Vixen AXJ with encoders or 10Micron GM1000 HPS - Forums

Topic starter

Jun 11, 2025

Hello everyone,

I'm currently considering whether to buy a Vixen AXJ with encoders or go for a 10Micron GM1000 HPS.
What's most important to me is being able to expose for a certain amount of time without guiding.
As far as I can tell, both mounts meet my requirements. However, the Vixen is about €3000 cheaper.

Unfortunately, there's very little information to be found about the Vixen, especially in combination with the encoders.
I would be very grateful for any experiences with this setup.

I use everything from a small 60mm Tak to a C11 for astrophotography.

I would, of course, also be very grateful for any further experiences or tips on which mount would be the better choice.

Greetings from Germany
Brian

Well Written Respectful Engaging

Riccardo Civati

Jun 11, 2025

why not an ioptron cem 70Ec or 120 EC? now i am shooting without guiding with a tec 140 ED, exposure time up to 10 minutes

Brian

Topic starter

Jun 11, 2025

I owned iOptrons and only had problems.
So I want something with more quality

Riccardo Civati

Jun 11, 2025

so, trident JTW?

Brad

Jun 11, 2025

I know nothing of the Vixen but I do own a GM 10000. The 10u is one of those machined products that just scream "quality" as soon a you open the box. The machining and finish is flawless. It is something you appreciate every time you use it. The Vixen may be just good in that regard, but at first glance, I wonder if it is as well engineered. For example, I have never been a fan of the Vixen style Alt-Az adjustments.

I have never guided the 10u, and accurate tracking isn't something I even think about. The GM 1000 has good aftermarket software support as well (Mount Wizzard, Model Creator, NINA plug-ins, etc), not that there is anything wrong (IMHO) with the included software. I would absolutely buy again.