Telescope Reviews: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM?

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM?
#5621012 - 01/13/13 03:02 PM

The more I use my Polaris, the more I believe it to be the best of the lighter GEMs. Certainly it is light-years ahead of the Towa GEM. I have found the Polaris to be utterly smooth, with Byers-like backlash, prodigious load capability (if I use CG5 counter-weights and shaft), and rock-solid wood tripod with a usable gear tray. OK, so it does not have go-to or PE-correction or auto-guiding, but I've not been able to find anything on the used market that comes close in capability and quality in its price-range.

As I watch Polaris' being sold on the 'net, I do see some variations in their manufacture. As I see it, the biggest changes in their evolution include:

1) Smooth paint rather than hammertone (some folk mistakenly believe that the smooth-paint version to be anodized machined billet alloy - nice try but no cigar)
2) Tripod hub may or may not have a 'N' symbol on one leg, and may or may not have a bubble level
3) At least 3 different variants of the RA setting circle. No change to the delination setting circle.
4) Wooden or alloy legs, in 'short' (for Newts) and 'long' (for 'fracs) legs.

I've poked around the web and CN to find anything that documents the evolution of this fine GEM/alt-az, but with little success.

Can anyone help out with understanding the Polaris' evolution?

Shane in grey-zone NM

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hottr6]
#5621042 - 01/13/13 03:17 PM

Here. The first POlaris mounts had a unique mounting.

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Bonco
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/17/06

Loc: Florida

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5621131 - 01/13/13 04:12 PM

Can't help you with the evolution issue but I sure agree that it is one fine mount.
Bill

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turk123
sage

Reged: 07/09/10

Loc: N.E. Ohio

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hottr6]
#5621166 - 01/13/13 04:29 PM Attachment (39 downloads)

I recently did a full hyper tune and restoration of a super polaris. I did it for my brother who is just starting in astronomy. I loved it so much I am currently looking for one myself. Alas, not has popped up over the last few months.

The super polaris I think refined the Polaris to the perfect light weight mount. It is solid and ran with great solid motors and mounts. I recently purchased a CG-5 (what was I thinking) with the metak tube legs and it is nothing compared to the S Polaris. They were and still are great mounts. Now where are those pictures?

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Dennis53121
member

Reged: 08/28/12

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: turk123]
#5621449 - 01/13/13 07:01 PM Attachment (30 downloads)

I agree the old Vixen Polaris and Super Polaris mounts are great. I have one of each. Buttery smooth movement and I love the old wooded tripods. Motors, drives, and controllers are however getting much more difficult to find.

Dennis

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apfever
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 05/13/08

Loc: Colorado

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Dennis53121]
#5621603 - 01/13/13 08:31 PM Attachment (34 downloads)

The Vixen Polaris mount was used by different retailers, at least by Celestron and Tasco. There were variations in configuration between the two retailers. Most Celestrons did not come with a polar scope or bubble level while most Tascos did. On the Celestron models, the earlier ones had black tipped tripod legs and the newer ones went to white tipped legs.
I have the Polaris on my Tasco 8V, Celestron C4.5, and Celestron C6. I have the Super Polaris on my Celestron SP-C80. The C6 was a recent aquisition in a trade for an Orion 127 Mak. Due to the C6, I'll be letting my C4.5 go.

I prefer the looks of the Polaris over the Super Polaris when it comes to aesthetics.

Here's an easy, cheap, reversible trick that leaves the stock configuration unaltered. Get a nut and nylon washer that fit the threaded counterweight shaft. A light twist of the weight against this 'jam nut' will hold the counter weitht, and remove its wobbling slop on the shaft. I think it looks good as well. A light twist of the weight and it will loosen right back off. I also put a nylon washer between the counterweight shaft collar and the mount body. This lets you take the shaft off for easy transport and not worry about grinding the collar into the mount with reassembly on site.

