Vixen Telescope AP-WL Equatorial Mount

Compact Mount available for Serious Astronomical Observation

The AP-WL series features RA and DEC motor modules as its core units and is composed of other essential modules.
Its highly compact mount design provides an excellent balance between strength and payload capacity, achieving a level of stability rarely found in small equatorial mounts.
When combined with the optional PF-LII polar alignment scope (sold separately), the polar axis setting is as accurate as 3 arc minutes and better, making the telescope suitable for serious astronomical observation.

Equipped with a Wireless Unit to control the Telescope via your Smartphone

The AP-WL comes with a wireless unit as standard, enabling remote control of the equatorial mount.
By installing the dedicated free smartphone app, STAR BOOK Wireless, on your device, you can use your smartphone as a telescope controller.
You can easily access functions such as automatic GoTo slewing by tapping the star chart displayed on the screen.
During the automatic GoTo slewing, the telescope moves at approximately 100 times the sidereal rate.

STAR BOOK Wireless

App Store Google Play

Wireless Unit

Product page
Notice Regarding Wi-Fi Connection for Wireless Unit Users

Friction-stop Control allows for Intuitive Operation

By adjusting the clamping torque of the friction-stop function, anyone, regardless of experience, can intuitively operate the equatorial mount.
This function allows you to manually move the optical tube to aim at a desired celestial object, and it will remain in place when you release it. Once the object is within the field of view using the friction-stop operation, your telescope will automatically track it with the motor drive._*1*2

Notes
_*1 The polar axis of the equatorial mount must be aligned beforehand.
_*2 Please be aware that automatic GoTo slewing via STAR BOOK Wireless cannot be used simultaneously with the friction-stop function.

Polar Meter (sold separately) for Quick, Rough Polar Alignment

Rough polar alignment is quick and easy for anyone using an optional Polar Meter (sold separately). It is ready by slipping it into the dedicated attachment shoe on the mount. By reading the azimuth and altitude directed by the Polar Meter, you can set up the equatorial mount even in a place where trees or buildings obstruct the north side of the sky and Polaris is not visible.

Polar Alignment Scope PF-LII (sold separately) for Accurate Polar Alignment

With the use of a PF-LII polar alignment scope, the polar alignment is as simple as introducing three designated stars into the positions engraved on the polar scope's reticle. It can achieve the setting accuracy within 3 arc minutes.

*A Free smartphone app to assist polar alignment is available from Vixen's website. The same reticle found in the PF-L II polar alignment scope is displayed in real time on your smartphone screen, making it easier to understand and adjust the alignment positions.

Works with USB Mobile Batteries

A USB micro-B connector is provided for use with commercially available USB external power sources, such as USB mobile batteries and standard USB AC adapters.

*Although a compartment for AA batteries is equipped, it cannot serve as a power source while the Wireless Unit is installed.

Sleek and Refined Appearance

A stylish, clean exterior with minimal protrusions gives the AP mount an elegant design that conceals all wiring except for the power cable.
This streamlined appearance minimizes the risk of accidental snagging or other mishaps during observation, ensuring safer operation.