6. Calculating maximum tracking time. The Minitrack LX2 is designed to carry setups up to 2 kg and track during 60min.
This is important to know because setups exceeding this limit may considerably reduce the tracking quality and total
tracking time. Very important is the objective’s focal length. Wide-field objectives (low focal length) allow for more
exposure time. Rule of thumb one can calculate the tracking time without star trailing by using this formula:
Time (min) = 100 / Objective focal length (mm)
6.1. Example.
objective = 1.8 kg; Objective’s focal length 50mm.
This is within the specifications of the mount. We should expect to achieve 100 / 50mm = 2 minutes of tracking without
any problems.
What if the weight exceeds the carrying capacity or if we use more exposure time than the recommended?
Then we will see some star trailing becoming more evident. It may be necessary to try different exposure times to better
judge which one better fit each setup.
7. Resources. For more information please refer to on-line content such as videos. There is also a very active facebook
group (in Italian) about the Minitrack LX2 with hundreds of followers and many contributions. The inventor, Mr. Cristian
Fattinnanzi is also a member of this group and would gladly give some information and tips on how to use this mount.
8. Features.
Carrying capactity: 2 kg
Balancing: using spring system (no counterweight)
accepts ball heads with ¼” or 3/8” photo thread.
Ball-head weight: 300g
Minitrack LX2 weight: 430g
Total tracking time: 60 min
Polar finder: included
Hemisphere: northern
Objective focal length
Maximum recommended exposure
50mm
2 minutes
60mm
1min 40sec
100mm
1 min