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Ducky62
professor emeritus

Reged: 10/31/10

Loc: The ATL

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: apfever]
#5621706 - 01/13/13 09:18 PM

What we refer to as a Polaris is actually a "New Polaris".

There is a picture of the different mounts on the Vixen.jp blog.

Vixen mounts

There is a brief history on the Japan Wikipedia Vixen page . IIRC, it states the "Polaris" was introduced around '77 (see below) and the "New Polaris in '81.

Quote:

(Equatorial Polaris 1976 - Initial release) telescope system [1] , one of the. Circumstances, but can also be used as a stand equatorial. Conventional frame section which has been prepared by the casting die casting we introduced a method for mass production by molding.

A comment on the Vixen marketing blog states they are older.

I have 3 of them. A Vixen one with the removable machined knurled rods for lock levers (this is the one some claim is milled)It has a much more finely finished look and feel.No lat scale, no North leg and no level.

Two later lighter colored hammertone ones as provided by Tasco and Celestron with the more familiar lock levers. The Tasco came with a polar scope but only the Celestron has a level and lat scale.

One of my "back burner" projects has been to do a post with all of the info I've gleaned from Japan sites and pictures of my mounts. I really need an MD-5 drive (or two) and have been running WTB requests in the appropriate places.

Edited by Ducky62 (01/13/13 09:59 PM)

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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: turk123]
#5622198 - 01/14/13 07:20 AM

Quote:

The super polaris I think refined the Polaris to the perfect light weight mount.

One nice feature of the Polaris is that it doubles as an ALT-AZ mount with no modifications. The Mizar mount of similar size and quality is apparently still being manufactured.

Jon

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StarStuff1
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 04/01/07

Loc: South of the Mason-Dixon Line

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5622219 - 01/14/13 07:49 AM Attachment (35 downloads)

My Polaris mount was acquired in the mid 80s. A Celestron C6 rode on top of it After a while I sold the reflector and made new, longer and stronger legs and mounted a 4.5-in f/12.5 refractor on it. The frac fully loaded weighed 18 lbs! I remember one night at an outreach the mount kept the object in the fov for almost an hour with no adjusting. The only problem with this set up was when there was wind. I traded the long refractor for a Celestron 80mm flourite and this was a beautiful combo.

Unfortunately I loaned the mount to a club member who proceded to burn up the drive. He insisted it wasn't his fault so... I turned the mount into a very capable alt-az mount and bought a slightly used Super Polaris.

I love these mounts!

Sorry I can't comment on the evolution aspect but here is a pic of my SP with an 80mm f/11.25 AND a Celestron C102f mounted together.

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5622247 - 01/14/13 08:29 AM Attachment (18 downloads)

Quote:

Quote:

The super polaris I think refined the Polaris to the perfect light weight mount.

One nice feature of the Polaris is that it doubles as an ALT-AZ mount with no modifications. The Mizar mount of similar size and quality is apparently still being manufactured.

Jon

Yes it does.

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5622248 - 01/14/13 08:30 AM Attachment (26 downloads)

I had one once with a C6 that came with two counter weights.

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5622253 - 01/14/13 08:31 AM Attachment (26 downloads)

The other one I had came with a C80 and had refractor legs.

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5622261 - 01/14/13 08:37 AM Attachment (22 downloads)

One example had a hole drilled through the counterweight shaft. Not sure if it was original or not.

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5622268 - 01/14/13 08:40 AM Attachment (18 downloads)

The same mount also had a screw on one of the legs mounting points. Not sure why...maybe for a bubble level?? Just behind the counterweight in the photo.

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Geo.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/01/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: turk123]
#5622505 - 01/14/13 11:28 AM

I've got one or two, PM me.

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Geo.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/01/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5622512 - 01/14/13 11:34 AM

Quote:

Here. The first POlaris mounts had a unique mounting.

Yeah, saw that, if anyone here grabs it I've got the missing parts.

