Astro Devices Explore Scientific Twilight I Encoder Kit

Product Overview

The Astro Devices Explore Scientific Twilight-I Encoder Kit adds digital setting circles to an Explore Scientific Twilight-I mount, turning it into a push-to instrument. Two optical encoders mount to the altitude and azimuth axes and report the telescope's position to a connected digital setting circle computer, which then points the way to any target in its database. The kit ships with everything needed for the conversion: two 20,480-step encoders, an installation hardware set, a 50 cm coiled encoder cable that extends to 1.8 m, and a printed installation booklet.

Who It's For

This kit is made specifically for the Explore Scientific Twilight-I alt-azimuth mount. It suits owners of that mount who want to locate objects electronically rather than by star-hopping, and who already run (or plan to run) an Astro Devices Nexus DSC or a compatible digital setting circle system.

Key Features & Design

• Purpose-built fit: designed and machined for the Explore Scientific Twilight-I mount, so the encoders and hardware locate directly on its axes.
• Two high-resolution encoders: each encoder delivers 20,480 steps per revolution for precise altitude and azimuth position reporting.
• Coiled encoder cable: a 50 cm coiled cable extends to 1.8 m, giving slack for movement without excess loose wire.
• Complete hardware set: the mounting hardware needed for the installation is included in the box.
• Printed instructions: a step-by-step installation booklet is included, with the same guide also available as a downloadable PDF.

Encoder Design

The two encoders form the sensing core of the kit. At 20,480 steps per revolution on each axis, they give the digital setting circle computer enough angular resolution to place targets reliably within the eyepiece field after a short alignment. Position data travels from the encoders to the DSC over the single coiled cable, keeping the wiring on the mount simple.

Recommended Uses

Fit this kit to a Twilight-I mount to run push-to observing sessions: align on a couple of known stars, choose a target on the DSC, and follow the guidance arrows to bring it into view. It is well suited to touring deep-sky objects, planets, and double stars where quickly relocating faint targets saves time at the eyepiece.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The kit fits the Explore Scientific Twilight-I mount only. The encoders connect to an Astro Devices Nexus DSC or another digital setting circle system that accepts standard optical encoders; the DSC unit and any tablet or phone used to display charts are separate items and are not part of this kit.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Mount specific: the hardware is cut for the Twilight-I mount and is not intended for other Explore Scientific or third-party mounts.
• DSC not included: the kit supplies the encoders and cabling; a digital setting circle computer is needed to read them.
• Cable reach: the coiled cable extends to 1.8 m, which sets how far the DSC unit can sit from the mount.
• Resolution: each encoder provides 20,480 steps, the figure the DSC uses when computing pointing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this kit do?

It converts an Explore Scientific Twilight-I mount into a push-to system by adding two axis encoders that report the telescope's position to a digital setting circle computer.

Is it difficult to set up?

The kit is designed to bolt onto the Twilight-I mount using the included hardware, and a printed installation booklet walks through each step; the same instructions are also available as a downloadable PDF.

What resolution are the encoders?

Each of the two encoders provides 20,480 steps per revolution.

Is a Nexus DSC included?

No. The kit includes the encoders, hardware, and cable; a Nexus DSC or compatible digital setting circle system is a separate purchase.

How long is the cable?

The coiled encoder cable measures 50 cm and extends to 1.8 m.

Bottom Line

The Astro Devices Explore Scientific Twilight-I Encoder Kit is a direct-fit conversion that brings electronic object location to the Twilight-I mount. With two 20,480-step encoders, the mounting hardware, a coiled cable, and printed instructions in the box, it supplies the sensing hardware needed to pair the mount with a digital setting circle computer for push-to observing.