Pegasus NYX-88 Harmonic Gear Mount

Zero-Backlash Strain Wave Gearing: High Torque Without Counterweights

At the core of the NYX-88 are strain wave gears on both the Right Ascension and Declination axes. This design provides exceptionally high torque and eliminates the backlash found in traditional worm-and-ring gear systems, enabling precise, responsive slewing and tracking even with off-balance loads. This high torque is what allows the mount to handle up to a 14 kg instrument load without the need for a counterweight and shaft, drastically reducing the total weight and complexity of your portable setup.

To protect your equipment, the RA axis is fitted with a power-off electromagnetic brake that instantly locks the axis in place during a planned or unplanned power interruption. The DEC axis does not have a brake, so a rough balance is recommended to prevent the telescope from drifting when the mount is powered down.

A 14 kg Payload from a 5.0 kg Mount Head

The NYX-88 achieves a remarkable payload-to-weight ratio, carrying nearly three times its own weight without assistance. The mount head itself weighs just 5.0 kg, making it easy to transport and set up. This counterweight-free capacity of 14 kg covers a wide range of imaging systems. Large, long tubes close to the payload limit, such as Newtonian OTAs, may need an extra 5 kg counterweight for stable, smooth operation.

For imagers with larger optical tubes or heavier camera trains, the capacity can be extended to 20 kg by adding an M12 counterweight shaft (not included) and weights. This flexibility allows the NYX-88 to grow with your equipment, supporting heavier loads while retaining its compact form factor.

Equatorial and Altazimuth Operation from 0° to 90° Latitude

The NYX-88 can operate as either a German Equatorial mount for imaging or an Altazimuth mount for visual observing. Switching between modes is handled through the Pegasus Unity software, mobile app, or optional hand controller. The mount's mechanical design supports a full latitude range from 0° to 90°, making it usable anywhere on Earth.

This dual-mode capability makes the NYX-88 a highly adaptable platform. You can use it in EQ mode for serious long-exposure astrophotography one night, and quickly switch to the more intuitive Alt-Az mode for a visual session the next, all with the same hardware.

Universal Saddle and Flexible Tripod/Pier Interfaces

The NYX-88 is equipped with a low-profile, rigid 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 the clamps for extra grip.

For mounting, the Pegasus Carbon Fiber Tripod for NYX88 (PEG-TRPD88) includes the Carbon Tripod Adapter for NYX88. Pegasus also offers two 18 cm (7 inch) half piers: PEG-HP88-NYX-TRPD for the carbon tripod and PEG-HP88-EQ6-TRPD for the classic steel EQ6 tripod. Both include all necessary adapters and 3 rods, and the half pier keeps the telescope from colliding with the tripod legs.

< ±20 Arcsecond Periodic Error and ST-4 Guiding

The strain wave drive delivers a smooth tracking performance with a native periodic error of less than ±20 arcseconds over its 432-second cycle. Autoguiding is recommended for long-exposure imaging. The NYX-88 features an integrated ST-4 autoguider port for direct connection to a guide camera.

The combination of the stepper motor, belt drive, and sophisticated electronics provides a motor resolution of 0.15 arcseconds on the RA axis. This gives smooth, stable tracking, and the factory default x0.50 pulse-guide rate is recommended for ASCOM pulse guiding with software such as PHD2.

Efficient 12V DC Power System with Onboard Safety Features

The NYX-88 operates on a standard 12V DC power input, drawing a modest 0.5A while tracking and up to 2.5A when slewing. This low consumption makes it ideal for field use with portable battery packs. The mount features a secure, locking GX12 power input jack to prevent accidental disconnection, and includes reverse polarity protection.

A pass-through 12V DC power output port (also a GX12 jack) is provided to help with cable management, allowing you to power other devices directly from the mount. This simplifies your wiring by reducing the number of cables running up from your power source.

Unity Platform: Wi-Fi, USB, ASCOM, and Alpaca Control

Control of the NYX-88 is centralized through the Pegasus Astro Unity Platform. The mount features both Wi-Fi 802.11g and USB2 connectivity, which can be used simultaneously for robust communication. You can connect to the mount's built-in Wi-Fi hotspot or configure it as a client on your home network.

It supports a comprehensive range of control protocols, so it works with software that supports these standards. Full support is provided for ASCOM, ASCOM Alpaca, and INDI. The mount is also LX200 compatible, allowing control from applications like Sky-Safari on a mobile device.

In the Field: Balancing, Alignment, and Practical Imaging

Setting up the NYX-88 for an imaging session is straightforward. After mounting on a tripod and attaching your telescope, a rough balance on the DEC axis is all that's needed. Because the strain wave and belt drive provide high torque, perfect balance isn't required for tracking, but it prevents the scope from swinging when powered off.

Polar alignment can be achieved using modern software tools like N.I.N.A.'s Three-Point Polar Alignment routine or SharpCap. Once aligned, the mount's GoTo system can be synced and used to locate targets. The entire system, from alignment to imaging sequence control, can be managed from a PC connected via USB or Wi-Fi.

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

The NYX-88 is the more compact and travel-friendly sibling to the larger Pegasus NYX-101. The primary difference lies in payload capacity and physical size, which dictates the ideal use case for each mount.

• Payload Capacity: The NYX-101 has the advantage, carrying 20 kg without counterweights (30 kg with), compared to the NYX-88's 14 kg (20 kg with). The NYX-101 can handle anything from a small refractor to a fully loaded 11-inch SCT.
• Mount Weight: The NYX-88 is significantly lighter at 5.0 kg, versus the NYX-101's 6.5 kg. This 1.5 kg difference matters for travel or setups that need to be carried.
• Intended Use: Pegasus designed the NYX-88 with travelers in mind, carrying up to 14 kg without counterweights. The NYX-101 is Pegasus's high payload model for heavier optics and larger imaging trains.