NYX-88 Harmonic Gear Mount

Description

We’re excited to unveil the latest addition to our NYX harmonic mount series: the NYX-88, a compact mount designed to complement its larger sibling, the NYX-101.

The NYX-88, designed with travelers in mind, offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 14 kg (mount weighs 5 kg) without the need for counterweights. Engineered for precision and performance in astrophotography and observational astronomy, this mount ensures seamless and reliable operation.

Featuring strain wave drives on both the RA and DEC movements, the NYX-88 guarantees a backlash-free experience with high torque even at maximum payloads. Its fully CNC machined aluminum alloy 6061 body, anodized in black and blue, combines durability with aesthetics. Inside, you’ll find top-quality branded components, including stepper motors and strain wave gears, ensuring the mount’s long-term flawless performance.

The mount also includes an electronic brake on the RA axis to prevent backsliding when the power is off, as well as safety limit stops during slewing or tracking. Whether you’re exploring the night sky from your backyard or a remote location, the NYX-88 is the perfect companion for travelers seeking precision and reliability in their astronomical pursuits.

Lightweight & Powerful

Lightweight Design with Impressive payload capacity.

Aircraft-Grade Build, CNC-machined aluminum alloy AL6061.

Compact: Mount weighs just 5 kg.

High precision strain wave gears

Harmonic Gears on Both Axis ensure high payload capacity and a smooth backlash-free operation.

Combining a stepper motor and belt drive with sophisticated electronics, the RA axis achieves a remarkable 0.15 arcseconds of resolution, offering very low periodic error for ultra-smooth and stable tracking down to subarcsecond accuracy.

Supporting high imaging loads for its class

Counterweights are not required for payloads up to 14 Kg (31 lbs).

With a weight of 5 kg, the mount supports a payload of up to 14 kg, demonstrating a high load-to-weight ratio.

However, they can be installed for higher payloads by using a counterweight rod.

Equatorial or Alt-Azimuth Mode

Versatile Mount: Use as German Equatorial or Altazimuth.

Switch Modes Easily: Via PC, Hand-Controller, or Mobile App.

Power Off Brake

RA Axis power-off brake ensures an instant safe stop during any power interruption.

Built-in Wireless & USB operation

Seamless Connectivity: Wireless and USB2 supported simultaneously.

Wide Compatibility: Works with ASCOM Alpaca, ASCOM, INDI, and LX200 protocols.

Additional Key Features

DC 12 Volts Battery Operation

The NYX-88 requires only 12V for smooth operation, allowing you to use a standard 12V battery without additional converters. The mount consumes less than 0.6 amps during tracking and up to 2 amps during slewing.

Universal Saddle Plate

The NYX-88 includes a low-profile and rigid universal saddle that accepts Vixen and Losmandy 3-inch dovetails.

Integrated ST-4 Autoguiding Port

An ST-4 port is available, compatible with our dedicated NYX hand controller or an ST-4 guiding camera.

DC Output

At the side of the mount an extra DC (GX-12) output can provide up to 8A to your equipment sitting on top of the NYX-88 mount.

Reverse Voltage Polarity Safety

NYX-88 has been designed with reverse voltage polarity protection. A saver if you accidentally reverse voltage or battery polarity during the night.

Optional Counterweight support

The mount does not require counterweights for payloads up to 14 kg. However, if you need to install counterweights for heavier payloads, there is a compatible M12 threaded shaft hole at the end of the DEC axis.

Auto Home Slew

The automatic home position feature is implemented with encoders on both axes.

ASCOM & INDI

The mount fully supports ASCOM 7, ASCOM Alpaca and INDI framework. Sky-Safari is also supported allowing you to control the mount through your mobile device.

LX200 Compatibility

LX200 protocol is fully compatible with the NYX-88 mount. Any device that support LX200 such as Sky-Safari works out of the box with the mount.

Mobile Control

A mobile application for IOS and Android platforms allows you to control both axes of the mount, slew to installed catalogs of thousands of night sky targets and do a rough polar alignment through an electronic polar assistant.

Safety limits on RA axis

Safety limit encoders on RA Axis prevent internal cable snag or collision with the tripod.

Firmware Upgrade

An easy firmware upgrade process allows you to stay up to date with bug fixes and the latest features of the mount.

ASCOM Alpaca Native Support

ASCOM Alpaca outshines classic ASCOM drivers with its platform independence, modern web standards, streamlined installation, remote control capabilities, extensibility, and open-source options. This ensures superior compatibility and user-friendly performance, making it the preferred choice for advanced astronomy applications.

The NYX-88 comes equipped with an integrated web server that seamlessly communicates with Alpaca clients natively. This integration enhances the user experience by providing easy and driverless access to mount control through ASCOM Alpaca.

Modern imaging software like N.I.N.A. automatically identifies native Alpaca devices and lists them for immediate use.