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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.
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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.
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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 cant
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.
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