SOLD: Astro-Physics 900 QMD German Equatorial Mount and Pier

Cobalt · #1 22-03-2008, 12:08 AM

Astro-Physics 900 QMD mount with quartz micro drive controller and built-in digital 4000 step encoders. Up-gradable. Powered by 12V DC. Comes with height adjustable sectioned transportable 20cm dia. black aluminium pier with feet, Astro-Physics 15" dovetail mounting plate and slide bar, 8kg stainless steel counterweight on removable 4.5kg ss shaft. Equatorial head is in excellent condition. Pier shows signs of wear. Mount was purchased direct from Astro-Physics USA in Oct 1997. Mount has received little use and has been in storage. Plans fell through to re-locate to dark sky location and have sold my astronomy equipment due to other commitments.

All machined mounting made from aluminium barstock. Unique dovetail machined into the mating surfaces of the RA and Dec axes allows for easy dis-assembly of the head, without tools, into two manageable sections. Dec axis with saddle plate: 7.3kg; RA axis: 10kg. RA worm wheel: 7.2" 225 tooth aluminium; Dec worm wheel: 6" 225 tooth aluminium. Worm gears: brass. RA shaft: 2.2" dia. Dec shaft: 1.75" Dia. Porter slip ring design setting circles. Height to centre of mounting plate in standard set-up: 164cm.

$5,750 negotiable plus shipping. Email for images. Inspection welcome to those genuinely interested in purchasing. Located in Oyster Bay, Sydney.

Martin

g__day (Matthew) · #2 22-03-2008, 12:49 AM

All I can say is wow! Do you really have to sell Martin - these mounts have an impressive pedigree! Can the Quartz Micro Drive be upgraded to the discontinued Servo Micro drive - or is it hop straight to the GTOCP3 system if one wanted to bring it current?

Post some picture too please - be nice to see some shots of such craftsmanship!

Cobalt · #3 25-03-2008, 11:21 AM

Here are a few images of the mount as requested.

g__day (Matthew) · #4 25-03-2008, 08:04 PM

Martin,

That is a truly beautiful mount - guys this is a really good bargain at that price - you don't get much more of a reputation than AP!

If I hadn't bought my Atlux I'd be seriously tempted!

Matthew

Rob S · #5 26-03-2008, 10:49 AM

Martin,

Can the mount be upgraded to the current GTO configuration?

Regards,

Rob.

Cobalt · #6 26-03-2008, 11:18 AM

Hi Rob,

As far as I know, not directly through Astro-Physics but I have seen mention of a GOTO function being added to this particular mount in captions attached to images and equipment lists from other owners.

Cheers
Martin