Corvane Larch 7 equatorial mount, with steel pier

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. The steel pier raises the mount and leaves more room under the telescope for long refractors and cameras. A pier lets the telescope swing past the meridian without the tube or the camera hitting the legs. A spare dovetail bar lets you keep a second telescope ready to swap onto the mount in a minute.

Titanium gray anodizing shows dust less than black and keeps a uniform look over the years. The 2023 edition uses the same gears and bearings as later years, with small differences in the clamps. The payload rating in the specifications applies to the mount head in every configuration of the Larch line.

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
• Steel pier with leveling base
• Spare 200 mm dovetail bar

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.