Product Catalog

The MAX Mount’s unique modular design allows two or three people to assemble (and/or transport)
a mount twice the size of any previously available commercial mount. Because its components fit
easily into a station wagon, SUV, minivan or small truck, the MAX represents the world’s most
portable permanent observatory (a very desirable contradiction in terms).
Massi v e Optical Tu be Assem bly. In recent years, Meade’s 16" LX200-ACF on a fork mount has become the
ubiquitous scope of choice for serious amateurs, colleges, and universities. The new MAX Mount means these same individuals
and institutions can own an Advanced Coma-Free with either 16" or 20" of aperture (a full half-meter!). A search of astronomical
literature indicates the vast majority of good science is produced by telescopes in the half-meter to one-meter class.
Pedestal Assembly. MAX’s rock solid pedestal assembly represents the perfect marriage between stability and
adjustability. Standard field adjustments can be made quickly and easily (without tools) with MAX’s ergonomic adjustment
knobs. The pedestal assembly can easily be configured to cover three altitude ranges without disassembly. This makes the MAX
the only mount in its class that can operate anywhere on the planet.
Right Ascension Housi ng Assem bly. The RA Housing mates to the Pedestal easily by sliding rmly into a
100 square inch dovetail block. When locked into place, this broad footprint assures your mount will operate as a single rigid block
for accurate and repeatable pointing and tracking. The RA Housing contains Meade’s proven AutoStar
®
II telescope control system
and a massive 13.625" pitch diameter worm gear built to handle gigantic loads.
Declination Housing Assembly. The DEC Housing mates to the RA Housing using another huge dovetail block.
When locked in place, the mount is one single rigid structure ready to point your instrument anywhere in the universe with
phenomenal accuracy. The mount can cover the whole sky, tracking more than 6 degrees past the meridian (prime seeing area)
without interference. In addition to quick-change dovetail plates for your primary OTA, generous wing mounts allow you to attach a
variety of secondary instruments without interfering with MAX’s “all sky” design.
Count erweights. MAX counterweights are beautifully crafted with sure locking, quick release buttons. Add MAX
electronic balancing and you can balance your scope quickly and get back to work.
Tripod or Pier Assembly. The MAX tripod can be transported or permanently installed. Its wide stance will
safely carry MAX’s massive payload in all orientations. But it will still collapse down to a size that’s easy to handle. Like the
MAX, it sets up, knocks down, and adjusts without tools. The MAX pier is exclusively for permanent installations. It too can
handle the MAX’s payload in all orientations and withstand vibration. Pier height must be specified at time of order.
Other notable poi n t i ng and t r acki ng features.
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Computer-a ssisted squ a ring of you r optic al axis.
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Photographic polar alignment eliminates the need for drift alignment.
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No clutches or worm releases means no extra alignment, even if you switch instruments during an observing run.
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