Pegasus NYX-101 Harmonic Gear Mount

Strain Wave Drive: 500:1 Reduction & 0.10" Resolution

At the core of the NYX-101 are high-precision strain wave gears on both the RA and DEC axes, delivering zero-backlash operation. A hybrid stepper motor and belt system, combined with a 500:1 reduction ratio on the RA axis, translates into exceptionally high torque and a fine motor resolution of 0.10 arcseconds. This design ensures the mount can handle significant, off-balance loads without slipping while providing the tracking accuracy required for serious astrophotography.

20 Kg Capacity from a 6.5 Kg CNC-Machined Head

Engineered for portability without compromising stability, the NYX-101 mount head weighs just 6.5 Kg. Despite its low weight, it can carry up to 20 Kg of imaging equipment without counterweights, or up to 30 Kg with them. The entire body is CNC machined from a single block of 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, resulting in a rigid, lightweight platform that can handle anything from a small wide-field refractor to a fully loaded 11-inch SCT.

Dual Equatorial & Altazimuth Modes for Imaging and Visual

The NYX-101 offers the flexibility to operate as a German Equatorial mount for long-exposure astrophotography or as a simple Altazimuth mount for visual observing. You can switch between modes directly from the PC or mobile application, adapting the mount to your objective for the night. This dual-mode capability makes the NYX-101 a single solution for both demanding imaging sessions and casual visual astronomy.

Wireless 802.11g, USB2, and Native ASCOM Alpaca Support

Control your entire imaging session without cables. The NYX-101 features built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi and a physical USB2 port, which can be used simultaneously. It offers native ASCOM Alpaca support, allowing modern software like N.I.N.A. to connect directly over the network without requiring traditional drivers. The mount is also fully compatible with the ASCOM 7, INDI, and LX200 protocols, ensuring seamless integration with your existing software and devices, including Sky Safari on mobile.

Onboard Intelligence: Safety Brakes, Electronic Leveler, and Auto-Home

The NYX-101 is designed with multiple layers of protection and convenience. A safety power-off brake on the RA axis instantly halts all motion during a power interruption, protecting your telescope. Limit encoders prevent internal cable snags or collisions with the tripod, while a built-in electronic leveler simplifies polar alignment in EQ mode or leveling in AZ mode. At the end of a session, the mount's auto-home feature uses encoders on both axes to return to a precise starting position.

NYX-101 vs. Traditional GEMs: The End of Counterweights?

A traditional German Equatorial Mount (GEM) often has very low periodic error and can be a fantastic imaging platform, but typically requires precise balancing with heavy counterweights. This adds significant weight and complexity to your field setup.

• Portability and Setup Speed: The primary advantage of the NYX-101's strain wave design is its ability to handle a 20 Kg payload with no counterweights. This reduces the total weight you carry into the field by half or more and dramatically speeds up setup and teardown.
• Periodic Error: Strain wave gears inherently have a higher, more repeatable periodic error than a finely tuned worm gear system. While a traditional GEM might be used unguided for short exposures, the NYX-101 requires autoguiding with an ST-4 or USB guide camera for optimal long-exposure results.
• Torque and Balance: The NYX-101's high torque allows it to handle imbalanced loads that would cause a traditional mount's clutches to slip, providing more flexibility in equipment configuration.