I have got the Vixen Sphinx SXW mount with the HAL 130 tripod for sale. I bought the mount two and a half years ago. It is in a very good condition. The mount was used on average once a month, so some signs of usage are visible (see the pictures). I am selling it because I have got another mount, Vixen Sphinx SXD.
The asking price is $995 (was $1100), excluding shipping.
The mount comes with all original accessories. As for packaging, I will give the boxes that came with my Vixen Sphinx SXD (the dimensions are exactly the same). The mount comes with two optional accessories:
Vixen SX Polar Axis Scope,
Vixen SX Counterweight 3.7kg. Of course, the standard counterweight 1.9kg is also included.
The original electronic board has been replaced with the NexSXW board produced by MGAstro in Spain. The NexSXW board uses Celestron NexStar communication protocol and fixes many problems present in the original board. The StarBook becomes useless. You will need to get either Celestron NexRemote software or Celestron Hand Controller for CGE-PRO mounts to control the mount (these items are not included with the mount). The NexSXW board uses a 12V DC power supply, 2.1mm DC plug, and positive centre tip (also not included).
Of course, the original Vixen board, StarBook, etc will be included, in case someone prefers using the StarBook. In such a case, I could install the original board back in the mount (you would still get the NexSXW board).
I would prefer if the buyer could pick the mount up from my place (Waitara, NSW). There are two reasons. First of all, the cost of shipping will not be low and I would expect the buyer to arrange the shipping. Secondly, since the mount is not a brand new one, I would suggest that the buyer inspects it before making the final decision. Alternatively they could ask someone else to do it for them.
Regards,
Matt
Last edited by MattH; 18-03-2012 at 05:19 AM.
Reason: Price Drop
The tracking is fine. I usually do two star polar alignment in the region of the sky I am interested in. Additionally, the CGE Pro hand controller allows one to do "All Star" polar alignment that helps to polar align the mount for increased precision while tracking and autoguiding. As for autoguiding, the StarBook was driving me up the wall. Once I installed NexSXW, all the problems were gone. No more strange jumps in declination, no more grinding noises. I installed the NexSXD in my new SXD mount too and I am not going back to the old board.
I use the NexRemote software. I select in the setup screen the following:
Mount Model: CGE Pro
Firmware: GEM 4.16
I also have the CGE Pro hand controller with the same firmware. I am not sure whether you could use your controller. I would suggest contacting the company that produces NexSXW and NexSXD. Their site is:
I contacted Celestron about the hand controller. They told me that any upgradeable hand controller would be fine as long as I put the right GEM firmware onto it - so I guess my controller is fine.
I now need to work out my finances, as we yesterday had an accident (cooktop glass broken) that might need replacement - you know the wife will tell me which is the higher priority.
I am glad to hear that your controller can be upgraded. This is what I would expect - the same electronics just different software to match the mount features.
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