10Micron AZ1000HPS Enhanced Performance Alt-Azimuth Mount
Price as Configured: $11,987.00
The 10Micron AZ1000HPS EP (Enhanced Performance) is the altazimuth counterpart of the GM1000HPS EP — sharing the same mechanical platform, 30 kg (66 lb) payload capacity, and sub-arcsecond HPS tracking precision in a portable 19.5 kg (43 lb) body. Designed for satellite tracking, photometric and astrometric measurements, seeing monitoring, and scientific observing programs where an altazimuth configuration is preferred or required, the AZ1000HPS EP is among the most capable portable alt-azimuth mounts available.
Deep Space Products is the exclusive certified 10Micron service and support provider in the United States, keeping all firmware updates, diagnostics, and repairs fully domestic. A DSP Remote hosting discount is available — ask us about it before you order. Sales are limited to North and South America.
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The 10Micron AZ1000HPS EP: Portable Alt-Azimuth Precision at 66 lbs of Payload
The AZ1000HPS EP (Enhanced Performance) is the altazimuth evolution of 10Micron's acclaimed GM1000HPS EP equatorial mount — sharing the same reinforced mechanical platform, 30 kg (66 lbs) of instrument payload capacity, and the factory-calibrated absolute encoder system that delivers sub-arcsecond tracking precision. At 19.5 kg (43 lbs) without accessories, it is one of the most capable portable alt-azimuth mounts available anywhere, and it carries the same V3 control box, web interface, and standalone operating intelligence as the rest of the HPS EP series.
The GM1000HPS EP platform — reoriented for alt-azimuth work
The AZ1000HPS EP is not a separate design — it is built on the identical mechanical core as the GM1000HPS EP. Both mounts share the same 32 mm (AZ) and 30 mm (Alt) alloy steel axes, the same pre-loaded tapered roller bearings, 250-tooth B14 bronze worm wheels, 20 mm alloy steel worm gears, and backlash-free timing belt transmission. Both mount heads weigh 19.5 kg (43 lbs). The difference is orientation: where the GM1000HPS EP aligns one axis to the celestial pole for long-exposure deep-sky work, the AZ1000HPS EP points one axis toward the zenith for applications where alt-azimuth geometry is advantageous — or simply preferred.
Because of the altazimuth design, long-exposure astrophotography requires a field de-rotator (ASCOM-compatible, available separately). For satellite tracking, photometric and astrometric measurements, seeing monitoring, solar system imaging, video astronomy, short-exposure survey work, and visual observing, the AZ1000HPS EP operates without any rotator. Deep Space Products can advise on compatible field de-rotator options if your program requires long-exposure imaging.
HPS precision: absolute encoders and a pointing model that holds all night
HPS stands for High Precision and Speed. Factory-calibrated absolute encoders on both axes achieve a readout error below 0.1 arcseconds and never lose position — not after a power interruption, not after a manual axis movement. The on-board pointing model (up to 100 alignment stars) delivers pointing accuracy under 20 arcseconds RMS and holds average tracking error below ±1 arcsecond per 15 minutes (0.7″ RMS) with atmospheric refraction compensation. Go-to slew speeds reach 15°/s. The on-board firmware tracks satellites, comets, and asteroids using loaded orbital elements — no external PC required for any of this.
Portable by design — without compromising the engineering
The AZ1000HPS EP's 43 lb mount head is among the lightest in its payload class. Most GM1000 HPS EP accessories are directly compatible, giving AZ1000HPS EP owners access to the same range of tripods (Aries, Hercules), piers, pier adapters, counterweights, and dovetail plates as the equatorial version. The mount ships with a Losmandy 3″ and Vixen GP dual dovetail clamp, short counterweight bar, and a heavy-duty transport carton with shaped foam. Precise counterbalancing is not required — using counterweights at approximately 50% of payload provides a sufficiently stable configuration.
The V3 control box uses ARM-based processing and industrial-grade Binder connectors from Germany. Connectivity includes Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS-232, GPS with PPS signal, and an ST-4 autoguide port. The full web interface is accessible from any browser without additional software. The heated, dimmable keypad is readable in full darkness and glove-compatible.
Silver version for solar observing
The AZ1000HPS EP Silver (10M-1030AZS) features silver anodization in place of the standard black finish. The more reflective surface reduces heat absorption during daytime solar observing sessions — a meaningful advantage when the mount is operating in direct sunlight for extended periods. All technical specifications are identical to the standard version.
Why Deep Space Products
Deep Space Products is the only certified 10Micron service center in the United States. Firmware updates, diagnostics, and repairs stay domestic — no shipping to Italy required. Contact Deep Space Products before ordering to discuss tripod options, field de-rotator compatibility, or hosting at DSP Remote.
