10Micron AZ4000 HPS Alt-Azimuth Mount
Price as Configured: $32,314.00
The 10Micron AZ4000HPS is the flagship of the AZ-HPS series — a professional-grade altazimuth research mount based on the mechanics of the GM4000HPS II, carrying up to 150 kg (330 lbs) of instrument payload with 10Micron's precision absolute encoders and sub-arcsecond tracking. Built for institutional observatories, research facilities, and demanding multi-telescope programs, the AZ4000HPS can be configured for simultaneous dual-telescope operation at 150 kg + 100 kg (330 + 220 lbs).
Deep Space Products is the exclusive certified 10Micron service and support provider in the United States. A 30% deposit is required at order placement; the balance and shipping are due before shipment. 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 lead times before ordering.
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The 10Micron AZ4000HPS: The Flagship Research Altazimuth
The AZ4000HPS is the most capable mount in 10Micron's HPS altazimuth series — a professional research instrument that carries the heaviest optical systems available to serious astronomers, in an altazimuth configuration that offers distinct operational advantages for survey programs, satellite tracking, multi-telescope observatories, and scientific measurement applications. Deep Space Products is the exclusive certified 10Micron service and support provider in the United States, and is well positioned to help plan, configure, and support observatories built around this mount.
Built on the GM4000HPS II mechanical platform
The AZ4000HPS shares its complete mechanical foundation with the GM4000HPS II equatorial mount — the same 85 mm azimuth axis, 80 mm altitude axis, 430-tooth B14 bronze azimuth worm wheel (330 mm diameter), and 315-tooth altitude worm wheel (244 mm diameter). Movements are driven by servo brushless motors through a zero-backlash timing belt transmission. The result is a mount with the structural rigidity and drive precision to support a 300 mm aperture refractor, a 400 mm Newtonian reflector, or a large CDK or RC telescope — and to track it with sub-arcsecond accuracy for hours of uninterrupted operation.
At 125 kg (276 lbs) of mount weight, the AZ4000HPS is a permanent installation. It belongs on a solid concrete pier in a dome or roll-off-roof observatory, and that is exactly what it is engineered for.
Precision that doesn't compromise at scale
Despite its size, the AZ4000HPS delivers the same HPS-class pointing and tracking performance as the smallest mount in the series. Factory-calibrated absolute encoders on both axes maintain position without realignment after power interruptions. The on-board multi-star pointing model (up to 100 stars) delivers pointing accuracy under 20 arcseconds RMS. Average tracking accuracy holds below ±1 arcsecond per 15 minutes (0.7″ RMS) with atmospheric refraction compensation — whether the mount is carrying 30 kg or 150 kg.
Because of the altazimuth design, long-exposure astrophotography requires a field de-rotator (ASCOM-compatible). Deep Space Products can recommend compatible field de-rotators — the PlaneWave IR90 and Optec Gemini are commonly paired with large AZ-HPS mounts. For visual astronomy, planetary and solar system imaging, satellite tracking, survey and patrol programs, photometric and astrometric work, and LiDAR applications, no de-rotator is required.
Up to four optical tubes simultaneously
The optional dual-telescope configuration (10M400DAZ) mounts a second instrument on the opposing side of the AZ4000HPS — 150 kg primary plus 100 kg secondary, with the option of two or more instruments per side using dual Losmandy/Maxi/Lodual/Maxidual plates. In maximum configuration, four optical tubes can operate simultaneously from one mount — a capability that makes the AZ4000HPS uniquely suited to multi-program observatory operations, multi-wavelength survey campaigns, and high-efficiency observing nights. All mounting plates from the GM4000 series are compatible with the dual-telescope configuration.
Observatory automation and remote operation
The AZ4000HPS is purpose-built for unattended and fully automated observatory operation. The firmware manages electronic balance assist (balance adjustment without releasing clutches), multiple user-defined park positions, and automatic atmospheric refraction compensation. Full remote operation is available through the web interface on any browser and any device, or via ASCOM-compatible software. The V3 control box carries an ARM-based Linux processor, industrial Binder connectors, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, RS-232, GPS with PPS signal for precision satellite tracking, an ST-4 autoguide port, and a 6-pin AUX interface for remote power control and monitoring.
Cold-temperature operation
A special low-temperature version of the AZ4000HPS is available for sites experiencing sustained sub-zero conditions (to −35°C / −31°F). This option — which must be specified at the time of order and cannot be added post-delivery — includes special low-temperature lubricants (certified to −60°C or lower), copper wiring with silicone sheathing, and electronic components rated to −40°C, endurance-tested at −35°C at the 10Micron facility.
If you are planning an observatory build around the AZ4000HPS, contact Deep Space Products early in the planning process. We can advise on pier design, power systems, and automation infrastructure, and manage the full service lifecycle once the mount is in operation. Contact Deep Space Products before placing your order.
