AZ3000 HPS

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The AZ3000 HPS is a heavy-duty Alt-Azimuth mount engineered to merge the mechanical excellence of the renowned GM3000 series with the requirements of modern professional observation. This "Go-to" system integrates 10Micron’s exclusive HPS technology, featuring absolute on-axis encoders and high-performance brushless motors to deliver elite tracking and pointing accuracy. Our sky modeling eliminates the need for autoguiding, reducing setup complexity, weight, and costs while enabling tracking where guide stars are critical or unavailable. The AZ3000 HPS offers a versatile, high-capacity, stiff platform and allows for an optional dual-telescope configuration.

Heritage and Vision

First introduced in 2018, the AZ3000 HPS was developed to complete the 10Micron product line by extending proven mechanical architectures into the Alt-azimuth domain. It represents the brand’s commitment to reaching professional and niche markets where reliability and high-load precision are non-negotiable. While it draws on decades of Italian engineering expertise, the current AZ3000 HPS is a modern evolution, integrating contemporary electronics to meet the rigorous standards of global scientific institutions.

Applications and Targets

The AZ3000 HPS is specifically designed for high-end research, institutional, and educational environments. Its architecture makes it an ideal instrument for LEO satellite tracking, space debris monitoring, and laser communication (LiDaR) applications. Furthermore, its stability and precision support advanced scientific activities such as high-resolution spectroscopy and photometric or astrometric measurements.

Payload and Setup

The standard configuration supports a single optical tube up to 100 kg (220lb). For more complex setups, an optional dual-telescope kit expands the total capacity to 100 + 65 kg (220 + 143 lb), allowing for simultaneous multi-wavelength observations or instrument redundancy.

Designed for efficiency, the system does not require exact counterbalancing; using counterweights equivalent to approximately 50% of the payload ensures a safe and optimal configuration. This approach simplifies setup and maximizes performance.

Motion and Mechanical Engineering

At the core of the AZ3000 HPS is our exclusive HPS technology, which utilizes a traditional, high-precision worm-gear system paired with high-performance motor drives and absolute encoders mounted directly on the axes. This features enable remarkable pointing accuracy (under 20”) and tracking precision typical of less than 1" over 15 minutes. A timing belt transmission ensures a backlash-free movement with automatic recovery, capable of reaching slew speeds up to 12° per second.

Advanced Control and Connectivity

The system is powered by the Control Box, featuring a new high-end processor and industrial-grade Binder connectors for extreme environmental resilience. It includes a specialized GPS interface with a PPS signal for ultra-precise timekeeping, essential for satellite work. Users can operate the mount via the ergonomic, heated keypad or through an integrated web interface that allows for comprehensive remote control and firmware updates via LAN or Wi-Fi.

The software ecosystem completes the package with advanced firmware capable of 100-star sky modeling, which corrects for mechanical flexure and atmospheric refraction. This allows for full remote control and automated workflows, ensuring the mount functions as a truly intelligent node in any research environment.

Explore our comprehensive range of included features and products in detail. Here, you will find a selection of dedicated articles covering different aspects of our mounts.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

Cold Temperature Version: This option allows operation down to -30°C (-22°F). It includes special low-temperature lubricants, silicone-sheathed wiring, and certified electronics for flawless performance in harsh environments.

INCLUDED ITEMS

Note: This product does not include counterweights. You can find them sold separately in our pricelist.