Northmere Fathom EQ mount, with steel pier

Specifications

Description

The Fathom is a manual German equatorial mount for heavy refractors, long-tube reflectors, and imaging setups with a combined load up to 22 kg. Its polar axis is supported by two sealed bearings, one at each end, which keeps the axis rigid under the leverage of a long optical tube. The right ascension and declination axes carry counterweights, so the telescope stays balanced as you move it across the sky.

Fine adjustment is handled by slow-motion cables on each axis, which let you center a target in the eyepiece without touching the optical tube. Tension knobs on both axes set how freely the head moves. A polar alignment scope fits the rear of the polar axis housing, so you can align the mount to the celestial pole with the telescope in place. Once aligned, the mount keeps a target near the field center for longer than an alt-az mount can, which matters at high magnification.

The mount has no motors in its base configuration. An optional right ascension drive kit attaches to the RA axis and runs from 12 V DC, using a separate battery pack or regulated supply. Without the drive, you follow the sky by turning the slow-motion control, which suits short visual sessions and planetary observing at moderate power. The head weighs 14.5 kg, so transport is easier in two parts, with the head and counterweight shaft carried separately from the tripod.

Set up the tripod on level ground, extend the legs fully, and tighten the leg locks before attaching the head. Keep the total load, including the telescope, diagonal, eyepiece, and finder, below the rated 22 kg payload. Heavy loads at the far end of a long tube increase settling time after focusing, so allow a few minutes before observing.

About this configuration

Each configuration of the Northmere Fathom EQ mount uses the same mount head; the options change what it stands on and what ships with it. 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. The padded carrying case protects the mount head during travel and keeps its parts together in storage.

The anodized black finish hides scratches and does not reflect the light of a red flashlight back at you. This is the 2023 edition of the Fathom line, the earliest version that is still listed in the catalog. 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 mount head with dual dovetail saddle
• Counterweight shaft
• Two slow-motion control cables
• Polar alignment scope bracket
• Accessory tray
• Steel pier with leveling base
• Padded carrying case

Compatibility notes

• Accepts dovetail bars up to 50 mm wide.
• The 3/8-16 base thread fits most heavy-duty photo tripods; a 1/4-20 adapter is included.
• Suits a combined telescope and accessory load up to 22 kg.
• The optional right ascension drive kit requires a 12 V DC supply and is sold separately.