Astro Devices Losmandy AZ8 Encoder Kit

Product Overview

The Astro Devices Losmandy AZ8 Encoder Kit adds position sensing to a Losmandy AZ8 alt-azimuth mount, giving a digital setting circle (DSC) system the feedback it needs to know where the telescope is pointing. Encoders are the link between the mount and the DSC: without them, a digital setting circle has no way to read the telescope's position on each axis. The kit ships with two high-resolution encoders rated at 311,296 steps per revolution, a coiled encoder cable, an installation hardware set, and an instruction booklet, so everything needed to instrument the AZ8 arrives in one package. The complete kit weighs 300 g.

Who It's For

This kit fits the Losmandy AZ8 mount, and a separate variant covers the AZ8 2018+ revision. It suits an AZ8 owner who is adding a push-to digital setting circle setup and needs the encoders that read each axis. The correct choice depends on the production revision of your mount, so the option selected should match your AZ8.

Key Features & Design

• High-resolution encoders: two encoders provide 311,296 steps per revolution for fine positional resolution on both axes.
• Purpose-built fit: the kit is created specifically for the Losmandy AZ8 rather than adapted from a generic design.
• Coiled encoder cable: a 50 cm coiled cable stretches to 1.8 m, keeping slack managed while the mount moves.
• Complete hardware set: the mounting hardware needed to fit the encoders is included.
• Instruction booklet: a printed installation guide covers fitting the encoders to the mount.

Encoder Design

The two encoders sit on the altitude and azimuth axes of the AZ8 and report their rotation to the connected digital setting circle. At 311,296 steps per revolution, each axis is resolved finely enough for accurate object location across the sky, and the coiled cable carries those signals from the encoders to the DSC. Because the encoders and hardware are matched to the AZ8 geometry, they integrate with the mount rather than relying on external brackets.

Recommended Uses

The kit is used to bring push-to object location to a Losmandy AZ8. Once the encoders are fitted and connected to a compatible digital setting circle, the DSC reads telescope position and guides you to targets by displaying how far to move each axis. This turns a manual AZ8 into a mount that reports where it is pointing during a visual observing session.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The encoders and hardware fit the Losmandy AZ8 mount. Two variants are offered, one for the original AZ8 and one for the AZ8 2018+ revision, and the variant should match the version of your mount. The encoders connect to a digital setting circle through the supplied 50 cm coiled cable, which stretches to 1.8 m. A compatible digital setting circle unit is used alongside this kit to display position information.

Good to Know Before You Order

• Mount revision matters: the AZ8 and AZ8 2018+ use different variants of the kit, so the option selected corresponds to your specific mount.
• Encoders only: this kit supplies the encoders, cable, and hardware; a digital setting circle unit reads the encoder signals and is used together with the kit.
• Cable reach: the coiled cable measures 50 cm at rest and extends to 1.8 m, which sets the working distance between the encoders and the DSC.
• Shipping weight: the kit weighs 300 g.

Frequently Asked Questions

What comes in the kit?

Two encoders rated at 311,296 steps, an installation hardware set, one 50 cm coiled encoder cable that stretches to 1.8 m, and an installation instruction booklet.

Which mounts does it fit?

The Losmandy AZ8, with a separate variant for the AZ8 2018+ revision. Select the option that matches your mount.

Do I still need a digital setting circle?

Yes. The encoders read the mount's position and pass it to a digital setting circle, which then displays where the telescope is pointing. The DSC unit is used together with this kit.

Is it difficult to set up?

The kit is designed to fit the AZ8 directly and includes the mounting hardware and a printed instruction booklet that walks through installing the encoders and connecting the cable.

What resolution do the encoders provide?

Each axis resolves to 311,296 steps per revolution.

Bottom Line

The Astro Devices Losmandy AZ8 Encoder Kit provides the encoders, cable, and hardware that let a digital setting circle track the position of a Losmandy AZ8 mount. With two 311,296-step encoders and a coiled cable matched to the AZ8, it is the direct route to adding push-to position sensing to this mount.