HarmoTrack – lightweight Harmonic Mount with payload 6/9 kg

HarmoTrack is an EQ/AZ astronomical harmonic mount weighing only 1.6 kg without the latitude adjustment unit and can even be mounted on a photographic tripod. The EQStarPROII control system provides silent, smooth and precise control of the HarmoTrack mount both in standalone mode and using a computer or mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.).

Key features:

1) High positioning and tracking accuracy is achieved thanks to precision harmonic gearboxes and the EQStarPROII control system. The drive’s periodic error is approximately 10 arcseconds, and the positioning accuracy is 0.45 arcseconds.

2) The high load-bearing capacity of the harmonic drives allows for a payload of up to 6 kg without counterweights and up to 9 kg with counterweights. The mount body is a single piece, cast on 5 sides, has thick walls, and is made of high-strength plastic.

3) EQMod, Green Swamp Software (GSS), or SynScan PRO applications can be used to control the HarmoTrack mount from a PC. HarmoTrack also supports any astronomical software that supports the ASCOM (Windows OS) and INDI (Linux OS) platforms, such as the Stellarium planetarium, Cartes du Ciel, StarCalc, KStars, and others. HarmoTrack supports NINA, MaximDL, APT, SGP, PHDGuiding, and other astrophotography and guiding software. The HarmoTrack mount can be controlled from mobile devices using the SynScan APP, SkySafari PLUS (PRO), and Stellarium Mobile apps.

HarmoTrack communicates with a PC via the included USB cable and with mobile devices via Wi-Fi. HarmoTrack also supports control via ZWO ASIAIR and AstroPC PROII mini PCs via USB or Wi-Fi.

HarmoTrack is equipped with a universal push-button joystick for manual control. This allows for autonomous operation of the mount, without the need for a computer, smartphone, or tablet. HarmoTrack does not have a mechanical brake, but the motors enter load-hold mode immediately after power-up. On the side of the housing there is a semicircular recess parallel to the RA axis, along which a laser pointer can be placed for preliminary polar axis adjustment.

 

During an astrophotography session with HarmoTrack, periodic errors are easily compensated for using the autoguider. Thanks to the precisely aligned polar axis, astrophotography with HarmoTrack can be performed in EAA (Electronically Assisted Astronomy) mode without an autoguider. In EAA mode, the camera is used to capture and view images in near real time (Live Stacking technology). This is achieved using short exposures, such as 15 seconds, and on-the-fly stacking. For precise polar alignment and Live Stacking, you can use the popular SharpCap app. Other apps, such as OpenLiveStacker, DeepSkyStacker Live, Astro Live Stacker (ALS), and ToupSky, are also suitable for Live Stacking.

 

Brief characteristics of the HarmoTrack Harmonic Mount:

• The mount type is equatorial (azimuthal as an option)
• Interfaces for communication – USB, WiFi
• Power supply: 12 – 24 V, 3A
• RA and DEC full gear ratio – 1:200
• The positioning accuracy (resolution) of the entire system is 0.45 arc seconds.

 

The kit includes:

• HarmoTrack Harmonic Mount
• Latitude adjustment unit
• Counterweight extension rod
• USB cable
• Push-button joystick
• Dovetail fastening
• Plastic case

 

Documentation, drivers and applications

In order to improve the quality of the product, the manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the design and equipment without notifying users.