Astro Devices Vixen Porta I/II Encoder Kit

Product Overview

The Astro Devices Vixen Porta I/II Encoder Kit adds push-to digital setting circle (DSC) navigation to Vixen Porta I and Porta II alt-azimuth mounts. The kit fits two rotary encoders to the mount's axes, where they track altitude and azimuth movement and report position to a connected DSC unit. Each encoder resolves 20,480 steps per revolution, giving the DSC the fine angular data it needs to point and track across the sky.

Who It's For

This kit is made specifically for the Vixen Porta I and Porta II mounts. If you own one of these mounts and want to pair it with an Astro Devices digital setting circle system, this is the matched encoder set that installs onto its altitude and azimuth axes.

Key Features & Design

• Two 20,480-step encoders: One encoder per axis reads altitude and azimuth motion at high resolution for accurate object positioning.
• Mount-specific fit: The installation hardware is designed for the Porta I and Porta II axes, so the encoders seat in the correct location on each mount.
• Coiled encoder cable: A 50 cm coiled cable stretches to 1.8 m, connecting the encoders to the DSC unit while allowing the mount to move freely.
• Complete hardware set: The kit arrives with the mounting hardware and an installation instruction booklet needed to complete the fit.

How the Encoders Work

The encoders attach directly to the mount's two axes and convert rotation into digital step counts. As you move the telescope by hand, each encoder sends its reading through the coiled cable to the DSC unit, which combines the two axis positions to calculate where the telescope is aimed. At 20,480 steps per axis, the position data is fine enough for a push-to workflow, where the display guides you to a target as you nudge the mount toward it.

Recommended Uses

Use this kit to turn a manual Vixen Porta I or Porta II mount into a push-to instrument. Once installed and paired with a compatible Astro Devices DSC unit, it supports locating catalog objects, star-hopping with on-screen guidance, and returning to previously viewed targets during a visual observing session.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

The encoder kit is designed for the Vixen Porta I and Porta II mounts only. It supplies the encoders, cable, and hardware; a compatible Astro Devices digital setting circle unit is what reads the encoders and provides the navigation display. The included 50 cm coiled cable connects the encoders to that unit and extends to 1.8 m in use.

Good to Know Before You Order

• What's in the box: Two encoders (20,480 steps each), one installation hardware set, one 50 cm coiled encoder cable that stretches to 1.8 m, and one installation instruction booklet.
• A DSC unit is separate: The kit provides the encoders that feed position data; the digital setting circle unit that displays navigation is a separate Astro Devices product.
• Shipping weight: The kit weighs 550 g.

Frequently Asked Questions

What mounts does this kit fit?

It is made specifically for the Vixen Porta I and Porta II mounts.

What resolution are the encoders?

Each of the two encoders resolves 20,480 steps per axis.

Does the kit include a digital setting circle unit?

No. The kit supplies the two encoders, the coiled cable, and the mounting hardware. A compatible Astro Devices DSC unit reads the encoders and is purchased separately.

How long is the cable?

The coiled encoder cable is 50 cm and stretches to 1.8 m.

Is it difficult to set up?

The kit includes an installation instruction booklet and mounting hardware sized for the Porta I and Porta II axes. The encoders attach to the two axes and connect to the DSC unit with the supplied cable.

Bottom Line

The Astro Devices Vixen Porta I/II Encoder Kit is the matched encoder set that brings push-to navigation to a Vixen Porta I or Porta II mount. With two 20,480-step encoders, a coiled cable, and mount-specific hardware, it provides the parts needed to connect the mount to an Astro Devices digital setting circle system.