10Micron

10Micron makes high-precision astronomical mounts and space tracking mounts in Caronno Pertusella, Italy. The brand is the 10Micron division of the Italian firm COMEC. It began in 2000, built on the thirty years of experience of COMEC, an Italian artisan workshop.

The company builds mounts in two forms. The EQ mount is equatorial and the AZ mount is alt-azimuth. Each can use the HPS drive system (High Precision Speed) or the DDS drive system (Direct Drive System). The mechanics, electronics and software are all made in Italy.

For the space industry, 10Micron provides mounts for satellite tracking. They are also used for free-space optical links, laser communications, atmospheric science and space domain awareness. The company describes itself as a ground-to-anywhere tracking partner for these jobs.

For astronomy, its mounts give high accuracy for astrophotography without autoguiding, and they are also used for simple stargazing. For research, the mounts are made for scientific work and for remote operation. Researchers use them in extreme environments. The company also sells accessories for its mounts.

Recent news shows how far the products reach. The company offers turnkey polar stations that work down to -40 degrees Celsius, and its AZ mounts now run down to -30 degrees Celsius. ESA has selected its mounts. A magazine gave one of its mounts a Best Observatory Mount award. It has also launched the GM and AZ 1000 HPS EP mounts.

10Micron sells through a network of dealers, including Premium Dealers and Authorized Dealers. Customers go to their selling dealer first for support. If a factory repair is needed, it is approved with a return authorisation number. Warranty lasts 24 months for private users and 12 months for professional users such as universities, observatories and laboratories. The company aims to offer factory repairs for ten years after a model is discontinued. It also runs a user forum and offers downloads.

Services

• Astronomical mounts
• EQ mounts
• AZ mounts
• Space tracking mounts
• Mount accessories
• Polar stations
• Factory repair and service