Check out the introductory offer on the Mini Hitch

11-Pound Tracking Alternative for 130mm APO Refractors

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For visual observers (who might also want to do a little imaging), the Super Half Hitch is the premium, lightweight alt-azimuth alternative to high-end GEMs for 105 to 140 mm APO refractors and Cassegrain scopes to 9.25 inches.

The Super is built to the highest quality standards — unsurpassed by any other mount regardless of design.  It is the perfect match to premium scopes, offering its own unique set of advantages.

The proven Super Half Hitch design builds upon the legendary legacy established by the Half Hitch and Quarter Hitch, raising the bar again for high-performance in a compact, lightweight, do-everything mount.  It combines the virtues of ultra-smooth manual motion controls with integrated automatic tracking.  And it was designed to carry a 130 mm f/7 APO refractor (loaded with heavy accessories) as its TYPICAL load — and it is REALLY SOLID for such scopes when attached to an adequate tripod.  Yet the Super Half Hitch weighs much less than the counterweights alone for a GEM.

The Art & Science of Being Rigid Without Being Large & Heavy

Some mounts boast about their carrying capacities like it's their only virtue — implying a larger capacity equates to a better mount.  In this "bigger is better" race, the qualities that make a convenient, high-portability mount are completely forgotten.
 

By contrast, the Super Half Hitch is optimized for easy portability:
 

  • Proportioned to 105 to 140 mm OTAs

  • Centerline payload position for good balance on lightweight tripods

  • Excellent tripod clearance means no tripod extension column is needed

  • Full range of advanced features in a miniaturized package

 

The Super Half Hitch is not only robustly built; it is smartly designed.  The main yoke members are 3/4 to 5/8-inch thick aircraft-grade alloy.  It turns on heavy-duty, precision-ground stainless steel shafts (instead of screws).  Its roller thrust bearings (instead of plastic washers) are rated for loads beyond a thousand pounds.  The two wide cross-braces, deep stiffening fin, and sophisticated anti-torsion fin overlap for maximum structural stiffness.  The sophisticated network of braces operate in unison to convert performance-robbing bending and twisting loads into quickly damped tension and compression loads.  Also, its CNC machined structure fits together tightly and is completely free of slop — yet the axes and controls have not a hint of binding.

 

By employing sophisticated structural geometry, the Super Half Hitch delivers one of the highest stiffness-to-weight ratios available.  And its alt-azimuth configuration has inherent structural advantages over GEMs and alt-az/GEM convertible mounts.  For medium-aperture APO refractors, you will not find more rigid support than the Super Half Hitch without overwhelming the desirable portability of the scope.

When comparing prices, note that the Super Half Hitch is an all CNC-machined mount featuring premium components and materials.  And it is ready-to-use.  The base price includes the saddle assembly, dovetail plate, encoders, and Sky Commander DSC.  It even includes features like a handy bracket for attaching a finder directly to the saddle and a quick balance-trimming device for neutralizing balance shifts caused by significant eyepiece swaps.  Moreover, the Super Half Hitch provides excellent tripod clearance without needing a tripod extension column.

Don't buy disappointment!   The Super Half Hitch is WITHOUT PEER as a compact, lightweight mount for 5-inch class APO refractors and comparable loads — reliable, elegant, classic function that will never grow old.  The Super Half Hitch is the simplified, high-performance, alt-az alternative to GEMs.

  • All CNC machined from aircraft alloys for precision, strength, and beauty.  Mounts made from
    castings and plastic parts can’t compare!
  • Cross-braced design weighs only 11 pounds with all accessories including digital pointing and motorized tracking but delivers uncommon rigidity.
  • High-Precision digital pointing.
  • Solid, conservative capacity for a 140 mm triplet APO, 8-inch Newtonian, 180 mm Mak-Cass, 9.25-inch SCT, or 100 mm angle-view binoculars.  Will also work well with lightly-loaded 140 mm APO refractors.
  • Ultra-smooth, ultra-responsive, motion controls.  Instantly responsive.  Sweep fast or track slowly.  Optional automatic tracking system Manual controls remain active even with the automatic tracking installed.
  • No counterweights, clutches to adjust, or locks to engage.  Free motion on demand.  The Super Half Hitch uniquely combines free motion with slow-motion controls.
  • Two-axis balancing (without counterweights!) eliminates annoying balance changes as you rotate your scope up and down.  No clamping or added friction needed!  Maintains light, smooth movements with binoviewers and heavy eyepieces.  Essential for tracking.
  • Engraved scales for presetting balance positions.  Built-in bubble level.
  • True caliper disc brake on the altitude axis keeps your scope on-target when changing eyepieces.
  • Dovetail system with vise-like jaws.  Easy straight-in loading.  Dovetail plate included.
  • Preloaded roller bearings and precision ground, stainless steel shafts for shake-free support and effortless pointing.
  • Handsome, durable anodized finished highlights the exquisite machining.
  • Tripod-friendly centerline load position — stable and fast damping.
  • Excellent tripod clearance.  No column extension needed.  Save weight.  Save money.
  • Horizon and zenith stops protect your scope.
  • Finder bracket attaches your finder directly to the saddle.  Use your favorite finder for all your scopes and binoculars.  Optimal positioning.
  • Balance Trimmer easily compensates for differences in eyepiece weights in seconds without tools.
  • Built only in VERY limited quantities for personal attention to detail.

Two-axis balancing is a key component for light, responsive manual control AND to automated tracking.  To understand why mounts that depend on added friction to overcome their inability to balance their loads simply can't compare, go to this page.

 

Play Half Hitch Video

 

 

The Super Half Hitch includes precision digital pointing using 4096-step encoders in machined aluminum housings, no-wrap wiring harness, and folding DSC bracket to neatly hold the installed Sky Commander DSC.  Encoder feedback means the optional automatic tracking system doesn't lose its bearings when the scope is moved manually.

The New Mini Hitch

 

Precision Made in USA


info@halfhitchtelescope.com
512-632-9624


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