Think some of the differences that have been pointed out may be between the Polaris and the Polaris Deluxe. The one piece short merati legs usually were found with C4.5s sold on the mount. I put a set on a Meade DS2000, makes a big improvement on its stability.

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5623103 - 01/14/13 05:24 PM

Quote:

One example had a hole drilled through the counterweight shaft. Not sure if it was original or not.

Mine has the hole, same place, seems the same diameter. Raison d'être unknown.

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5623113 - 01/14/13 05:30 PM Attachment (24 downloads)

Quote:

The other one I had came with a C80 and had refractor legs.

My Polaris was part of a NOS CO114 (Cometron 4.5" Newt, a "department store" version of the C4.5) and has very different wooden legs compared with any Celestron version that I have seen. Further, the mounting tabs for the tray on my unit are black, not silvered as are the majority.

This leads me to believe that Vixen outsourced the tripod legs.

Edited by hottr6 (01/14/13 05:36 PM)

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hottr6]
#5623127 - 01/14/13 05:40 PM

Is that a Vixen Polaris or a clone? It has a smooth counterweight bar and what looks like aluminum slow motion knobs. I've never seen one like that.

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Space_Girl1234
member

Reged: 03/06/11

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5623822 - 01/15/13 04:32 AM

So what is the different between the Polaris and the Super Polaris mounts?

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droid
rocketman

Reged: 08/29/04

Loc: Conneaut, Ohio

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Space_Girl1234]
#5623932 - 01/15/13 07:50 AM Attachment (23 downloads)

Mine also has a smooth counter weight bar??

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Grava T
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/18/08

Loc: Quebec, Canada

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: droid]
#5623946 - 01/15/13 07:59 AM

That's a Super Polaris. All SP mounts had a smooth counterweight bar but most Polaris mounts that I have seen had a threaded bar. I prefer the sliding weight over the other design.

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turk123
sage

Reged: 07/09/10

Loc: N.E. Ohio

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Space_Girl1234]
#5623964 - 01/15/13 08:18 AM Attachment (39 downloads)

Quote:

So what is the different between the Polaris and the Super Polaris mounts?

Here is a picture. This may help.

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Space_Girl1234
member

Reged: 03/06/11

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: turk123]
#5624765 - 01/15/13 04:35 PM

Thank you for the pictures.

Could someone list the differences..they are not readily apparent.

And which one is the more desirable...and why?

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Grava T]
#5625747 - 01/16/13 08:14 AM

Quote:

That's a Super Polaris. All SP mounts had a smooth counterweight bar but most Polaris mounts that I have seen had a threaded bar. I prefer the sliding weight over the other design.

Both shafts have the same thread count, so you can use the smooth bar on the Polaris.

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Space_Girl1234]
#5625756 - 01/16/13 08:28 AM

Quote:

Could someone list the differences..they are not readily apparent.

And which one is the more desirable...and why?

Visually, there are many differences. Summarizing:
The Super Polaris (SP) has a greater payload than the Polaris.
The Polaris works extremely well in alt-az mode. The SP is not as well balanced in alt-az mode.
The SP is a lot heavier, is a marginal grab-n-go.
Both axes can be driven on the SP, only RA on Polaris.
I would think that tracking precision is the same for both.
The SP is a lot more expensive (both mounts are available only on the used market).
The SP has been cloned many times. There is only one Polaris.
Later SP clones have ball- and thrust-bearings on the RA axis for even greater payloads, the original SP and Polaris use plain bearings.

Desirability is a user-determined value. I have both (actually a CG5-clone) and use the Polaris far more often because of it's portability. YMMV.

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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Space_Girl1234]
#5625757 - 01/16/13 08:28 AM Attachment (20 downloads)

Quote:

Thank you for the pictures.

Could someone list the differences..they are not readily apparent.

And which one is the more desirable...and why?

The Super Polaris is a somewhat larger, more robust mount so it's better suited for larger telescopes. The Polaris is something of a rarity in that it is a small high quality mount, totally enclosed gears etc.

The Polaris can be used as an ALT-AZ mount without modification. The polar scope will need to be removed and then the altitude axis used for polar alignment is pointed at the zenith and all is done. I don't have a photo of a the Polaris in the ALT-AZ mode but I do have a photo of the similar vintage Mizar which is the other small, high quality mount.

Jon

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orion61
Vendor(Clear Edge Optical)

Reged: 10/20/07

Loc: NW Iowa BURRRR

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5625800 - 01/16/13 09:00 AM Attachment (30 downloads)

I still have mine from the mid 80's it came with a C8 on it, the C8 is long gone still have the mount!
Old and beat up as it is, it still keeps ticking,
Tore it apart the other day and tightened the Axis up, and re-lubed it, just like new now. except all the battle scars.
Here she is next to my 127 Mak, the short pier is homemade
and works great, that is a 5" Celestron Acro Prototype Refractor mounted on it.
One of about 30 made, purchased from Gary Hand in the early 90's before they decided on the 6" for production.
Size perspective I am 6' tall and come up to the finder eyepiece standing.

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droid
rocketman

Reged: 08/29/04

Loc: Conneaut, Ohio

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: orion61]
#5625850 - 01/16/13 09:31 AM

Ive always though the Orion astroview was a clone of the polaris???

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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: droid]
#5625961 - 01/16/13 10:42 AM

Quote:

Ive always though the Orion astroview was a clone of the polaris???

Not to my mind. The Polaris mount is like the Mizar, the body is straight with no offset. The astroview and the cg4 are like the larger mounts, the RA axis is offset from the pivot.

Jon

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Zamboni
professor emeritus

Reged: 01/03/05

Loc: Colorado Springs

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Jon Isaacs]
#5626413 - 01/16/13 03:38 PM

The CG4 is a polaris clone in almost all respects except for the offset from the pivot.

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Space_Girl1234
member

Reged: 03/06/11

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hottr6]
#5627311 - 01/17/13 12:49 AM

Thanks for the further information.

Are the motors, polar scope, tripods interchangable between the two mounts?

Are spare parts available from the manufacturer?

What are the payload weights for the different mounts?

What are the best "clones" of the Polaris/Super Polaris that are readily available today?

Any links to the manuals for both mounts so I can do my own research so I don't ask so many questions here?

Thank you for answering my questions.

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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Zamboni]
#5627440 - 01/17/13 05:03 AM

Quote:

The CG4 is a polaris clone in almost all respects except for the offset from the pivot.

I have both the EQ-3 and the Polaris. There are significant differences, the most obvious is the offset from the pivot and all the ramifications that follow. Given that fundamental difference, are you saying that the parts are interchangeable or exactly how is a clone? The Mizar looks much more like the Polaris that the EQ-3/CG-4 does.

Jon

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Jon Isaacs
Postmaster

Reged: 06/16/04

Loc: San Diego and Boulevard, CA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Zamboni]
#5627441 - 01/17/13 05:03 AM

Quote:

The CG4 is a polaris clone in almost all respects except for the offset from the pivot.

I have both the EQ-3 and the Polaris. There are significant differences, the most obvious is the offset from the pivot and all the ramifications that follow. Given that fundamental difference, are you saying that the parts are interchangeable or exactly how is it a clone? The Mizar, though obviously not a clone, looks much more like the Polaris that the EQ-3/CG-4 does.

Jon

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Masvingo
sage

Reged: 01/10/12

Loc: Ayrshire, Scotland

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Space_Girl1234]
#5628566 - 01/17/13 05:59 PM

There's a copy of the Super Polaris 'scope and mount manual on Robert Provin's excellent site. which has a few pages dealing with the mount.

James

Edited by Masvingo (01/17/13 06:03 PM)

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Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Space_Girl1234]
#5630291 - 01/18/13 05:32 PM

My mother bought me one in 1991 with a C4.5. The Newt is long gone, but the Polaris now carried a SkyWatcher 100ED.

The mount is my favourite, ever. The clock drive still works after all these years. I have a polar finder and even the illuminator for it, which is a pen lite mounted on top of the mount shining into the polar axis hole. I even have a Dec. motor from JMI.

I have never really put this mount away in the past two decades. The Chinese mounts just have not equalled it, in my opinion.

GW

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Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Glen A W]
#5630301 - 01/18/13 05:36 PM

By the way, I had the Chinese mount which came with a CH102HD more than fifteen years ago. I believe it was a CG4. Although the Polaris drive fit right on, the gear ratio was not the same, so it did not work right. I ditched the Chinese mount long ago - very shaky!

The Vixen Polaris polar scope does fit a CG5 which I have now. GW

Edited by Glen A W (01/18/13 05:37 PM)

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Bonco
Post Laureate

Reged: 04/17/06

Loc: Florida

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Glen A W]
#5630316 - 01/18/13 05:47 PM

A little off topic but my Super Polaris declination drive is not functioning. I'm not sure if its a problem with the drive or the hand controller. Any suggestions on how to trouble shoot the problem? Love my SP.
Thanks Bill

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Geo.
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 10/01/08

Loc: Upstate NY

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Bonco]
#5630370 - 01/18/13 06:31 PM

The hole in the Polaris weight shaft is to insert a pin to assist in removal from the mount.

"Are the motors, polar scope, tripods interchangable between the two mounts?"

No, but you can move the tripod legs from one hub to another. The hubs are different.

"Are spare parts available from the manufacturer?"

No, but I have a couple partial mounts I use to provide parts. Pretty sure Don Rothman has some too. Major part replacements are worm gears that have been bent and broken saddles.

"What are the payload weights for the different mounts?
IMO, 15# max for the Polaris. 22# for the SP."

"What are the best "clones" of the Polaris/Super Polaris that are readily available today?"

Polaris: EQ3-2, CG-4, Orion AstroView. All these mounts seem to come from Synta.

The SP was succeeded by the Great Polaris, which is still sold as the GP-2. I like the earlier GPs better as I think the quality was higher. The GP-2 on a good tripod (HAL130) runs $600 new and comes pretty much stripped. All up $1900. (Case is $495!) Used, with a polarscope and setting circles, $300-400. GP-E or GP-2 will run you a bit more.

The GP clones include, but may not be limited to: the CG-5, EQ-4 and EQ-5, Orion Superview Pro, Jinghua/Bosma EM-8, Meade LXD55 and 75, iOptron GEM. The Synta (CG-5) and the Jinghua/Bosma EM-8 have been sold under various brands. Sell for $100 up used $250 or so if you can find one without drives. The CG-5 goto (ASCG-5GT) has been discontinued and is selling at $600. It has a good reputation. Celestron sells some spares. I'd rate it as the best clone of the GP. The LXD75 would be second. It has also been discontinued and old stock is all you'll find. Meade doesn't sell spares and has its hands full with its current products. So it's not clear how long they'll provide any support for the LXD-75.

The SP can be used in the Al/Az position without modification also.

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kauzuak
member

Reged: 03/03/05

Loc: Burleson, TX

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Geo.]
#5630768 - 01/18/13 10:59 PM

There is a lot of potentially confusing info here for beginners looking for info about the differences between the Vixen SP and Polaris mounts. Just look at turk123's image. Nuf said ... But of course I can't stop there, the SP and polaris could be considered the fathers of the CG5 and others, but actually the vixen GP series is where the CG5, and and later LXD55/75 were cloned. I consider all other clones (EQ-3, CG4, etc) to be a different breed. The clone that resembles the SP the closest in spirit and execution, is the Orion SkyView (ie has decent sized setting circles). FYI, Orion61, your pic is of a GP not an SP. Not at bad thing, just newer (~>1991). : )

Edited by kauzuak (01/18/13 11:16 PM)

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Geo.]
#5631165 - 01/19/13 08:39 AM

Terrific post, George. Lots of good info.

