Mounts

10Micron GM1000 HPS EP mount arrives

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Astrophotographers wanting to elevate their imaging results should check out the new 10Micron GM1000 HPS EP (Enhanced Performance) Equatorial Mount, the observatory-grade accuracy and rugged portability delivers for both backyard and remote setups.

The 10Micron GM1000HPS Enhanced Performance (EP) Equatorial Mount is the latest advancement from 10Micron, a brand that needs no introduction, and is renowned for its precision-engineered astrophotography equipment. Available now, the GM1000HPS EP is not just a minor revision but a meaningful upgrade, aimed at astrophotographers and observatory users who demand increased capacity, structural rigidity, and field-ready portability without compromising on performance or precision.

10Micron GM1000 HPS EP (Enhanced Performance) Equatorial Mount: Enhanced Structural Design for Stability

The GM1000HPS EP is a redesigned mechanical framework that builds upon the success of the original GM1000HPS. The right ascension (RA) and declination (DEC) axes have been reinforced and enlarged, offering increased torsional stiffness. This dramatically reduces flexure and vibration, even under the strain of heavy imaging payloads, which can now reach up to 66 lbs (30 kg), about 20% more than its predecessor.

Larger bearings have been incorporated into the axis assemblies, contributing to smoother motion and better support under dynamic loads. Meanwhile, the worm gear housings have been structurally upgraded with more robust supports, helping to minimize internal flexure and enhancing long-duration tracking stability. All of these improvements are a result of 10Micron’s commitment to ultra-precise CNC machining and careful quality control using 3D coordinate measuring machines (CMM).

Mechanical Precision at Every Level

Internally, the mount features classic worm-and-wheel mechanics, with 125 mm bronze worm wheels and 20 mm alloy steel worms on both the RA and DEC axes. The RA and DEC shafts, measuring 32 mm and 30 mm respectively, offer superior rigidity and resistance to torsional stress. A dual dovetail saddle accommodates both Losmandy D-series and Vixen V-series mounting plates, ensuring wide compatibility with a variety of telescopes and accessories.

These mechanical details translate into real-world performance gains: pointing accuracy better than 20 arcseconds and tracking precision within ±1 arcsecond, typically achieving sub-0.7 arcsecond RMS over 15-minute exposures. For many astrophotographers, this level of precision eliminates the need for autoguiding altogether.

Advanced Electronics and Control Architecture

The EP version debuts 10Micron’s new V3 control box, equipped with updated electronics and industrial-grade connectors. This modernized system improves command processing, data handling, and overall reliability, whether you are setting up in your backyard or running a remote observatory.

The mount can be operated stand-alone using the included hand pad, which features backlit keys and a heated display for use in cold conditions. For more advanced control, the mount connects seamlessly to PCs via Ethernet, WiFi, or RS-232 and integrates with popular imaging platforms such as NINA, Sequence Generator Pro, and TheSkyX. Virtual keypad software is provided for desktop and web control, and the system is fully ASCOM compliant, thanks to 10Micron’s dedicated ASCOM driver.

Cutting-Edge Pointing and Tracking Performance

A standout feature of the GM1000HPS EP is its onboard pointing model, which can include up to 100 stars to correct for polar alignment errors, mechanical flexure, and atmospheric refraction. This results in precise pointing and tracking across the entire sky. The system also supports ST4-compatible guiding, offers configurable guide rates, and features automatic declination compensation to maintain calibration.

Users benefit from smart meridian handling, with tracking allowed up to 30° past the meridian in either direction, enabling uninterrupted imaging sessions that can extend over four hours. These features make the mount particularly well-suited for remote or unattended operation.

Designed for Portability and Remote Operation

One of the most impressive aspects of the GM1000HPS EP is that it retains a highly portable design despite its enhanced performance. The mount head weighs just 43 lbs (19.5 kg), excluding the counterweight shaft, making it feasible for field deployment. Electronic balance checking and multiple park positions allow for hassle-free setup and shutdown, even from afar.

Remote power control and compatibility with dome systems via RS-232 make the GM1000HPS EP a viable option for permanent installations in observatories worldwide. Additionally, the system can track solar system objects, including comets, asteroids, and satellites—by loading their orbital elements directly into the mount, bypassing the need for a connected computer.

Flexible Package Options

Deep Space Products offers the GM1000HPS EP in several configurations to meet different user needs. The standard package includes the mount head with absolute encoders, V3 control box, hand pad, counterweight shaft, dual saddle, integrated WiFi, QCI software, and power accessories.

The complete package adds a pair of counterweights (3 kg and 6 kg), a 10Micron Aries tripod with a soft case, a protective bag for the mount head, hard cases for transport, a laser pointer mount, and Perseus software. For those who prefer a different tripod, an à la carte option lets you pair the mount with the renowned Berlebach PLANET tripod, known for its robust build and adjustability.

Trusted in Extreme Environments

The GM1000HPS EP is not just a piece of gear; it’s a precision tool trusted by professional observatories, educational institutions, and extreme-environment setups around the world. Whether deployed in desert conditions, freezing arctic regions, or high-altitude mountaintop observatories, it consistently delivers accuracy, reliability, and long-term performance.

For those looking to elevate their astrophotography, the GM1000HPS EP offers an unparalleled combination of pointing precision, tracking accuracy, and remote-control flexibility, all in a portable form factor.

With its combination of engineering, control, and precision, the 10Micron GM1000HPS Enhanced Performance Equatorial Mount stands as the gold standard for serious astrophotographers seeking to push the boundaries of their craft.