Astro-Physics M12601-D 19.5" x 1.875" Diameter Counterweight Shaf

Astro-Physics M12601-D 19.5" x 1.875" Diameter Counterweight Shaft

At 19.5" in length (18.5" usable), this is the standard shaft for the 1200 and 1600 series of mounts, and the optional "long" version for the 900 and 1100 series. It, however, sets a new standard for all with its perfectly matched components.

The threads on the mount end of the shaft have a lead-in to help prevent cross threading. We machined matching female threads into the far end of the counterweight shaft, to accept the handy 9" extension (M12675) so that you can extend the shaft to accomodate additional counterweights for a larger scope. The washerless Safety Stop (M12676) is a required accessory for this counterweight shaft.

Like its predecessors, this 1.875" diameter counterweight shaft is precision machined from solid 303 stainless steel. It is both beautiful and robust and has a soft luster that belies its rigid strength. This 14 lb. (6.4 kg) shaft can hold up to seven 24 lb. counterweights (168 lb.) . It is compatible with our 5 lb. (5SCWT), 10 lb. (10SCWT), 18 lb. (18SCWT) and 24 lb. (24SCWT) counterweights.

The "D" version of this shaft can now be used on 900 series mounts that are equipped with shaft encoders. It may, of course, also be used on 1200 series mounts with encoders.

This shaft is recommended for: the 1600GTO and all 1200 models that have been produced.