GTD MoFoD MKII Fork Friction Drive Mount (MOFOD)
$16,593.33
- NEW in 2020: new friction drivehead with subarcsecond precision tracking.
- PE: cca 2” ptv in 30 minutes
- Payload: 80 kg
- Accepted OTAs: from 25 cm up to 50 cm (optics diam.) or multiple smaller instruments. The typical OTA for a fork is any Cassegrain variant (RC, DK, SC, MC) or a fast Newtonian. The fork has 600 mm free swing for the eyepiece end of the OTA. Max distance between Losmandy rails: cca 680mm (larger custom distance possible).
- The control electronics are sold separately. We recommend the Pulsar2 GoTo Controller.
- Delivery within 8-10 weeks.
GTD MoFoD MKII Fork Friction Drive Mount
The GTD MoFoD MKII Fork Friction Drive Mount, from Gemini Telescope Design, is the ideal solution for demanding applications (public, school, society or professional observatories). Our Modular Fork Design allows changing the OTA by sliding the fork arms in or out. MOFOD Fork Mount is the most stable observatory class mount with remote control. Join the Gemini Friction Fork Revolution!
Read GTD MoFoD – a Flexible Fork Mount for the Observatory
Why a Fork? Why not!
Gemini MoFoD MKII Fork Mounts have the following advantages over German Equatorial mounts
- No counterweight needed – smaller inertia can be rotated faster.
- No meridian flips needed – no lost time.
- No guider recalibration or field rotation needed.
- No collision with the pier is possible – more safety in remote mode.
Disadvantage?
Forks were not as flexible to changing OTA as German Equatorial mounts. Our Modular Fork Design allows changing the OTA by simply sliding the fork arms out or in. Any compact telescope from 340-mm to 680-mm wide can ride this fork.
What is Modular Fork Design (MoFoD)?
Our MOFOD Fork Mounts are easily separated in 4 main parts: the RA base, the horizontal arm (tube) and the two fork arms. The orthogonality of the main axes is adjustable, ensuring maximum pointing precision.
Two persons can do the setup in 1 hour with a set of allen keys. Watch the time lapse here!
Tech talk
MoFoD is served by our proprietary ultra precise friction drive system with important advantages: silent and efficient operation means small ecological footprint, zero backlash means easy guiding combined with precise tracking, effective brake even without power means safety at all times. Longevity is guaranteed by high tech materials, reflecting in the 5 year warranty period.
To ensure precision in pointing and reliability in remote mode, high resolution encoders are fitted on both axes. The encoders have an absolute reference that enables the driver to find the home position after a blackout. The stepper motors have 0,1″ resolution.
The optional sliding weight inside the horizontal fork arm allows fine balancing the OTA for best operation. Coarse balancing is achieved by sliding both fork arms with the OTA in the correct direction.
| Accepted OTAs | from 25 cm up to 50 cm (optics diam.) or multiple smaller instruments. The typical OTA for a fork is any Cassegrain variant (RC, DK, SC, MC) or a fast Newtonian. The fork has 600 mm free swing for the eyepiece end of the OTA. Max distance between Losmandy rails: cca 680mm (larger custom distance possible). |
| Materials | Zink plated steel, powder coated (base), cast aluminium, 6082 aluminium (RA housing and shaft), stainless steel, (fork arms), roller bearings, stepper motors, high resolution optical encoders. |
| Steppers | NEMA 23, 200 step, 1,6 Amp |
| Drive disk | D 350 mm, steel alloy |
| Drive roller | D 8 mm, steel alloy |
| Encoders | Optical incremental, 216 000 pulse/rev (6” resolution) |
| Loading capacity | 80 kg |
| Pier Interface | D360-mm circular |
| Elevation range | 35-55 deg (other on request) |
| Azimuth adjustment range | +/- 5 deg |
| Driver | Pulsar2 |
| Slewing speed | 4 deg/sec max |
| Slewing precision | cca 30 arcsec |
| Tracking precision | cca 2” ptv in 30 minutes |
| Power | 13-19VDC, 3A (1A continuous draw at 13V) |
| Weight | RA base cca 50 kg, Horizontal arm cca 12 kg, Fork arms with drive cca 25kg. |
| Telescope interface | 3” Losmandy female ( rails supplied upon request) or custom |
| Maximum allowed fork arm distance | 530mm (outer face of Losmandy rails) , +150mm possible on special request) |
| Cable Routing | 50 mm cable routing bore in the RA shaft |
| Elevation screw | 15 arcmin/turn |
| Azimuth screw | 24 arcmin/turn |
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