ASA DDM85XL Premium Direct Drive Mount

Stability and trans-portability are key with a good mount and that is exactly what ASA had in mind with their DDM85XL Premium Direct Drive Mount! Since this is the premium version in the DDM85 mount series, it has a payload of 220 Ibs! With built in 85mm thick hollow axles, massive tapered roller bearings, motors with high torque with excellent control, and accurate encoders, this is a must have for professional amateur astronomers! The carbon fiber outer case also gives it a unique appearance among mounts. All parts crucial for a direct drive GoTo mount are included with proper use of the right external computer and software. The USB ports, the power connector and Data Link sockets are located on the mount plate with the internal hollow axles. This helps get rid of the irritating and annoying tangling when tracking or slewing. The ASA DDM85XL Premium Direct Drive Mount needs 24VDC nominal for proper use which can be derived from a car battery. The mount can slew up to 13° per second.

The ASA DDM85XL Premium Direct Drive Mount has an equatorial design and is supposed to be attached to a tripod or fixed pier and ASA can manufacturer a pier that is unique and suited for the customer's observing location and setting. The ASA DDM85XL Direct Drive Mount includes a base with two knobs allowing easy adjustment of elevation and azimuth of polar axis to make polar alignment easier! This version also includes the following hardware: ASA 85DC1 Aluminum Dovetail Plate and two ASA Counterweights, 1 - 35.3lbs (16kg) steel weight and 1 - 75lbs (34kg) steel weight!

With a remarkable 220 Ibs payload capacity, the mount's guiding accuracy is state of the art too! Physicist and engineer Phillip Keller's expertise was crucial in the development of ASA's mounts due to his experience with large telescope systems.

The ASA "Austoslew" software is excellent for pointing and tracking. The software package is included to support automated pointing, precision tracking, and remote control over the internet.