New telescope mount technology from Vixen

The CP+ Conference in Yokohama, Japan, is a premier exposition dedicated to the latest advancements in camera technology, equipment, and accessories. Among the many exhibitors present at this event, Vixen, a Japanese company known for its high-quality telescopes and mounts, showcased a revolutionary new mount design that could significantly impact the field of astrophotography. While Vixen is not as widely recognized outside of Japan, its innovative approach to mount technology makes this reveal particularly exciting for those familiar with the brand’s craftsmanship and engineering.

Deeper into the new telescope mount technology from Vixen - they have finally entered the "no counterweight" race!

Vixen has a longstanding reputation for producing premium telescopes and mounts, though their products can be quite expensive in international markets. At their booth, they unveiled a prototype mount that is still in the early stages of development, with a tentative release date projected for 2026. What makes this mount particularly intriguing is its design, which appears to eliminate the need for counterweights while still achieving precise tracking—an attribute commonly associated with harmonic drive mounts. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this new mount does not rely on a traditional strain wave gear mechanism, which is the hallmark of harmonic drive systems.

Unlike conventional harmonic drive mounts, which utilize an oblong-shaped mechanical component that shifts within the system to facilitate movement, Vixen’s new mount employs a unique stepper motor assembly directly connected to the drive. This system features an impressive reduction ratio of 1 to 715, which is quite different from standard strain wave gear ratios. A key feature of this design is the presence of a metal component that oscillates back and forth, producing the movement required for precise tracking. Observing the front end of the mount reveals an exceptionally slow movement of the drive screw, indicative of the high reduction ratio in play.

The advantages of this design over traditional harmonic drive mounts remain under investigation, but preliminary indications suggest that it may offer improved periodic error performance. Harmonic drive mounts, while highly efficient and compact, have inherent limitations related to tracking precision due to the shape-changing nature of their internal mechanics. Vixen’s new approach could mitigate some of these issues while retaining the core benefits of harmonic drive mounts, such as portability and high load capacity. The company has not yet released specific performance data, but if the proposed advantages hold true, this mount could offer astrophotographers enhanced tracking precision while maintaining the convenience of a counterweight-free system.

Vixen has integrated a wireless control center into the mount’s design, allowing for connectivity with popular guiding software such as ASIAIR and NINA. Additionally, the mount features an auto-guiding port for further refinement of tracking accuracy. This addition ensures that the new system remains compatible with existing astrophotography workflows, making it a potentially valuable option for both amateur and professional astronomers looking for an innovative alternative to traditional equatorial and harmonic drive mounts.

Beyond the groundbreaking mount, Vixen also introduced a new petzval-design telescope at their booth. This marks a significant evolution in their product lineup, particularly for the Japanese market, where the telescope will initially be available. One of the standout features of this telescope is its internal focusing mechanism. Unlike conventional designs where the entire optical assembly moves during focusing, this model maintains its external dimensions unchanged during adjustments, much like the RedCat series or William Optics’ WIFD system. This results in increased stability and ease of use, particularly for astrophotography applications where precision is crucial.

The telescope itself boasts a 65mm aperture with a focal length of 360mm, resulting in an f/5.5 focal ratio. However, users also have the option to incorporate a reducer that brings the focal ratio down to f/4.4, expanding its versatility for various imaging needs. In its standard f/5.5 configuration, the telescope supports full-frame cameras, making it an attractive option for astrophotographers looking for a wide-field imaging solution. When used with the reducer, the telescope is optimized for APS-C sensors, which still provide excellent imaging capabilities. The included reducer features a 55mm back focus, a standard specification that ensures compatibility with a broad range of astrophotography accessories.

The introduction of both the innovative mount and the petzval telescope underscores Vixen’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of astrophotography technology. By rethinking the mechanics of equatorial mounts and enhancing the design of their optical systems, the company continues to offer fresh solutions for astronomers and astrophotographers alike. While Vixen has long been recognized for the quality of its telescopes, this latest endeavor signals a willingness to challenge industry norms and offer alternative solutions that could change the way enthusiasts and professionals approach tracking and imaging in the field.

The new mount’s potential advantages over harmonic drive systems are particularly compelling. If it indeed delivers superior periodic error correction while maintaining the benefits of a counterweight-free design, it could become a sought-after option for those seeking a balance between portability and precision. Many astrophotographers have turned to harmonic drive mounts for their compactness and ease of use, but periodic error and tracking accuracy remain areas where improvements can be made. Vixen’s approach suggests that innovation in mount technology is still very much an active field of development, and their upcoming model may introduce a viable alternative that challenges existing solutions.

Although final performance specifications have yet to be confirmed, the early demonstration at CP+ suggests that Vixen is taking a methodical approach to refining this technology before its anticipated 2026 release. If the company can deliver on its promises, this mount could offer a more precise tracking system with fewer of the downsides associated with strain wave gears, making it a game-changing addition to the astrophotography landscape. The inclusion of wireless control and compatibility with popular software platforms further ensures that this mount will integrate seamlessly into modern imaging setups.

The petzval telescope, while less radical in its innovation, still represents a welcome addition to Vixen’s lineup. The internal focusing system and adaptable focal ratio make it a flexible tool for astrophotographers, providing a balance of wide-field imaging and high-speed optics when needed. This versatility, combined with Vixen’s reputation for high-quality optics, positions the telescope as an attractive option for both new and experienced users.

Cuiv the Lazy Geek visits the VIXEN booth at CP+ conference in Yokohama

One of the most compelling aspects of the new Vixen mount, as highlighted by Cuiv, is its departure from traditional harmonic drive systems. At first glance, the mount appears to function like a harmonic drive system due to its compact form and lack of counterweights. However, Cuiv emphasized that Vixen has engineered a completely different internal mechanism, which could potentially offer significant improvements over existing strain wave gear mounts.

Cuiv pointed out that the mount uses a stepper motor instead of a servo motor, which is directly linked to the drive mechanism. The drive itself has an impressive reduction ratio of 1 to 715. This high reduction ratio, combined with the unique internal movement, sets it apart from conventional mounts that rely on strain wave gears. Cuiv demonstrated how the internal mechanism functions, showing a metal component that oscillates back and forth to generate movement. Unlike harmonic drives, which rely on an internal component changing shape to transfer motion, Vixen’s system remains structurally stable, which could lead to improved tracking accuracy.

Another key observation Cuiv made was regarding periodic error. He noted that harmonic drive mounts tend to suffer from tracking inconsistencies due to the nature of strain wave gears. These gears introduce a specific periodic error pattern that can be difficult to correct. In contrast, Vixen’s new approach could potentially result in a smoother tracking experience, though exact performance data has yet to be confirmed. If Vixen’s design does indeed lead to reduced periodic error, this mount could be a breakthrough in the field of astrophotography, providing greater precision without sacrificing the compact and counterweight-free benefits that harmonic drive systems offer.

Additionally, Cuiv highlighted the mount’s control system, which features a wireless interface compatible with popular astrophotography software like ASIAIR and NINA. The inclusion of an auto-guiding port further enhances its usability, ensuring that astrophotographers can integrate it seamlessly into their existing setups. This level of compatibility is a crucial factor for users looking for a modern, streamlined experience.

Ultimately, Cuiv was particularly intrigued by Vixen’s innovative approach, recognizing its potential to offer a more refined tracking solution compared to conventional harmonic drive mounts. While the final specifications and testing results are still pending, his analysis suggests that this mount could redefine expectations in the astrophotography community by offering an alternative that balances precision, portability, and ease of use.