10Micron AZ3000HPS Alt-Azimuth Mount
Price as Configured: $23,385.00
The 10Micron AZ3000HPS is a full observatory-class altazimuth mount built on the mechanical platform of the GM3000HPS equatorial mount, carrying up to 100 kg (220 lbs) of instrument payload with the precision absolute encoders and sub-arcsecond tracking accuracy that define the 10Micron HPS series. Designed for permanent observatory installations, remotized observing sites, and institutional programs requiring high-throughput multi-telescope survey capability, the AZ3000HPS brings research-grade performance to altazimuth astronomy at this payload class.
Deep Space Products is the exclusive certified 10Micron service and support provider in the United States. All firmware updates, diagnostics, and repairs are handled domestically. A DSP Remote hosting discount is available for mounts installed at our Bortle 1 facility in southwest New Mexico. Sales are limited to North and South America — please inquire about availability before ordering.
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The 10Micron AZ3000HPS: Observatory-Class Altazimuth Precision
The AZ3000HPS is 10Micron's mid-tier observatory altazimuth mount, sharing the full mechanical core of the GM3000HPS equatorial mount while offering the configuration advantages of an alt-azimuth design. At 100 kg (220 lbs) of single-telescope payload capacity — expandable to 100 kg + 65 kg (220 + 143 lbs) in dual-telescope mode — the AZ3000HPS supports instruments that go well beyond the range of any portable or semi-portable mount: 300 mm refractors, 400 mm Newtonian reflectors, and large Cassegrain and RC systems are firmly within its working envelope.
Built for observatory permanence
The AZ3000HPS is designed for fixed-pier, permanent observatory use. Its 80/50 mm alloy steel axes and large-diameter B14 bronze worm wheels — 315 teeth at 247 mm diameter on the azimuth axis and 255 teeth at 192 mm diameter on the altitude axis — deliver the structural rigidity required for heavy, long optical trains in sustained operation. Movements are driven by servo brushless motors through a backlash-free timing belt transmission. Both axes carry precision absolute encoders that maintain orientation without realignment after power cycles or interruptions, making the AZ3000HPS well-suited to automated and fully remote operation.
HPS precision in an altazimuth format
Every AZ3000HPS achieves pointing accuracy under 20 arcseconds RMS with the on-board multi-star pointing model, and average tracking accuracy below ±1 arcsecond per 15 minutes (0.7″ RMS) with atmospheric refraction compensation. Go-to slew speeds are adjustable from 2°/s to 12°/s. The on-board firmware tracks the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, and artificial satellites using on-board orbital elements — no external PC required for any of these functions.
Because of the altazimuth design, long-exposure astrophotography requires a field de-rotator (ASCOM-compatible). For visual astronomy, planetary imaging, satellite tracking, survey and patrol programs, photometric and astrometric measurements, and LiDAR applications, the AZ3000HPS operates without a rotator. Deep Space Products can advise on compatible field de-rotator options if your program requires long-exposure imaging capability.
Remote operation
The AZ3000HPS is a natural fit for unmanned, automated observatory programs. User-defined parking positions, electronic balance assist (balance without releasing the clutches), and a fully capable web interface accessible from any browser make it easy to configure for lights-out operation. The V3 control box carries an ARM-based Linux processor, industrial-grade Binder connectors, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS-232, GPS with PPS signal, an ST-4 autoguide port, and a 6-pin AUX interface for remote power control. The heated, dimmable keypad is glove-compatible and operates reliably at standard temperatures down to −15°C.
Single and dual-telescope configurations
The standard AZ3000HPS mounts a single optical tube to one side of the mount, supplied with a 50 mm stainless steel counterweight bar. An optional dual-telescope configuration (10M300DAZ) allows a second instrument on the opposing side — 100 kg primary + 65 kg secondary — enabling simultaneous multi-wavelength imaging, survey redundancy, or multi-program observatory operation. Saddle plates are ordered separately; contact Deep Space Products to match plate configuration to your optical tubes.
Cold-temperature operation
The AZ3000HPS is available in a special low-temperature version (10M-3000AZF) for installations that experience sustained sub-zero conditions. Contact Deep Space Products to discuss cold-temperature specifications for your site.
Deep Space Products is the only certified 10Micron service center in the United States. Every AZ3000HPS sold through DSP comes with full domestic service, firmware support, and access to Deep Space Products' deep experience integrating 10Micron mounts into permanent and remotized observatory systems. Contact us before placing your order.
