Avalon M-Zero HQ Bluetooth mount - Equatorial/Alt-Az single arm
What if you didn't have to choose any more, thanks to the Avalon M-Zero?
On the one hand, the portability and lack of counterweight of harmonic frames.
On the other, the stability and ultra-precise guidance of traditional frames.
Combine these advantages in a single frame... and you've got Avalon's M-Zero.
Visit Avalon M-Zero HQ Bluetooth is an ultra-portable mount designed for high-resolution imaging. Thanks to its drive 100% zero-backlash belts and its architecture Single Armit can follow through the night without turning at the meridian with compact optics, while also offering a Equatoriala mode Alt-azimutal and even a Dual Dec to carry two tubes at once.
All this, in a Made in Italy impeccable.
Highlights
- Zero Backlash : ball-bearing belt drive, responsive and maintenance-free.
- No meridian turnaround Single Arm architecture for uninterrupted sessions (with compact optics).
- Dual Dec A second instrument (imaging, guidance) also acts as a counterweight.
- HQ stepper motors 400-step motors for finer, more precise tracking on RA/DEC.
- Ultra-portable head ~7.5 kg, complete kit with T-Pod 90 around ~12 kg.
- StarGO (Bluetooth) GoTo control from smartphone/tablet (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi), easy updates.
- Multi-purpose Equatorial, Alt-Az (visual, bino, time-lapse), Single Arm or Dual Dec.
- Zero maintenance durable materials, StarGO firmware, 5-year warranty on transmission system.
Package contents
| Frame | M-Zero HQ (head only) |
| Tripod | T-Pod 90 (aluminum) |
| Control | StarGO box + Keypad (Bluetooth version) |
| Transport bags | Frame bag + T-Pod 90 bag |
| Counterweight/Bar | Bar + counterweight 0.5 kg |
| Polar aiming | Celestron polar sight with stand |
| Power supply | 15 V / 4 A block |
| Accessories | Allen key, azimuth pin, USB key (manuals/software), Dual Dec adapter |
Technical specifications
| Type | Equatorial / Alt-Az single-arm mount |
| Head weight | ~7.5 kg (16 lb) |
| Capacity | 8 kg (single tube) - 13 kg (double setup) |
| Transmission | All-belt drive, 4-stage gearbox, ball bearings, polymer/fiber pulleys + high-precision timing belts |
| Materials | 5-axis CNC-machined anodized aluminum (monoblocs) |
| Polar viewfinder | Celestron model |
| GoTo | StarGO GoTo Control System (Bluetooth) |
| Counterweight | 0.5 kg (1.1 lb) |
| Dovetail | Standard Vixen |
| Warranty | 2 years (frame) - 5 years on transmission system |
What the M-Zero can do
- Deep sky imaging : Smooth periodic error, so easy to guide! Long exposures are a must!
- Visual comfort Fast Alt-Az mode
- Nomadism express installation/minutage, contained weight, bags included.
Without meridian turnaround: why it's crucial
With most equatorial mounts, turning to the meridian interrupts acquisition and complicates framing. The M-Zero Single Arm avoids this step, allowing uninterrupted long exposures and a more productive night.
Other exclusive benefits of the M-Zero
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Optimum gradient management This means no reversal of the gradient in your raw materials. Result: cleaner, more even stacking.
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Safety and reliability no risk of sudden unbalancing or cable jamming during tracking.
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Saving precious time no need to interrupt the session to turn the frame or reframe.
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Preserved field your targets stay exactly where they are, with no loss due to approximate cropping.
Dual Dec configuration (two instruments)
The design Dual Dec allows the use of a second instrument (imaging, guidance or visual) also acting as a counterweight.
In many configurations, no additional counterweight is not necessary, as the frame remains finely balanced and secure
(no "fall" in the event of loss of power).
StarGO: modern, scalable control
- Control Bluetooth (and Wi-Fi) via smartphone/tablet.
- Updates firmware/logiciel to stay up to date.
- Passage Equatorial ⇄ Alt-Az in just a few minutes.
Usage tips (astrophotography)
- Choose a fine balancing in Single Arm or Dual Dec for optimum guidance.
- Use the polar sight for precise tuning (EQ mode).
- With long focal length lenses, work in Equatorial to maximize tracking accuracy.
Compatibility & extensions
- Turntable Vixen native (adapters available as required).
- Tripod T-Pod 90 included (Avalon solutions & optional accessories available).
- Ecosystem StarGO compatibility with a wide range of software via dedicated drivers.
FAQ
Is the M-Zero suitable for travel?
Yes. The ~7.5 kg head and the ~12 kg kit with T-Pod 90 + bags make it an ideal solution.
ideal for outings and star parties.
Do I need a counterweight?
Visit Dual Dec and, depending on the configuration, the frame can be balanced. without counterweight.
A 0.5 kg counterweight is supplied for fine-tuning if required.
Long exposure imaging?
Yes. Belt drive zero backlash and HQ motors offer fast guidance response for clean long exposures.
Reference & product code
| Brand | Avalon Instruments |
| Product | M-ZERO HQ Bluetooth |
| Code | AV-1MZR004 |
Warranty & service
2 years from date of purchase, extended to 5 years for the transmission system.
Personalized support and advice from Deep Space Astronomy.
