Astro-Tech ATHVIX Vixen Saddle Plate
If you're imaging these days, you know the problem. The scope is on the mount, the polar alignment is dialed in, and there's no clean place to put the ZWO ASIAir, the guidescope bracket, or any of the other hardware that needs to live near the tube. Most setups end up with accessories clamped to the focuser body or cable-tied to whatever's handy. The ATHVIX is the straightforward fix: a mini-vixen saddle plate that mounts to the top of Astro-Tech tube handles and gives you a proper, secure attachment point for any accessory with a vixen stalk.
We looked at building a handle with a mini-vixen saddle integrated into the design — the problem is there's a patent on that particular configuration. So instead, we went modular. The ATHVIX attaches to your Astro-Tech handle with two M6 screws (included), and its 67mm center channel gives you enough adjustment range to line up with screw holes on most Astro-Tech handles — and quite a few from other manufacturers, provided their hardware accepts M6 screws. Two hand-tightening screws lock your accessory in place. The saddle has a flat bottom, so fit is clean and straightforward.
One thing to be clear about: the ATHVIX is designed for accessories with vixen stalks — guidescopes, smart hubs like the ZWO ASIAir series, small accessory clamps. It is not a telescope-mounting dovetail saddle. A standard vixen dovetail bar — the kind that mounts a scope to a mount head — will not fit here.
Features
Attaches to Astro-Tech tube handles. Two M6 screws (included) thread directly into the top of standard Astro-Tech handles. The 67mm center channel allows positioning adjustments to align with various screw hole patterns.
Two hand-tightening screws secure your accessory. No tools required once you've positioned it. Snug down the knobs and your guidescope or hub stays put through a full session.
Flat bottom for clean contact. No shimming, no rocking. The saddle sits flat on the handle and locks there.
Works with other manufacturers' handles. The M6 screws and 67mm channel mean it's compatible with many third-party handles, not just Astro-Tech. As long as the hardware accepts M6 screws, it should fit.
Not a telescope dovetail saddle. Clear and worth repeating: this holds accessories with vixen stalks. It is not designed to accept a telescope dovetail bar. If that's what you need, this isn't it.
What's in the Package
- Astro-Tech ATHVIX vixen saddle plate
- Two M6 mounting screws
- Two hand-tightening saddle clamp screws
Frequently Asked Questions
What accessories does this work with?
Anything that uses a standard vixen stalk for mounting — guidescope brackets, ZWO ASIAir mini, Pro, or Plus, small accessory arms, and similar hardware. If it mounts on a vixen stalk, the ATHVIX will hold it.
Will a standard telescope dovetail bar fit in this saddle?
No. The ATHVIX is an accessory saddle, not a scope-mounting saddle. It's designed for guidescopes and small accessories with vixen stalks, not for Vixen-style dovetail bars that interface with a mount head. These are different things and are not interchangeable.
Does it work with handles from other manufacturers?
Probably, as long as their handles will accept M6 screws. The 67mm center channel gives you some positioning flexibility to find the right screw hole alignment. That said, we've tested it specifically on Astro-Tech handles — if you're using something else, you'll want to verify M6 compatibility before ordering.
Do I need any tools to mount accessories?
A hex key to attach the ATHVIX to the handle via the M6 screws. After that, the two hand-tightening screws require no tools — just your fingers to lock the accessory in place and release it.
