Designed for the astronomer as well as the serious videographer, the StarLapse system will accurately track your camera or telescope for celestial observation.
Using the same worm-gear drive system as the time-tested Losmandy GM-8 German equatorial mount (but without the declination portion) the StarLapse will maintain accurate tracking at both sidereal and solar rates for razor-sharp astro-photographs.
In addition to sky viewing, the StarLapse can add dynamics to time-lapse videography by permitting camera motion during the duration of the shot. The camera can be set up to pan or tilt at nine different speeds from 7.5° to 240° per hour to provide smooth camera motion at any frame rate.
Designed for portability, the StarLapse system packs up small and light — less than 8 3/4 pounds (4 kg). Mount it on any tripod and use its tilt and pan to adjust for polar alignment. The Losmandy dovetail mount system makes balancing your camera quick and simple, with no counterweights or tools required — a big plus in cold weather. Just loosen the large knurled clutch knob to aim the scope/camera at any point in the sky.
The StarLapse is a true worm gear drive mechanism using brass and anodized aluminum. It can rotate 360° continuously in either direction for astronomical use in both the northern and southern hemisphere. Accurate timing is provided by a crystal-based microprocessor in an easy-to-use controller. Select any one of the nine speeds, the north/south direction, and press start to activate the stepper motor.
Power consumption is very low, especially when using a celestial mode. More than 60 hours of operation can be obtained from a pack of eight AA alkaline batteries. Based on the famous Losmandy GM-8 German Equatorial Mount used by serious astronomers world-wide, the StarLapse is constructed from machined aluminum and stainless steel, and can handle a payload of up to 30 pounds (13.5 Kg) allowing the use of larger or multiple cameras, or heavier telescopes when placed on a heavy-duty tripod or pedestal mount.
StarLapse from Losmandy is the perfect system for astronomers and videographers who don’t want to carry lots of heavy equipment when traveling to make astronomical images or time-lapse motion pictures. All components can easily fit in a backpack or small case with room to spare for your camera, a battery pack, and accessories.
