10Micron GM1000HPS Enhanced Performance Equatorial Mount
Price as Configured: $11,987.00
The GM1000HPS EP delivers observatory-grade tracking in a portable form factor—66 lbs (30 kg) of payload capacity with sub-arcsecond precision that eliminates the need for autoguiding in most applications. Deep Space Products is the exclusive certified U.S. servicer for 10Micron, providing factory-trained support without shipping overseas. Customers purchasing a GM1000HPS EP can receive a discount for hosting at DSP Remote, our Bortle 1 facility in New Mexico. Contact us to discuss your imaging goals—we'll help you configure the right package.
10Micron products are serviced in the United States by Deep Space Products. We are proud to be the only certified servicer and support provider for 10Micron products in North America.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the 10Micron GM1000HPS EP
Can I really image unguided with this mount?
Yes. Users consistently report 5-minute unguided exposures at 2,000mm focal length with round stars—and many push to 10+ minutes depending on conditions and setup rigidity. The key is building a solid pointing model (25–50 stars is typical) during twilight, which takes about 15–30 minutes with NINA or 10Micron's own Model Maker software. Deep Space Products recommends running the logging software during your first sessions so we can help optimize your setup if needed.
How does the GM1000HPS EP compare to harmonic drive mounts like the Pegasus NYX or Rainbow RST?
Harmonic drive mounts are lighter, more portable, and don't require counterweights—excellent for widefield imaging at focal lengths under 1,000mm. The GM1000HPS EP is heavier (43 lbs mount head) and requires counterweights, but it excels at longer focal lengths where the absolute encoders, precision worm gears, and structural rigidity provide tracking performance that harmonic drives can't match. If you're imaging with a 6-inch refractor at 1,500mm+, the 10Micron engineering margins become the difference between usable and unusable data.
What telescopes can I use with the GM1000HPS EP?
The 66 lb (30 kg) payload capacity supports 150mm-class refractors (like a Takahashi FSQ-106ED with full imaging train), 200mm Newtonians, 280mm Cassegrains (such as a Celestron C11 EdgeHD), and similar optical systems. The mount works well with Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes, astrographs, and camera lenses on tracking platforms. When selecting equipment, consider not just weight but also form factor—very long optical tubes can introduce flexure even if they're within payload limits.
Is this mount portable or is it better for a permanent observatory?
The GM1000HPS EP is technically portable—at 43 lbs for the mount head alone, it's at the heavy end of what most people want to carry to a dark site, but it can be done. Many owners use it as a semi-portable platform: set up once on a patio or backyard pier and leave it configured between sessions. For permanent observatories, it's an excellent choice, especially with DSP Remote hosting where your mount can image under Bortle 1 skies while you control it from home.
Does Deep Space Products service 10Micron mounts?
Yes. Deep Space Products is the exclusive certified U.S. servicer for 10Micron, with factory training from 10Micron's facility in Italy. We handle warranty service, repairs, firmware updates, and technical support without requiring you to ship your mount overseas. We also provide remote diagnostics using 10Micron's built-in logging system—in many cases, we can identify and resolve issues without the mount ever leaving your observatory.
What's the difference between the GM1000HPS EP and the original GM1000HPS?
The EP (Enhanced Performance) version features reinforced RA and DEC axes, larger bearings, redesigned worm gear housings, and a 32mm RA axis (up from 30mm). These improvements increase payload capacity by 20%—from 55 lbs to 66 lbs—while maintaining the same weight and price point. If you're choosing between them, the EP offers more headroom for future upgrades to heavier imaging setups.
How long does polar alignment and model building take?
With NINA's Three-Point Polar Alignment plugin, polar alignment takes about 5 minutes. Building a 25–30 star pointing model takes another 15–30 minutes depending on your comfort level with the process. The entire setup can be completed during astronomical twilight, so you lose no dark-sky imaging time. Once you have a model for a permanent location, it can be saved and reloaded in seconds.
What software does the GM1000HPS EP work with?
The mount is fully compatible with ASCOM and INDI, integrating with NINA (which has a dedicated 10Micron plugin for model building), TheSkyX, Sequence Generator Pro, MaxIm DL, PHD2, and other standard imaging platforms. 10Micron provides its own virtual keypad software, Model Maker for Windows, and the mount also supports the Meade LX200 command protocol for legacy software compatibility.
