Corvane Larch 7 equatorial mount, head only

Specifications

Description

The Larch 7 is a German equatorial mount for small and medium telescopes with a total load up to 7 kg. Its right ascension axis is set parallel to Earth's rotation axis, so once the mount is polar aligned, you follow the sky by turning one axis. The declination axis moves the tube north and south, and both axes have slow-motion rods for fine positioning at high magnification.

Polar alignment takes a few minutes with the built-in polar scope, which has an illuminated reticle for use in dim conditions. Set the latitude scale to your observing site, then align the mount toward the celestial pole using the adjustment screws at the base. Once aligned, the drive keeps objects centered for visual sessions at moderate power, where drift would otherwise move a target out of the eyepiece field within a few minutes. The drive runs from a 12 V DC supply with a standard barrel connector, so a small sealed battery is enough for a full night.

The dovetail saddle accepts bars up to 60 mm wide, and two safety screws hold the bar while you tighten the main clamp. The head weighs 4.6 kg and has a standard 3/8-16 thread underneath for photo tripods. Keep the total load, including the diagonal, eyepiece, finder, and any camera, below the rated 7 kg. A refractor with a focal length up to about 900 mm and a tube under 4 kg balances well and settles quickly after focusing. Loads close to the rating take longer to settle and place more strain on the drive.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Corvane Larch 7 equatorial mount, defined by its support, add-on, finish, and edition year. This configuration is the mount head alone, so you supply a tripod or a pier with a matching top plate. Buying the head only makes sense when you already own a sturdy tripod or a permanent pier in the garden. A padded case makes it easier to carry the mount head to a dark site without knocks to the axes.

The anodized red finish makes the clamps and knobs easier to find by touch and by red light. The mechanics of the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern handling details only. Check the saddle type in the specifications against the dovetail bar on your telescope before you choose a configuration.

What's in the box

• Equatorial mount head with dovetail saddle
• Counterweight bar
• 2 kg counterweight
• Polar scope with illuminated reticle
• 12 V DC power cable
• Accessory tray
• Padded carrying case

Compatibility notes

• Accepts dovetail bars up to 60 mm wide.
• The 3/8-16 base thread fits most photo tripods; a 1/4-20 adapter is included.
• Suits telescopes with a total load up to 7 kg and a focal length up to about 900 mm.