Northmere Keel dual alt-az mount, head only

Specifications

Description

The Keel is a heavy-duty manual alt-azimuth mount that carries up to 25 kg, split between two saddles. You can mount a large refractor on one side and a second telescope or a counterweight on the other, so both instruments point at the same target at once.

Large roller bearings in both axes give smooth motion under heavy loads. Friction is adjustable separately for each axis, so you can set the mount to move with a light touch and stay put when you let go. Both saddles accept Vixen-style and D-style dovetail bars.

A dual setup lets you compare views: a wide-field refractor next to a long-focus telescope, or a telescope next to binoculars on a secondary arm. With a single telescope, the second saddle holds a counterweight, which balances the head and gives smoother motion with heavy tubes.

The Keel uses setting circles on both axes, marked in degrees, which help you aim at objects using their altitude and azimuth from a planetarium app. Optional digital encoders fit the axes for push-to pointing, but the standard version uses no electronics and needs no power.

The head weighs 9.5 kg and attaches with a 3/8-16 thread or a central bolt. It needs a heavy tripod or a pier: a light photo tripod cannot support the combined weight of the head and two telescopes without shaking.

The Keel suits observers who prefer manual pointing with large refractors and catadioptric telescopes. Without counterweights on a single-telescope setup, keep the tube balanced on its saddle, since an off-center load puts more strain on the bearings.

For outreach events, the dual arrangement lets two people observe at the same time through different instruments aimed at the same object, which keeps a queue moving.

About this configuration

The Northmere Keel dual alt-az mount is sold in several configurations, and the notes below describe what this particular one includes. 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. No add-on is included, which suits observers who already carry their own cases, bars, and power supplies.

Anodized black is the standard finish of the Keel line and matches most telescope tubes. This is the 2025 edition, which enlarged the clutch knobs so you can operate them with gloves on cold nights. 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

• Dual-saddle alt-az mount head
• Counterweight with adapter for the second saddle
• Setting circles for both axes
• Hex key set

Compatibility notes

• Both saddles accept Vixen-style and D-style dovetail bars.
• Needs a heavy tripod or pier rated for at least 35 kg total.
• Digital encoders for push-to pointing fit both axes.