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Center Any Guide Star with Precision
The Tele Vue Accessory X-Y Mount (AAM-0001) is a compact, precision-machined adjustable mount that gives you fine control over the pointing of your finderscope, guidescope, or secondary camera. It solves the common problem of finding a suitable guide star by allowing you to move your accessory independently of the main telescope's field of view. This system eliminates the need for guide rings and brings a new level of efficiency to your imaging or visual setup.
Independent X-Y Axis Adjustment for Effortless Guiding
At the heart of the mount are two independent, non-rotating adjustment knobs. Turning one knob moves your attached accessory smoothly along one axis, while the other controls the perpendicular axis. This design allows you to place a guide star precisely in the center of your autoguider's field of view without the frustrating trial-and-error process associated with traditional three-point guide rings.
The practical benefit for imagers is a significant reduction in setup time. Instead of hunting for a new field with a suitable guide star, you can frame your primary target perfectly and then use the X-Y mount to scan the adjacent sky. This ensures you never have to compromise your composition just to find a star bright enough for your guider.
The Universal Mounting Block Core
The system is built around the included Tele Vue Mounting Block (MBC-1001). This central component features a Vixen-style dovetail slot and a secure locking knob, providing a robust and standardized interface for a variety of accessories. It is the connection point that gives the mount its versatility, allowing you to swap different devices quickly and securely.
This block is specifically designed to accept the Tele Vue Starbeam red-dot finder, the Sol-Searcher solar finder, and the Piggy-Cam piggyback camera mount. The standardized connection means you can switch from a daytime solar finder to a nighttime red-dot finder without disassembling the entire X-Y mount, streamlining your workflow across different observing sessions.
Flexible Telescope Mounting Options
The Accessory X-Y Mount is designed for broad compatibility with Tele Vue's ecosystem. The base plate features mounting holes that align perfectly with the Tele Vue Ring Mounts, allowing it to be securely attached to the top of a Tele Vue refractor. This creates a solid, integrated platform for your finding and guiding equipment.
For users with other telescope systems or custom setups, the flat base plate can also be drilled and adapted for mounting on other surfaces. While it's optimized for Tele Vue hardware, its simple geometry makes it a viable component for custom projects. The primary limitation is that it requires a flat surface or a Tele Vue ring system; it is not directly compatible with standard finderscope shoes from other brands without adaptation.
Quick-Release Bracket Integration
For ultimate convenience, the X-Y Mount is fully compatible with the Tele Vue Quick-Release Bracket (QRB-1002, sold separately). By attaching the QRB-1002 to the Mounting Block, you can instantly attach or remove accessories like the Starbeam finder with a simple thumbscrew. This is invaluable for transport and storage, as it allows you to remove the delicate finder without tools.
This modularity is a key strength of the Tele Vue system. It allows you to build a setup that matches your exact needs, whether it's for visual searching or long-exposure imaging. The ability to quickly reconfigure your setup in the dark saves time and reduces the risk of dropping equipment.
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What is the main purpose of the Tele Vue X-Y Mount?
It allows you to make fine adjustments to the pointing of a finderscope or guidescope, independent of the main telescope. This is primarily used by astrophotographers to easily center a guide star on their autoguider sensor without having to move the main scope.
Will this mount fit on my non-Tele Vue telescope?
The mount has a flat base designed to attach to Tele Vue's telescope ring mounts. To use it on another brand of telescope, you would likely need to drill custom holes in your existing rings or mounting plate to match the base plate of the AAM-0001.
Can I use this to mount a small guidescope?
Yes, but you will need an adapter. The mount's included block (MBC-1001) is designed for Tele Vue accessories. To mount a small guidescope with a Vixen-style dovetail bar, you would need to attach a corresponding dovetail clamp to the X-Y mount's top plate.
Is this better than using guide rings?
For many users, yes. The X-Y mount provides smoother, more precise, and independent axis adjustments, which is much less frustrating than adjusting three or six opposing screws on traditional guide rings. It holds alignment better and makes finding a guide star much faster.
What do I need to attach my Starbeam finder to this mount?
Nothing extra is required if your Starbeam has the Tele Vue dovetail base. The included MBC-1001 block accepts the Starbeam's dovetail directly. For even faster attachment, you can add the Quick-Release Bracket (QRB-1002).
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| Model |
AAM-0001 |
| Mechanism |
Dual-axis (X-Y) fine adjustment |
| Included Block |
MBC-1001 Mounting Block |
| Compatibility |
Tele Vue Ring Mounts, Starbeam, Sol-Searcher, Piggy-Cam |
| Materials |
Black anodized machined aluminum, stainless steel hardware |
| Weight |
Approx. 1.0 lbs (0.45 kg) |
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Accessory X-Y Mount Assembly
× 1
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MBC-1001 Mounting Block
× 1
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Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty
