Vixen GP-DX

Ratings:Top:Astronomy:Equipment Reviews:Mounts:Vixen GP-DX

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Brand and Model:Vixen GP-DX
Price ($USD):~1500
Type:Equatorial
Attributes:un-checkedMotorized un-checkedPEC un-checkedGoto
Electric Power:-
Weight (lbs.):-
Description:"This is a real equatorial mount designed solidly for maniacs. It is most suitable for photography. Optional encoders and "Stellar Guide" are usable.
"

Vixen's Equatorial Page


Cloudy Nights' Review w/Sky Sensort 2000

Review of the GP-DX Mount for CCD Imaging (useful tips)
Bernie's Vixen GP-DX Page

Vote Highlights Vote
Vixen GP-DX
I owned the gp-dx for allmost a year now.I am really happy with it.I bought a tak tripod to use with the mount,My scope is a tak fs 102.I mostly do ccd work and the gp-dx provides 3 to 4 min unguided imaging with up to 5min with just polar align.The illuminated polar scope is so easy to use that it is very simple to get 3min unguided easily.I have just RA drive but this is really all i need,the drive knobs that have to be engaged to track are a pain in the dark sometimes but after a while you get use to it.I really love this mount for the money.My mount shows littel tracking error.Highy recommened.THANKS BOB HART

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:9 Ease of Use:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=411655

Vixen GP-DX
Good points: rugged mount and well constructed. Tracks well with good accuracy. Nice to look at. Relatively portable. Mounts a lot of different scopes.
Bad points: vibrations hard to track down and fix. HAL tripod that comes with GP-DX is not sturdy enough at full extension for complete vibration-free operation. It is also too low for refractors 4" f8. I got rid of tripod and used an Astrosky Eliminator. Very nice, vibrations sharply reduced. Locking clamps very hard to find in the dark when you are busy. Hand controlled tracking gets senile once in a while- need to turn off then on again. The rigid DEC plastic focus handle falls off easily and is cheap looking. GP-DX is also quite expensive.

Overall Rating: 7
Performance:7 Ease of Use:8 Value:7
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=281296

Vixen GP-DX
Sturdy mount...but tripod a bit weak. Get an orion Optics unit instead. Accurate and takes most scopes with ease for visual use...however upgrade to altux if you want heavy scopes with ccd accuracy. ss2000 makes it superb although annoyingly you lose slow controls unlike with normal drives. Highly recommended but shame its not cheaper. You may be better off with the eq6 for visual use.

However for CCD work its a different story

Overall Rating: 7
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=203564

Vixen GP-DX
The DX's ability in regards to pe is underrated. Had mine with a SS2K which provides the user to train it even lower. On a sidebar, I had the SS2K with my GP as well. I find it the most intuitive GOTO available. The HAL110 tripod is miles ahead of the one used on the GP(which I've also owned). Stability and tracking..aren't those the bottom line of what you expect in regards to performance. I believe that it's rated payload is conservative right along with many other fine mounts from other makers. A very popular brand seems to overrate theirs by comparison.

Even compared to it's closest competition, which I've also owned twice now, it's easier to setup. While weights between them are comparable, the DX just seem less bulky. Only a 9 here because of what may considered a subjective opinion. I do enjoy the slip clutches incorporated by the other guys.

I stayed away from the DX the first time around due to what I perceived at the time was a lesser mount. The DX is a bundle of dynamite in a well executed package. Buying new a drive system is extra. That's a big factor too. Be wary of payload ratings if you're "on the bubble" and a bigger mount is not economically feasible. Go green if your bottom line is imaging or portability. If strictly a visual observer and a bit more heft isn't a concern, then those black mounts may be your best choice.

Overall Rating: 9
Performance:9 Ease of Use:9 Value:9
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=170777

Vixen GP-DX
Very good mount...

Overall Rating: 8
Performance:6 Ease of Use:10 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=123449

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