Northmere Tern EQ mount, head only

Specifications

Description

The Tern EQ is a manual German equatorial mount for telescopes up to 14 kg. It uses large brass worm wheels on both axes, which give smooth, backlash-free motion when you follow the sky with the slow-motion knobs.

The rated payload covers most visual telescopes: 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrains, 150 mm Newtonians, and refractors up to 130 mm. At that size, the stiffness of the mount decides how quickly the image settles after you touch the focuser. The Tern EQ uses a thick polar axis housing and tapered roller bearings, so vibrations die out in about a second with a steel tripod.

The latitude adjustment runs from 10 to 65 degrees, and the azimuth bolts allow fine alignment. A polar scope bore runs through the right ascension axis; a polar scope fits there for more accurate alignment, which helps if you add a drive later. Setting circles on both axes let you find objects from their coordinates.

The counterweight shaft is 20 mm thick and takes two 4.5 kg counterweights. Clutches on both axes let you swing the telescope freely to a new target, then lock the axes and use the slow-motion knobs for fine adjustment.

The head weighs 7.2 kg, light enough to carry together with its tripod in one trip. For visual observers who want the tracking motion of an equatorial mount without electronics, the Tern EQ is a solid middle ground.

Motor drives fit both worm shafts, so the Tern EQ can grow into a tracking mount. The mount head is designed to be serviced: the worm mesh adjusts with two screws on each axis.

About this configuration

This listing covers one configuration of the Northmere Tern 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 spare dovetail bar lets you keep a second telescope ready to swap onto the mount in a minute.

Anodized red parts have the same corrosion resistance as the black finish, in a brighter color. The mechanics of the 2024 edition match the other years; the changes concern handling details only. The payload rating in the specifications applies to the mount head in every configuration of the Tern line.

What's in the box

• German equatorial mount head with Vixen-style saddle
• Counterweight shaft with two 4.5 kg counterweights
• Slow-motion knobs for both axes
• Hex key set
• Spare 200 mm dovetail bar

Compatibility notes

• Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars up to 45 mm wide.
• Suits 8-inch SCTs, 150 mm Newtonians, and refractors up to 130 mm.
• Dual-axis motor drives and a polar scope fit the mount.