Kenko Sky Memo - Single-Axis Tracking Mount

Now available, the Kenko Single-axis tracking mount -- a compact, portable, easy-to-use,
precision tracking mount, perfect for the beginner starting out in astrophotography with wide
angle lenses.

Experienced observers will also find it useful as a second mount for travel or as an additional
platform for cameras or a lightweight scope. While you observe or photograph with your
primary system, the Kenko mount can be used to capture wide angle panoramas, patrol for
meteors, or for testing new films, filters, and camera lenses.

Features:

Northern & Southern hemisphere operation.
Solid, high-quality construction using a precision worm gear yields excellent tracking
performance
5 kg. (11 lb) load capacity.
6 Volt battery (4 C-cells) operation.
Illuminated, magnifying polar alignment scope.
RA tracking control paddle.
Accomodates two cameras in the standard configuration.
Optional counterweight.
May be mounted on a camera tripod or on an optional compact tripod.

The Kenko mount has long been recognized in Japan as the best portable mount in its class
due to its compactness, which is achieved without sacrificing load capacity or tracking
accuracy. This is achieved by utilitizing precision components and conservative construction.

Tracking performance depends on accurate alignment of the mount, load weight and balance,
aim point, atmospheric refraction (at lower altitudes), and other factors. However, as a
guideline, the manufacturer-suggested maximum tracking times (unguided) for various focal
lengths are:

Focal Length - 50mm, Max. exposure - 70 minutes.
Focal Length - 100mm, Max. exposure - 40 minutes.
Focal Length - 135mm, Max. exposure - 35 minutes.
Focal Length - 200mm, Max. exposure - 30 minutes.
Focal Length - 300mm, Max. exposure - 15 minutes.

Ultra-Compact system for short-exposure film or digital astrophotography:
Lunar photography, including lunar eclipses.
Solar photography (with suitable solar filter), including eclipses and transits of Mercury or
Venus.
Planetary photography
Good for widefield deepsky piggyback photography too.
Convenient visual observing with a star-tracking mount.

Recommended economical starter scopes - Borg 76mm or 100mm Achromat
APO performance for experienced observers - Borg 76ED or 100ED
Dozens of Borg photographic accessories available.
Precise, easy-to-use polar alignment scope is standard equipment.
Tripod options - Use the ultra-compact, lightweight Kenko tripod, or a standard photographic
tripod.

Specifications:

Operation - Northern or Southern Hemisphere (switchable by N-S switch).
Weight - 3kg (6.6lb), mount plus camera arm.
Dimensions - 240mm long x 90mm wide x 130mm high.
Load Capacity - 2.5kg (5.5lb) at each end of camera arm. Total 5kg (11lb).
Attachment - M8 screws included for kenko tripod or 1/4-20 camera screw for standard photo
tripod.
Polar Scope - Magnification 4x, Actual Field of view 10 degrees, Accuracy better than 5
minutes,
Illuminated Reticle, Norther & Southern hemisphere operation.
Polar Scope Filter Thread - M30.5/P0.5.
Motor Type - Stepper
Gears - 1:500, 1:2, Worm 1:144
Hand Controller - 2x or stopped
Power - 6v DC (4 C-cells).
Battery Life - >24 hours (Manganese batteries @ 20 degrees C).

Optional Tripod:
Height - 600-800 mm
Weight - 4kg (8.8lb).
Load Capacity - 10kg (22lb).
Azimuth Range - 30 degrees
Altitude Range - -10 degrees to +50 degrees.

Prices:
Basic Tracker - £745.00 + £10.00 UK mainland delivery.
Tracker and Tripod Set - £1045.00 + £10.00 UK mainland delivery.
Tripod - £349.00 + £10.00 UK mainland delivery.
Counterweight Shaft - £15.00
Counterweight 1.5kg - £55.00
Counterweight 2.2kg - £55.00
Counterweight 3.3kg - £55.00

See the Kenko Sky Memo Instruction Manual and Kenko Polar Finder Instructions in our
online library (pdf files).

Kenko Portable Mount Dec Axis Enhancement - available April 2004.

Dual axis guiding with the Kenko Sky Memo R tracker will now be possible with the addition
of the Hutech Dec axis motor and autoguider interface.

The user-installable enhancement kit includes:

Tangent arm motor assembly for the primary camera platform
Integrated Dec axis control with the existing RA controller in an autoguider-compatible
connection point. This port is also compatible with a Losmandy hand controller for manual
corrections.
Automatic endpoint sensing shutdown.
One touch "rewind" to center for the Dec axis tangent arm.
Operation off standard 12V battery or power supply.

The Dec Axis Enhancement allows longer exposures to be made at longer focal lengths than
the standard single-axis Kenko tracker. Yet the exceptional portability of the Kenko mount is
not compromised - perfect for making deep exposures of widefield vistas even when on trips
where luggage space and weight is at a premium.

Price - To Be Announced.

The Astronomy Shop

1 Tone Hill. Wellington

Somerset TA21 0AU

United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1823 665510