Astro-Physics Brief History of the 1200 German Equatorial

ASTRO-PHYSICS
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE 1200 GERMAN EQUATORIAL

The first 1200 mounts were shipped in late 1992 and the final mount was shipped in November 2011. You are sure to find many of these mounts at star parties, backyards and remote sites for many years to come. Each generation has undergone successive development in mechanical construction and the drive system over the years, evolving each time to meet the needs of advanced amateurs. We offer the following as a brief history and comparison of the various models.

As you read the descriptions below, keep in mind that each of the models has the potential to be upgraded in various ways, depending on the particular model. This may cause the mount to look different than it did when originally produced. If you are purchasing a used mount, obtain the serial number from the current owner. Then, call Astro-Physics to determine its actual year of production.

1200DA - 1200 German Equatorial with Stepper Motors and Quartz Controller. This mount was painted black, had metric fasteners (this was the only model with metric fasteners) and included the Vixen polar scope. The RA and Dec axes bolted together. The Right Angle Polar Alignment Scope (RAPAS) cannot be used with this mount.

1200DA - 1200 German Equatorial with Stepper Motors and Quartz Controller. This mount was painted cream white and did not have metric fasteners. The RA and Dec axes bolted together. All models of the Losmandy polar scope can be used. The Right-Angle Polar Alignment Scope cannot be used with this mount.

1200QMD - 1200 German Equatorial with Stepper Motors and Quartz Microdrive Controller. This the first model that featured a dovetail method of attachment for the RA and Dec axes. All models of the Losmandy polar scope can be used. It is likely, though not certain, that the Right-Angle Polar Alignment Scope can be used with this mount.

1200SMD - 1200 German Equatorial with Servo Motors and Quartz Microdrive Controller. We offered this mount as a low cost alternative to the GTO version, which was offered at the same time. All mechanical components were the same as the GTOCP1 model described below, however the drive system did not allow rapid slewing and go-to control. As it turned out, we sold only a few of these SMD mounts and decided to discontinue this model in favor of the GTO. SMD mounts can be upgraded to the GTO version. Please call for price and availability. The Right-Angle Polar Alignment Scope and all models of the Losmandy polar scope can be used.

1200GTO - GTOCP1 - 1200 German Equatorial with Servo Motors, GTOCP1 Control Box and Keypad. This was our first go-to mount, offering the ability to control the mount with the Keypad or optional PC. In addition to the change in the drive system, other internal changes improved the overall performance. The Right-Angle Polar Alignment Scope and all models of the Losmandy polar scope can be used.

1200GTO - GTOCP2 - 1200 German Equatorial with Servo Motors, GTOCP2 Control Box and Keypad. The GTOCP2 Control Box was more compact and a Y-Cable was used rather than separate RA and Dec cables. The Right-Angle Polar Alignment Scope and all models of the Losmandy polar scope can be used. Additional information can be found here.

1200GTO - GTOCP3 - 1200 German Equatorial with Servo Motors, GTOCP3 Control Box and Keypad. The GTOCP3 Control Box includes additional functions and features and the mechanical construction was improved over earlier versions. The Right-Angle Polar Alignment Scope and all models of the Losmandy polar scope can be used. Please refer to the complete product description for detailed information.

Astro-Physics, Inc.
11250 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, IL 61115, U.S.A.
Phone: 815-282-1513 Fax: 815-282-9847