In astrophotography, the quest for equipment that marries portability with precision is perpetual. Proxisky, a Hong Kong-based company specializing in strain wave gear mounts, has made significant strides in this direction with its Ragdoll series. These mounts cater to amateur stargazers and seasoned astrophotographers, offering a blend of lightweight design and robust performance. This company has crafted four distinct models under the Ragdoll banner—Ragdoll 17, Ragdoll 17 Pro, Ragdoll 20, and Ragdoll 20 Pro—each tailored to different astrophotography needs.
Design and build: Lightweight yet robust
The Ragdoll series is characterized by its integrated lightweight structure, making it an ideal companion for outdoor stargazing and deep sky photography. The Ragdoll 17 model weighs approximately 4.6 kg, while the Ragdoll 20 is slightly heavier, accommodating more substantial equipment setups. Despite their lightness, these mounts do not compromise on stability or durability, thanks to their high-quality construction materials.
- Ragdoll 17: At just 4.6 kg, it’s an ultra-portable performer.
- Ragdoll 17 Pro: Slightly heavier with upgraded features like sensors, weighing 5.1 kg.
- Ragdoll 20: Built for heavier loads, yet only 4.9 kg.
- Ragdoll 20 Pro: The top-tier model, weighing around 6 kg, supports advanced imaging workflows.
Performance: Strain wave gear technology
At the heart of the Ragdoll mounts lies the strain wave gear system, with the Ragdoll 17 and 20 featuring type-17 and type-20 strain wave gearings, respectively. This technology ensures high precision and reliability in tracking celestial objects.
- Ragdoll 17 & 17 Pro: Feature a type-17 strain wave gear.
- Ragdoll 20 & 20 Pro: Step up to a more powerful type-20 strain wave gear
The Pro versions stand out for their enhanced performance, with periodic error as low as ±10 arcseconds (tested), compared to ±20 arcseconds in the base models. This makes them ideal for both guided and unguided long-exposure imaging.
Innovative features: Hybrid self-locking design
A standout feature of the Ragdoll series is its innovative hybrid self-locking design. This mechanism eliminates backlash during altitude adjustments and negates the need for additional locking maneuvers post-adjustment. Such a design ensures smoother operation and enhances the overall user experience, particularly during long observation sessions.
User experience: Portability meets functionality
The Ragdoll mounts are engineered with the user in mind. Their compact size and lightweight nature make them highly portable, a crucial factor for astrophotographers who often travel to remote locations for optimal viewing conditions. The mounts’ design facilitates quick setup and teardown, allowing users to focus more on observation and photography rather than equipment handling.
The Ragdoll series is more than just muscle. The Pro models come with advanced smart features:
- Home Position Sensors: Included in the Pro models for automated startup and homing.
- RA Limit Sensors: Adjustable on Pro versions to prevent gear collisions.
- Controller Compatibility: All mounts support ASCOM, INDI, and OnStepX—making them plug-and-play with most astrophotography software.
These upgrades make the Pro models perfect for remote observatories and automated imaging sessions.
Specifications and comparison of Ragdoll models
Here is the specification (and comparison) chart for Ragdoll 17 and Ragdoll 20:
Now, let us take a look at the specifications of the pro versions:
From grab-and-go stargazing to serious deep-sky imaging, the Proxisky Ragdoll series mounts scale effortlessly to match your ambitions. The Ragdoll 17 is a lightweight marvel for visual observers and light imaging. The 17 Pro enhances it for mobile imagers. For those with bigger rigs, the Ragdoll 20 delivers uncompromising payload power, while the 20 Pro brings full automation and precision for remote and professional use.
Clear skies!