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photiost
super member

Reged: 12/14/06

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hottr6]
#5632457 - 01/19/13 11:45 PM

My first SCT - the Celestron SPC8 - came with the Super Polaris and also a Polar scope and a pre-Ultima 30mm plossl as standard equipment.

Best Buy - I have since mounted all my refractors on that Super Polaris mount.

Cant say enough good things about this mount !

..

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John Carruthers
Skiprat

Reged: 02/02/07

Loc: Kent, UK

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Space_Girl1234]
#5632668 - 01/20/13 06:19 AM Attachment (11 downloads)

the vixen mounts I've worked on include the Polaris, the Super Polaris, the GP (Great Polaris) and the GP DX which had the greatest payload capacity.
The ball races in the GP/DX make it a bit heavier.
The later GP-E and GP D2 are still available here and there.
All the SP onwards will take Synscan or GOTO Nova drive sets, the Vixen MT1 and 2 motors are getting rarer, as are the controllers.
The Skysensor 2000 (SS2K) was fitted to some top end packages, nice but getting a bit long in the tooth now, some eproms are still available but also getting rare.
Some people have fitted Meade motors/controllers successfully.
Here's my SP with a Synscan drive set.

some files;
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/95073912/GPMounts.pdf

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/95073912/Exploded.jpg

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/95073912/VixenNorthAmerica_GP_GPDX_Part_01_Specs_Fir...

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roy26
member

Reged: 12/13/11

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Bonco]
#5660050 - 02/03/13 02:02 PM Attachment (11 downloads)

Hi, I have the same problem. At first I thought I had burnt out the DEC drive and asked around for help. I got some good pointers and switched leads RA to DEC and found that the control unit DEC element wasn't working. I got a reply from Mike West of optcorp.com re the drive, which I had asked about, and they could provide one $179. I have contacted him re the control unit (DMD-3) and hope to have a result soon. I am still waiting for Vixen to come back with my new query, but if stuck I would be grateful for any help in either replacing or having the controller repaired. I am not electrically technically gifted , so a home repair is out of the question.
It was really great to read all the enthusiastic posts re the old SP. Being a relative newcomer I thought, when I bought the C8 and mount (first scope and grow into it), that it would do me until I had progressed enough to get something better. Seems like it would be better to hold on to the kit and use it to its fullest potential. I attached a quick pic of my outfit. I currently have to drag it out of the garage when I want to use it but have now got a steel mount to fit on a proposed concrete pier when I find the best spot in the garden.

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skycamper
super member

Reged: 10/20/07

Loc: Beaverton OR

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: roy26]
#5675192 - 02/12/13 03:08 AM Attachment (19 downloads)

These mounts are getting scarce cause I keep buying them! Heres my collection, SP-C6, GP-DX with SV105T and auto star, GP with SV110ED with boxendorfer controller with MT-1 motors, there a Meade 6600 on mizar mount as well.

Skysensor with MT-2s as well.

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skycamper
super member

Reged: 10/20/07

Loc: Beaverton OR

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: skycamper]
#5675193 - 02/12/13 03:11 AM Attachment (20 downloads)

Oopps SP mount not in this photo.

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skycamper
super member

Reged: 10/20/07

Loc: Beaverton OR

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: skycamper]
#5675194 - 02/12/13 03:12 AM

My wife hates telescopes. My one year old wants to take them apart! She would let him too!

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hottr6]
#5675384 - 02/12/13 08:16 AM

Continuing with the evolution of the Vixen Polaris, I note that Tasco sold a made-in-China replica of the Polaris. I'll post pictures this weekend.

