Northmere Anchorage GoTo EQ mount, head only

Specifications

Description

The Anchorage is a compact GoTo equatorial mount for small refractors, short reflectors, and rich-field binoculars up to 4 kg. Its equatorial head turns on a polar axis aligned with the celestial pole, so once the mount is set up, a single axis follows the sky's daily rotation. Most users find the polar alignment routine takes about ten minutes with the built-in polar scope, which is threaded through the right ascension axis and illuminated by a small red LED.

The hand controller holds a database of about 42,000 objects, including the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs and a selection of solar system bodies. Enter a name, press slew, and the mount moves both axes until the object sits near the center of the field. Slew speeds range from fine guiding to full speed, and a reversing switch on each axis lets you correct a mis-set position. The controller uses a USB port for firmware updates and for linking with planetarium software.

Tracking runs at the sidereal rate on the right ascension axis. A periodic error correction routine reduces the error caused by the worm gear, and you can train it by running the routine through one worm cycle. Declination moves under manual control with slow-motion knobs. The mount includes an autoguider port for longer exposures, though the head is rated for visual use and short photographic work rather than unattended imaging.

The Vixen-style saddle accepts dovetail bars up to 45 mm wide and includes a safety screw. Keep the total load, including diagonal, eyepiece, and finder, well below the 4 kg rating. A telescope of about 90 mm aperture and 3 kg total weight suits this mount, and longer tubes take more time to settle after you focus. Power comes from eight AA cells in the base or from a 12 V DC input, and fresh alkaline cells typically last through a full observing session at moderate temperatures.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Northmere Anchorage GoTo EQ 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.

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. For steady views, keep the total load of tube, finder, and camera below the rated payload with some margin to spare.

What's in the box

• Equatorial GoTo head with Vixen-style saddle
• Hand controller with coiled cable
• Polar alignment scope with red LED
• Stainless steel tripod
• Counterweight shaft and counterweight
• Eight-cell AA battery holder
• Accessory tray
• Padded carrying case

Compatibility notes

• Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars up to 45 mm wide.
• Suits telescopes up to about 90 mm aperture and 3 kg total load.
• The head base has a 3/8-16 thread for accessory plates.
• The USB port connects to planetarium software for object sync.