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Unlock Digital Setting Circles on Your Gibraltar HD5 Mount
The Tele Vue DSC - Computer Azimuth Spacers for 5 Head (STS-5002) are a required component for observers who wish to add the powerful Sky Tour digital setting circle (DSC) system to their Tele Vue Gibraltar HD5 mount. These precision-machined spacers solve a critical clearance issue, making the installation of the azimuth encoder possible on the larger HD5 head. Without them, the encoder cover cannot be fastened, preventing the use of Tele Vue's popular push-to object locator system.
Engineered for a Perfect Fit on the Gibraltar HD5
The Gibraltar HD5 mount head was designed with a wider baseplate to accommodate Tele Vue's larger 5-inch refractors, providing a more stable platform. This added width, however, creates a gap that prevents the standard azimuth encoder cover from seating correctly. The STS-5002 spacers are precisely dimensioned to fill this gap, providing a secure and stable mounting surface for the cover. This ensures the sensitive encoder is protected and the mount's azimuth axis can report its position accurately to the Sky Tour computer.
The Gateway to Your Sky Tour Upgrade
For owners of the robust Gibraltar HD5 mount, the path to computerized object-finding runs directly through these spacers. If you are purchasing the Sky Tour Encoder Kit (STN-4001) for your HD5, these spacers are not optional, they are essential. They represent the final mechanical link needed to integrate the digital hardware with your manual alt-azimuth mount, transforming it into a sophisticated tool for quickly locating thousands of celestial objects.
The installation is straightforward, designed to be performed by the mount owner. The spacers fit between the mount head's baseplate and the azimuth encoder cover, allowing the fastening screws to engage properly. This simple addition unlocks the full potential of your mount, bridging the gap between solid, manual observing and the efficiency of a digital pointing system.
A Note on Compatibility and Purpose
It is important to understand the specific application for this part. The STS-5002 spacers are designed exclusively for the Tele Vue Gibraltar HD5 mount head. They are not needed for the smaller Gibraltar HD4 head or the original Tele-Pod mounts. Their sole function is to facilitate the installation of the Sky Tour system's azimuth encoder, making them a niche but indispensable part for a specific upgrade path.
If you own a Gibraltar HD5 and have ever considered adding Sky Tour, these spacers are the key. They ensure that the investment you've made in a high-quality manual mount can be enhanced with the convenience and power of digital setting circles, without compromising the integrity or function of the original hardware.
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Do I need these spacers for my Gibraltar HD4 mount?
No, these spacers are only required for the larger Gibraltar HD5 mount head. The HD4 and standard Gibraltar mounts do not have the wider baseplate and can accept the Sky Tour encoder kit without these spacers.
Are the STS-5002 spacers included with the Gibraltar HD5 mount or the Sky Tour kit?
No, the STS-5002 spacers must be purchased separately. They are a dedicated part required only when adding a Sky Tour system to a Gibraltar HD5 mount.
What exactly do these spacers do?
They provide the necessary clearance to properly fasten the azimuth encoder's protective cover to the wider baseplate of the Gibraltar HD5 mount head. Without them, the cover cannot be installed, and the Sky Tour system cannot be fully mounted.
Is installing the Sky Tour encoders and these spacers difficult?
The installation is designed to be user-friendly for amateur astronomers with basic mechanical aptitude. Tele Vue provides instructions, and the process involves fastening the spacers and cover with standard screws.
Can I use these spacers for anything else?
These spacers are designed for a single, specific purpose: enabling the installation of the Sky Tour azimuth encoder on a Gibraltar HD5 mount. They do not serve any other function as a general-purpose telescope accessory.
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| Product Code |
STS-5002 |
| Compatibility |
Tele Vue Gibraltar HD5 Mount Head |
| Function |
Enables installation of Sky Tour Azimuth Encoder Cover |
| Material |
Anodized Aluminum |
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Tele Vue DSC - Computer Azimuth Spacers for 5 Head
× 1 Set
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Tele Vue 5-Year Limited Warranty