Quick summary: The Chinese clone is pretty good. Finish is not as good as the Japanese Polaris, and the Chinese did skimp in a few areas, but it is smooth and operates just like a Polaris. A blindfolded operator would not be able to discern a difference in routine handling. News at 11.....

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terraclarke
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 05/29/12

Loc: Over the river and thru the wo...

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: skycamper]
#5675460 - 02/12/13 09:38 AM

That's a lovely collection SkyCamper. I find the ATM one on the far left (on the non Vixen alt-az) most interesting. Tell us a little about it and its mount in a separate thread if you don't mind

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hpw
member

Reged: 02/21/09

Loc: Europe

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: John Carruthers]
#5675687 - 02/12/13 11:55 AM Attachment (9 downloads)

Quote:

The Skysensor 2000 (SS2K) was fitted to some top end packages, nice but getting a bit long in the tooth now, some eproms are still available but also getting rare.

Old, but a VERY well working system. I love to use the SP + SS2K-PC in altaz mode. This is my second SP. I bought my first one in 1989.

Peter

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skycamper
super member

Reged: 10/20/07

Loc: Beaverton OR

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hpw]
#5675815 - 02/12/13 01:02 PM

Peter, thats an awesome setup, thats just really cool! Everyone should have a florite refractor for sure!

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skycamper
super member

Reged: 10/20/07

Loc: Beaverton OR

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: terraclarke]
#5675817 - 02/12/13 01:03 PM

Thats my grandpas telescope he gave me 10 years ago for painting his house. I'll make a separate thread for that in the refractors section. Thanks Terra

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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more

Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: skycamper]
#5675845 - 02/12/13 01:18 PM

I'd love to see some details on the more obscure Polaris variants, such as the New Polaris and the Sensor.

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hpw
member

Reged: 02/21/09

Loc: Europe

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[Re: skycamper]
#5675846 - 02/12/13 01:19 PM

Thanks!

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Glen A W
sage

Reged: 07/04/08

Loc: WEST VIRGINIA USA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: jrcrilly]
#5675851 - 02/12/13 01:21 PM

Quote:

I'd love to see some details on the more obscure Polaris variants, such as the New Polaris and the Sensor.

Me too - these mounts are my favorite of all time. GW

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bremms
scholastic sledgehammer

Reged: 08/31/12

Loc: SC

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Glen A W]
#5676667 - 02/12/13 09:57 PM

I like the Polaris mounts too.. I have a GP in green and. GP2. Unfortunately, my D&G 5" is a little much for the GP or GP2. The 4" F15 jaegers or VMC200L is about the maximum load. The combination of weight and torque load from the 5" F12 puts a lot of stress on the mount.

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jrcrilly
Refractor wienie no more

Reged: 04/30/03

Loc: NE Ohio

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: Glen A W]
#5680039 - 02/14/13 06:41 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I'd love to see some details on the more obscure Polaris variants, such as the New Polaris and the Sensor.

Me too - these mounts are my favorite of all time. GW

I've owned the common variants, but I've never even seen a New Polaris. I did just pick up a Sensor and it looks like a winner.

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hottr6
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 06/28/09

Loc: 7,500', Magdalena Mtns, NM

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: jrcrilly]
#5732158 - 03/14/13 12:22 PM

Quote:

I'd love to see some details on the more obscure Polaris variants, such as the New Polaris and the Sensor.

I did a CN review on comparing the Vixen Polaris with a "new" Tasco repro here.

Shane in gray-zone NM

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BarrySimon615
Carpal Tunnel

Reged: 03/01/04

Loc: New Orleans, LA

Re: Evolution of the Vixen Polaris GEM? new

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[Re: hottr6]
#5732370 - 03/14/13 02:47 PM Attachment (9 downloads)

Here is a photo of the Super Polaris DX. Notice the prominent box just ahead of the RA setting circle. The DX version (deluxe) had a greater load capacity.

This one was originally sold thru AstroPhysics. They felt it was a decent mount for some of their smaller scopes.

Barry Simon

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