AZ1000 HPS EP – Enhanced Performance

The AZ1000 HPS EP represents the evolution of 10Micron’s flagship altazimuth mount. Based on the proven AZ1000 HPS, the Enhanced Performance version introduces targeted structural upgrades that increase payload capacity by 20%—now supporting up to 66 lb. (30 kg)—while maintaining its renowned portability and precision.

This makes the AZ1000 HPS EP the ultimate choice for researchers and professionals who need a field-deployable, high-speed, high-accuracy mount with unmatched versatility.

Structural and Mechanical Advancements

The AZ1000HPS EP benefits from significant mechanical enhancements, starting with reinforced right ascension and declination axes. These have been thickened and redesigned for increased rigidity, reducing flexure and vibration even under heavy imaging setups. New, larger bearings complement these changes, offering smoother, more stable motion and better support for high loads.

The worm gear assemblies have also been upgraded. The redesigned housings now include more robust supports, improving tracking stability and minimizing flexure within the drive system. Combined with 10Micron’s improved CNC manufacturing and the use of 3D coordinate measuring machines (CMM), these changes ensure greater precision and consistency across every unit.

Internally, the mount continues to feature classic worm-and-wheel mechanics: 125 mm diameter bronze worm wheels (250 teeth) paired with 20 mm alloy steel worms on both the Right Ascension (RA) and Declination (DEC) axes. The 32 mm (RA) and 30 mm (DEC) alloy steel axis shafts provide maximum torsional stiffness, while the dual dovetail saddle supports both Losmandy (D-series) and Vixen (V-series)-style mounting plates for broad telescope compatibility.

New Control Architecture and Electronics

At the core of the EP upgrade is the new V3 control box, which houses modernized electronics and industrial-grade connectors. This improved hardware enables faster command execution, more robust data handling, and greater reliability—whether in field deployments or long-term remote installations.

The system includes a stand-alone keypad for direct control without a PC, featuring red backlit ergonomic keys, a high-visibility display, and a built-in heater for cold weather use. For advanced users, 10Micron offers full PC control via Ethernet, WiFi, or RS-232, compatible with popular imaging platforms such as NINA, Sequence Generator Pro, and TheSkyX. The included virtual keypad software replicates all hardware keypad functions for remote operation. In addition, you can use a fully-functional web-based virtual keypad control with direct access to manuals and updates. All 10Micron mounts are fully ASCOM compatible with 10Micron's in-house programmed ASCOM driver.

High-Precision Tracking and Pointing

The AZ1000HPS EP is designed for precise, unattended imaging. Its onboard pointing model can include up to 100 stars, correcting for polar alignment, mechanical flexure, and atmospheric refraction. This allows for pointing accuracy better than 20 arcseconds and tracking precision within ±1 arcsecond, typically under 0.7" RMS over 15-minute exposures—often eliminating the need for autoguiding.

Should guiding be necessary, the mount supports ST4-compatible guiding and control through Ethernet, WiFi, or serial interfaces, with configurable guide rates and automatic declination compensation to maintain calibration across the sky. Meridian flips are handled gracefully, with configurable tracking up to 30° past the meridian in either direction—ensuring at least four hours of uninterrupted imaging.

Engineered for Portability and Remote Use

Despite its increased capacity, the AZ1000HPS EP remains highly transportable. The main mount body weighs just 43 lbs (19.5 kg) (excluding the counterweight shaft), making it ideal for mobile setups and remote installations alike. Designed for both observatory and field use, the mount supports remote on/off control, multiple park positions, and electronic balance functions—allowing users to check or adjust balance without releasing the clutches.

The mount is fully compatible with certain dome control systems via RS-232 and supports autonomous solar system object tracking, including comets, asteroids, and artificial satellites. These can be loaded via orbital elements and tracked directly using the onboard interface, without the need for a PC.

10Micron’s systems are trusted in harsh environments across the globe, from desert observatories and educational institutions to northern Canada and the Atacama Plateau.

Package Options

Standard Package Includes:

• Mount head with absolute encoders on both axes
• V3 control box and stand-alone hand pad
• QCI 2.8 software
• Counterweight shaft
• Dual Losmandy/Vixen-style dovetail clamp
• Power supply, cables, and integrated WiFi

Complete Package Adds:

• One 6 kg (13.2 lbs) counterweight
• One 3 kg (6.6 lbs) counterweight
• 10Micron Aries tripod with soft case
• Protective bag for the mount head
• Hard cases for mount and accessories
• Laser pointer mount
• Perseus software

An à la carte option is also available so you can add a Berlebach PLANET tripod, offering a robust and adjustable alternative to the Aries tripod. View the PLANET tripod.

Take the Next Step in Science and Astrophotography

The AZ1000HPS EP is the culmination of years of development, testing, and feedback from serious imagers worldwide. It brings observatory-grade performance to a portable form factor—without compromise.

If you're ready to elevate your imaging with industry-leading pointing accuracy, long-term tracking stability, and robust remote control capabilities, the AZ1000HPS EP is ready to meet the challenge.

Each improvement in the AZ1000 HPS EP directly benefits field and institutional users who require uncompromising mechanical stability, high-precision tracking, and modern remote-control capability in an alt-azimuth mount.

Contact us today to request a quote, check availability, or learn more about how the AZ1000HPS EP can transform your imaging workflow.