Pegasus NYX-101 Harmonic Gear Mount

Strain Wave Drive: 500:1 Reduction and Zero Backlash

The core of the NYX-101 is its strain wave (harmonic) gearing on both axes, providing immense torque from a compact, lightweight mechanism. The 500:1 reduction ratio on the RA axis and 300:1 on the DEC axis eliminates the need for counterweights for payloads up to 20 kg, delivering zero-backlash slewing and tracking. This high-torque, backlash-free design lets you mount heavy optical tubes without counterweights.

A hybrid stepper motor and belt system translates electronic commands into precise physical movement, achieving a motor resolution of 0.10 arcseconds. This precision allows for fine guide corrections and accurate pointing. For safety, an electronic brake is integrated into the RA axis, instantly locking the mount's position during a planned or unplanned power interruption to prevent the telescope from swinging.

A 20 kg Capacity with No Counterweights, 30 kg With

The NYX-101 mount head weighs just 6.5 kg but supports an imaging payload of up to 20 kg (44 lbs) without a single counterweight. It can handle anything from a small refractor to a fully loaded 11-inch SCT; the test rig, a Celestron EdgeHD 11" with a full imaging train, weighed 18 kg. For permanent observatory setups with heavier or longer optical tubes, you can increase the total capacity to 30 kg (66 lbs) by adding a standard M12 counterweight shaft and weights.

• No Counterweights: Up to 20 kg of equipment can be mounted directly, simplifying transport and setup.
• With Counterweights: Capacity increases to 30 kg, accommodating larger instruments for observatory use.
• Build Material: The body is CNC machined from 6061 aircraft aluminum alloy, black and blue anodized.

Equatorial and Altazimuth Modes from 0° to 90° Latitude

The NYX-101 operates as either a German Equatorial Mount for long-exposure astrophotography or as an Altazimuth mount for visual observing. You can switch between modes directly from the Unity Platform software or the optional hand controller. The mount's mechanical design supports a full latitude range from 0° to 90°, allowing it to be polar aligned anywhere on Earth.

In Equatorial mode, fine adjustment is managed by dual azimuth knobs and a large altitude adjustment knob, making polar alignment straightforward. For visual observers, switching to Alt-Az mode provides a more intuitive up-down, left-right slewing experience and keeps the eyepiece at a more comfortable angle when moving between targets. An integrated electronic leveler assists in setting up the mount accurately in either configuration.

Universal Vixen/Losmandy Saddle and EQ6 Adapter Interface

To ensure broad compatibility, the NYX-101 is equipped with a universal saddle plate that accepts both Vixen-style and Losmandy D-style 3-inch dovetail bars. Two clamp knobs secure the dovetail, and a hex key can be used on them for extra grip. The base of the mount is designed to connect to tripods and piers using the optional Pegasus Carbon Tripod Adapter or the versatile EQ6/Universal adapter (PEG-ADAPT101-EQ6). This allows the NYX-101 to be installed on the Pegasus carbon tripod, on EQ6-compatible tripods or on an observatory pier. An optional 18 cm (7 inch) half pier is built from the EQ6 / Universal adapter, three aluminum standoffs (PEG-ADAPT101-STDOFF) and the Carbon Tripod Adapter (or a second EQ6 adapter).

Tracking with < ±20 Arcsecond Periodic Error and 0.10" Motor Resolution

Strain wave drives are known for their characteristic high-frequency periodic error. The NYX-101 has a native periodic error of less than ±20 arcseconds over its 432-second cycle. Pegasus showed an unguided 120 s exposure at 2800 mm focal length, but states that because of strain wave periodic error the mount requires proper guiding for optimal overnight results. In Pegasus's own test of four setups (Sky-Watcher Esprit 120, Lacerta 8" Newtonian, custom 10" Newtonian and Askar 120 APO) on the same night, guiding RMS was consistently close to 0.30 arcsecond.

The mount features a standard ST-4 guide port for direct connection to a guide camera, and also accepts pulse guiding commands via its USB or Wi-Fi connection. With a maximum slew speed of 6 degrees per second, the NYX-101 moves swiftly between targets, minimizing downtime during an imaging session.

12V DC Power System with 0.7A Tracking Draw

Designed for field use, the NYX-101 runs on a standard 12V DC power supply. Power consumption is efficient, drawing only 0.7A while tracking and up to 2A during high-speed slews. This lets you run the mount from a standard 12V battery without additional converters. The mount includes reverse voltage polarity protection to safeguard the electronics from accidental mis-wiring. All power and data ports are located on the non-moving base of the mount to prevent cable snags and drags as the mount tracks across the sky.

Wireless 802.11g and USB Control via the Unity Platform

You can control the NYX-101 through its built-in Wireless 802.11g or its USB2 port, and both can be active simultaneously for redundant connectivity. The mount is managed through the Pegasus Astro Unity Platform software, which provides access to all settings, GoTo control, and status monitoring. Unity installs the ASCOM driver, which supports multiple clients; the mount also supports ASCOM Alpaca natively through its built-in web server and the INDI framework, so it works with software that supports these standards, such as N.I.N.A. For mobile users, the mount supports the LX200 protocol, allowing direct control from apps like SkySafari on your smartphone or tablet.

Imaging Setup, Cable Management, and RA Axis Safety Brake

The NYX-101 is engineered with the imager in mind. The RA axis includes a safety power-off brake that automatically engages if power is lost, preventing a heavy telescope from swinging down. To protect internal wiring, safety limit encoders on the RA axis prevent the mount from slewing into a position that could cause a cable snag or collision with the tripod. The placement of all I/O ports on the stationary base of the mount simplifies cable routing and minimizes the risk of cables pulling or catching during a meridian flip.

Pegasus NYX-101 vs. NYX-88: Payload and Portability

The NYX-88 is the smaller, more travel-focused sibling to the NYX-101. While both share the same core harmonic drive technology and control software, they are optimized for different use cases.

• Advantage NYX-88: The NYX-88 is significantly lighter at 5.0 kg compared to the NYX-101's 6.5 kg, and Pegasus designed it with travelers in mind. It carries 14 kg without counterweights (20 kg with).
• Advantage NYX-101: The NYX-101 is the clear winner for heavier payloads. Its 20 kg capacity without counterweights (vs. 14 kg for the NYX-88) allows it to carry larger refractors, Newtonians, or SCTs like the Celestron EdgeHD 11". The NYX-101 also has finer RA drive figures, with a 500:1 RA gear reduction and 0.10" motor resolution, compared to the NYX-88's 400:1 reduction and 0.15" resolution.

Choose the NYX-88 for maximum portability with imaging setups up to 14 kg. Choose the NYX-101 when you need the extra payload capacity and finer RA motor resolution for larger instruments, whether in the field or in a permanent observatory.