Fornax
ActiveOverview
Fornax Mounts, operated by Fornax 2002 Ltd., manufactures astronomical mounts and auxiliary equipment. The company focuses on German equatorial mounts for precise tracking of large telescopes and has contributed to projects like the HAT exoplanet exploration and BlackGem, with customers including Harvard and Princeton universities.12
History
Fornax 2002 Ltd. was founded in 2002 in Hungary and has developed astronomical equipment for over 20 years, primarily focusing on mounts.1 It participated in the HAT project for exoplanet exploration and the BlackGem project.1 The company supplies mounts to institutions such as Harvard and Princeton universities and professional astrophotographers.1
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fornax 52 (German Equatorial Mount) | Precise tracking for medium telescopes | $5,000 - $8,000 |
| Fornax 102 (German Equatorial Mount) | High payload for large telescopes | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| Fornax 152 (German Equatorial Mount) | Heavy-duty for maximum payloads | $12,000 - $18,000 |
| Fornax 51 (German Equatorial Mount) | Value-oriented precise mount | $3,000 - $5,000 |
Manufacturing
Products are developed and produced in Hungary by Fornax 2002 Ltd. at their facility in Pécel.1 Manufacturing appears to be in-house, given the company's stated focus on developing and producing equipment.12
Notable Products
- Fornax 52 - Mount with 50 kg max payload, 35 kg weight, 194 mm gear.
- Fornax 102 - Mount with 90 kg max payload, 50 kg weight, 245.5 mm gear.
- Fornax 152 - Mount with 120 kg max payload, 70 kg weight, 292.5 mm gear.
- Fornax 51 - Precise mount noted for good value.
Reputation
Fornax mounts are used by professional astrophotographers for award-winning images and institutions like Harvard and Princeton, indicating high reliability for demanding applications.1 Enthusiasts praise models like the Fornax 51 for value and performance.3 The brand is recognized in astronomy for involvement in major projects, though specific criticisms are not detailed in available sources.1