GM2000 HPS II COMBI

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The GM2000 HPS II Combi is a premium German Equatorial mount designed to bridge the gap between portable field use and permanent observatory performance. 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.

As the successor to the Monolith and Ultraport models, the Combi features a unique "splittable" dual-body design with an integrated locking system that guarantees the structural stability of a fixed pier Mount, required for high-end astrophotography and scientific observation, while maintaining the versatility of a transportable system.

Heritage and Vision

Launched originally in 2001 as 10Micron’s first flagship product, the GM2000 serves as the historic foundation of our brand. It was born from the field experience of amateur astronomers and the mechanical expertise of the Mariotti family to provide the ideal mid-sized platform for dedicated enthusiasts. In 2011, it became the first mount to debut our revolutionary HPS (High Precision and Speed) technology, establishing the industry benchmark for closed-loop motion control that we continue to evolve today, with the clean lines and careful craftsmanship of authentic Italian design.

Applications and Targets

This mount is the primary choice for advanced amateur astronomers, research institutions, and educational facilities seeking professional-grade performance. Its precision makes it ideal for deep-sky astrophotography, where it eliminates the need for autoguiding, as well as for specialized tasks such as satellite tracking, exoplanet monitoring, and spectroscopic investigation. Its robust construction ensures reliable operation in demanding remote observatory environments and extreme field conditions.

Payload and Setup

With an instrument payload capacity of 50 kg (110 lb), the GM2000 HPS II Combi is optimized for a wide range of high-performance optics. It is perfectly suited for setups such as 180 mm refractors, 250 mm Newtonian reflectors, or Cassegrain telescopes up to 360 mm. The system is designed for maximum versatility, allowing users to host diverse instrumentation by simply adjusting the 40 mm stainless steel counterweight shaft.

Motion and Mechanical Engineering

Movement is powered by 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 configuration enables exceptional slewing speeds of up to 20°/sec with zero backlash. The system continuously monitors and corrects motion at a 1/10 arcsecond resolution, ensuring near-perfect tracking free from mechanical error.

The 'Combi' architecture allows the mount to be separated into two manageable modules (18 kg and 15 kg). This makes transport easy for a single person with no internal cables to manage, while integrated mechanical locking screws ensure the long-term stability required for permanent installations.

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.

Silver Version: This option shares all standard technical specifications. Its silver color anodization creates a more reflective surface, making it particularly suitable for outdoor exposure such as dedicated solar observations.

INCLUDED ITEMS

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