Northmere Scarp dual-arm alt-az mount, with steel pier

Specifications

Description

The Scarp dual-arm mount is an alt-azimuth mount for refractors, short-tube reflectors, and ED binoculars on a tripod, rated for up to 8 kg. Two arms support the altitude axis on either side of the head, so the load is spread across a wider bearing than in single-arm designs. That reduces flex when you move the tube and keeps the view steadier at higher magnification. You aim the mount by hand in altitude and azimuth, the way you would point a camera.

Slow-motion rods on both axes allow fine corrections without touching the telescope. Each rod drives a fine-pitch gear, so a single turn moves the tube by a small fraction of a degree. Tension knobs on the altitude and azimuth axes set how freely the head moves. Tighten them for a firm hold in wind, or loosen them for quick sweeps across the sky. The mount has no motors, so you follow drifting objects by hand. That is manageable at low and medium power and at moderate magnification.

The saddle is a dual dovetail design that accepts bars up to 100 mm wide. A safety screw holds each bar while you tighten the main clamp. The head weighs 6.4 kg and has a standard 3/8-16 thread on its base for photo tripods and pier adapters. Keep the total load, including the tube, diagonal, eyepiece, and finder, well below the 8 kg rating, because heavier loads take longer to settle after focusing. Use a tripod rated for the same load so the setup stays steady.

Because the mount has no tracking, it suits visual sessions and daytime nature observing rather than long-exposure imaging. Setup takes a few minutes once the tripod is level.

About this configuration

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

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. 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-arm alt-azimuth mount head with dual dovetail saddle
• Two slow-motion control rods
• Accessory tray
• Steel pier with leveling base

Compatibility notes

• Accepts dovetail bars up to 100 mm wide.
• The 3/8-16 base thread fits most photo tripods and pier adapters.
• Suits refractors and reflectors up to about 150 mm aperture and 6 kg for steady visual use.
• Not designed for tracking or long-exposure imaging.