Astro Devices Explore Scientific Twilight II Encoder Kit

Product Overview

The Astro Devices Explore Scientific Twilight-II Encoder Kit is an installation kit made specifically for Explore Scientific Twilight-II mounts. It supplies the two axis encoders, cabling, and hardware that let a digital setting circle (DSC) read where the telescope is pointing. The encoders attach to the altitude and azimuth axes and transmit position signals to the DSC, which turns that motion into live coordinates. Without encoders on the axes, a DSC has no way of interfacing with the telescope, so this kit is the physical link between a Twilight-II mount and a push-to setup.

The encoders report at high resolution, with 655,360 steps across the azimuth axis and 311,296 steps across the altitude axis, giving the DSC fine positional feedback as the telescope moves.

Who It's For

This kit fits owners of an Explore Scientific Twilight-II mount who want to add push-to digital setting circle capability. It is the matching encoder set for that mount and pairs with an Astro Devices Nexus DSC unit to complete a push-to system.

Key Features & Design

• Mount-specific fit: designed exclusively for Explore Scientific Twilight-II mounts, so the encoders and hardware match the axes directly.
• High-resolution encoders: 655,360 steps in azimuth and 311,296 steps in altitude for precise position reporting.
• Complete installation set: two encoders, an installation hardware set, an encoder cable, and an installation instruction booklet are included.
• DSC interface: the encoders provide the axis feedback a digital setting circle needs to display live coordinates.

Electronics and Encoders

Each axis carries its own optical encoder. As the telescope swings in azimuth or altitude, the encoders track that rotation in discrete steps and send the count to the connected DSC through the supplied cable. The higher azimuth step count reflects the wider range of travel on that axis, while the altitude encoder covers the tube's vertical motion. The DSC combines both readings to know exactly where the telescope is aimed.

Recommended Uses

Use this kit to convert an Explore Scientific Twilight-II mount into a push-to system for visual observing. Once installed and aligned, the DSC guides the telescope to catalogued objects by showing how far to move each axis, which speeds up finding targets at the eyepiece during a session.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

This kit is made for Explore Scientific Twilight-II mounts only. It includes the encoders, cable, and hardware for that mount and connects to an Astro Devices Nexus DSC to form a complete push-to setup. The encoder cable is included; a compatible DSC unit is required to read the encoders and is sold separately.

Good to Know Before You Order

A DSC is needed to use the kit: the encoders report position, but a digital setting circle unit reads them and displays coordinates. Plan to pair the kit with a compatible Nexus DSC.

Mount match matters: this set is cut for the Explore Scientific Twilight-II. It is the correct encoder kit for that mount rather than a universal fit.

Instructions are included: an installation instruction booklet ships in the box to walk through mounting the encoders and routing the cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

The kit ships with the mounting hardware, the encoder cable, and an installation instruction booklet. The encoders attach to the two mount axes and the cable connects them to the DSC, and the booklet covers each step of that process.

What is in the box?

Two encoders, one installation hardware set, one encoder cable, and one installation instruction booklet.

Do I still need a digital setting circle?

Yes. The encoders provide axis position data, and a DSC unit reads that data and displays coordinates. The kit supplies the encoders and cabling; the DSC is separate.

What resolution do the encoders provide?

Azimuth reports 655,360 steps and altitude reports 311,296 steps.

Bottom Line

The Astro Devices Explore Scientific Twilight-II Encoder Kit is the purpose-built link between a Twilight-II mount and a push-to digital setting circle. With high-resolution encoders on both axes, the included cable, hardware, and instructions, it gives the mount the position feedback a DSC needs to guide the telescope across the sky.