10Micron GM3000HPS Equatorial Mount
Price as Configured: $21,419.00
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Frequently asked questions about the 10Micron GM3000HPS
How accurate is the tracking on the GM3000HPS — can I really image without autoguiding?
Yes, and this is the mount's most compelling capability. With a pointing model built from 25 or more stars, the GM3000HPS delivers tracking accuracy better than 0.7 arcseconds RMS over 15-minute intervals — enough to shoot unguided at focal lengths exceeding 2,000mm. The absolute encoders integrated into both axes are the reason: unlike gear-count systems, they continuously verify the mount's actual position and correct in real time for periodic error, flexure, atmospheric refraction, and polar alignment offsets. Users running CDK17 and 16-inch Ritchey-Chrétien astrographs report clean, round stars on 10-minute unguided exposures. If you want autoguiding as a fallback, the GM3000HPS includes an ST-4 compatible autoguide port.
What's the biggest practical difference between the GM3000HPS and the GM2000HPS II Combi?
Beyond the payload jump from 110 lbs to 220 lbs, the single most significant difference for observatory use is internal cable routing through both axes. The GM3000HPS is bored through the RA and declination axes so that instrumentation cables — USB, power, camera control, focuser, filter wheel — pass cleanly through the mount head and emerge near the payload saddle. This eliminates cable snag, flex failures, and the reliability issues that come with exposed cable runs over months of unattended operation. The GM2000HPS II Combi, designed partly for field portability, does not offer this. If you are building a permanent or remote observatory, internal cable routing is a meaningful long-term reliability upgrade.
How does the GM3000HPS compare to the Astro-Physics 1600GTO and the Paramount ME II?
All three are serious observatory mounts at similar payload ratings. The AP 1600GTO splits into lighter pieces (approximately 57 lbs and 40 lbs) making it easier to move than the GM3000's 143 lb head — an advantage if your installation requires occasional transport. The 1600GTO's absolute encoder upgrade is optional and adds cost; the GM3000HPS includes absolute encoders as a standard, integrated component. The Paramount ME II weighs approximately 85 lbs and carries a stated payload of 240 lbs; dual on-axis encoders are not included in the base price. The ME II integrates tightly with Software Bisque's TPoint/TheSkyX platform, which is excellent if you're already committed to that ecosystem. The GM3000HPS's standalone controller is ASCOM-native and works with NINA, Voyager, MaximDL, TheSkyX, and SGPro without platform lock-in. Deep Space Products is the exclusive U.S. service provider for the GM3000HPS; for service on AP or Paramount mounts, different support channels apply.
What telescopes can I mount on the GM3000HPS?
The GM3000HPS's 220 lb payload rating comfortably accommodates the instruments most commonly paired with it: PlaneWave CDK14 and CDK17 astrographs with full imaging trains, Takahashi TOA-150 and Epsilon-180 refractors, 14–16-inch Ritchey-Chrétien configurations, and dual OTA side-by-side setups with two mid-aperture refractors. The counterweight shaft is 50mm diameter (matched to GM3000-specific 44 lb counterweights). Dovetail options include 3" Losmandy, 4" 10Micron Maxi, and 5" or 8" wide-format plates for heavier configurations — a flange adapter (item #10M-3545) is required when using standard 3" or 4" saddles directly on the GM3000 mount head. Deep Space Products can help you confirm the right saddle and accessory combination for your specific optical tube before you order.
Can I leave the GM3000HPS set up permanently in a roll-off roof or dome observatory?
Yes — the GM3000HPS is purpose-built for permanent installation. The Controlbox V3 features Binder industrial-grade connectors rated for moisture, dust, and temperature extremes; the standard operating range is –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C). The mount includes RS-232 output for dome rotation control and supports remote access via Ethernet or WiFi. The standalone Linux-based controller executes full imaging runs without any external PC, making it well-suited for remote observatories with intermittent connectivity. For installations at extreme high-altitude or northern-latitude sites where temperatures regularly drop below –4°F, the optional ColdTemp upgrade (item #10M-3000F) extends operation to –22°F (–30°C). This option must be specified at time of order and cannot be retrofitted.
What software does the GM3000HPS work with?
The GM3000HPS communicates via ASCOM, the LX200/Meade command protocol, and the AP GTO command set, making it compatible with every major astrophotography automation platform: NINA, Voyager, MaximDL, TheSkyX, Sequence Generator Pro (SGP), ACP, and others. WiFi and Ethernet connectivity are built in. The mount's own firmware handles pointing model creation, multi-object tracking (including comets, asteroids, and satellites from user-loaded orbital elements), and dome control — no external modeling software is required, though third-party tools like Sequence Generator Pro's built-in model assistant and Per Frejvall's automated model-building software work well with the 10Micron protocol. Mac users can control the mount via any ASCOM-compatible platform running over the network.
Does Deep Space Products service the GM3000HPS in the United States?
Yes — Deep Space Products is the exclusive certified U.S. service and support provider for all 10Micron mounts, including the GM3000HPS. DSP handles firmware updates, diagnostics, and repairs domestically, meaning your mount never needs to ship overseas for service. This is a meaningful long-term ownership consideration: at the $21K+ price point, having North American service infrastructure — with a team that has installed, configured, and operated these mounts — is part of what you're buying when you purchase through Deep Space Products.
What's included in the GM3000HPS package, and what do I need to buy separately?
The standard package includes the mount head with absolute encoders on both axes, Controlbox V3 with standalone Linux controller, professional hand control with graphic display and red backlight, counterweight shaft, all required cables, and integrated WiFi. A mandatory shipping kit (item #10M-3199, $626) — including a wooden pallet-box and steel pier adapter flange — is required for all GM3000 orders and appears as a required selection at checkout; the pier adapter is not just for shipping, you will need it for pier installation. Counterweights are not included in the standard package — the GM3000-specific 44 lb (20 kg) counterweight (item #10M-3083, $590) uses a 50mm bore matched to the GM3000 counterweight shaft and is available as an add-on. Contact Deep Space Products before finalizing your configuration if you have questions about counterweight quantity for your specific payload.
