diameter RA & Dec Axis Shaft 3.15" (80 mm) diameter Axis Bearings 3.94" (100 mm) diameter Native Periodic Error ±3.5 arcseconds before correction AE / AEL Periodic Error 0.19 arcsecond peak-to-peak; 0.05 arcsecond RMS Pier Adapter Base Diameter 7.730" (196.3 mm) Power 12–24V DC Control Box Removable GTOCP6 Motors Brushless micro-stepper motors enclosed in machined aluminum housings Origin Designed and manufactured in the USA What's Included In the Box 1150GTO Mount System 1150GTO equatorial head GTOCP6 Servo Control Box GTOCP6 control box adapter Stainless-steel counterweight shaft Machined counterweight shaft safety-stop knob Power cable set with Anderson Powerpole connectors Allen-head wrench set Astro-Physics ASCOM driver download APCC Pro software license PEMPro v3 software 1150GTO and GTOCP6 documentation Sold Separately Equipment You'll Need Compatible 12–24V DC power supply Appropriate counterweights Compatible telescope mounting plate or saddle Suitable pier or tripod Any application-specific internal USB or power cabling ! Important: A power supply, counterweights, telescope mounting plate/saddle, and pier or tripod are not included unless specifically identified as part of a Starizona package or selected product option. Frequently Asked Questions How much weight can the 1150GTO carry? Astro-Physics rates the 1150GTO for approximately 125 lb (57 kg) of telescope and accessories. Actual suitability also depends on the telescope's length, physical dimensions, moment arm, and whether the system will be used for visual observing or precision imaging. What is the difference between the 1150GTO, AE, and AEL? The 1150GTO is the standard model. The 1150GTO-AE adds factory-installed standard-temperature absolute encoders on both axes. The 1150GTO-AEL uses the extended-temperature absolute encoder configuration. Does the 1150GTO include APCC Pro? Yes. Astro-Physics includes an APCC Pro software license with the 1150GTO. PEMPro v3 is also included. Is a power supply included? No. Astro-Physics specifies a compatible 12–24V DC power source, but the power supply itself must be purchased separately. Can the mount be separated for transportation? Yes. The RA and Declination axes can be separated. The RA axis and polar fork weigh approximately 31.7 lb, while the Declination axis weighs approximately 21 lb. Can the AE/AEL mount be moved manually without losing position? Yes. Astro-Physics describes the absolute-encoder-equipped versions as having "Sky-Aware" axes. The clutches can be loosened and the telescope repositioned while the mount retains its pointing position. Payload note: Astro-Physics' capacity recommendations are guidelines. Long telescopes, unusually heavy optical systems, large accessory loads, and demanding astrophotography applications can require greater mount capacity than the telescope's weight alone would suggest.