Spectrum Optical HX35 Harmonic Mount With Guidescope and Imager
Manufacturer Part # MH55030X
Spectrum Optical HX35 Harmonic Mount Plus Imager
Equatorial & Alt-Az Smart Mount System with Guidescope + Camera
One mount. One camera. One app.
The Spectrum Optical HX35 is an ultra-portable harmonic drive mount with a powerful smart imaging system built right in. Designed for beginner-to-intermediate astrophotographers who want clean deep-sky results without the hassle of traditional setup routines, the HX35 package combines a next-generation hybrid mount with a 53mm ED guidescope, built-in plate-solving camera, and smartphone control—all in one sleek system.
Whether you’re tracking satellites in alt-az mode or collecting stacked exposures of M31 in equatorial mode, the HX35’s low-profile design and intelligent sky-mapping app make it one of the most versatile grab-and-go imaging platforms we’ve seen.
The pictured refractor is not included, just the mount head and the guidescope with camera.
Highlights at a Glance
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Mount Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)
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Payload Capacity: 17.5 lbs (8 kg) w/o counterweight; 28.5 lbs (13 kg) with counterweight
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Mounting Modes: Equatorial and Alt-Az
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RA Drive: Strain Wave Harmonic + Synchronous Belt + Electromagnetic Brake
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DEC Drive: Worm Gear + Synchronous Belt
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Control Interface: MirroSky app (iOS/Android) – No hand controller needed
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Tripod Compatibility: Mount attaches to any field tripod with a standard 3/8"-16 threaded center bolt (tripod not included)
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Included: HX35 mount, 53mm ED guidescope with built-in Sony IMX662 CMOS camera, cables, and AC power supply
The MirroSky Intelligent AstroSystem
Alignment? That’s so last decade.
The HX35 is powered by the MirroSky Intelligent AstroSystem, a self-contained smart alignment and control platform that uses plate solving to instantly determine the system's orientation—no guesswork, reference stars, or star alignment required.
Just power on, connect your phone or tablet, and let the built-in MirroSky camera and app take it from there. With a sky database of over 100,000 objects (Messier, NGC, Solar System, “Tonight’s Best”), finding your target is as simple as a tap.
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Platesolves using the onboard imaging system—no external camera needed
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Fully app-controlled—no hand controller, no GPS module, no time/date entry required
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Real-time pointing feedback ensures your scope lands right where it should
Harmonic Drive Performance You Can See
The HX35 uses a 1:100 harmonic gear system on the RA axis, giving you precise, backlash-free tracking ideal for long exposures. Coupled with a synchronous belt drive and electromagnetic brake, the system delivers smooth, low-noise movement—perfect for tracking even faint deep-sky objects.
On the DEC axis, a traditional worm gear is paired with the same belt-driven smoothness, striking a balance between affordability and imaging-grade motion.
The Built-In Imager + Guidescope
Included in the HX35 package is a 53mm f/4.2 ED guidescope with an integrated Sony IMX662 CMOS sensor (1/2.8", 2.4MP). This dual-use module serves as both a plate-solving alignment camera and a full-featured astrophotography imager. Whether you’re capturing wide-field nebulae or using it to guide a larger OTA, the built-in optics and sensor are ready for both short and long exposures.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The HX35 features:
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USB 2.0 and ST4 autoguiding ports
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ASCOM compatibility for Windows-based imaging workflows
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Expansion port for future accessory integration
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Standard 3/8"-16 tripod connection for mounting to your preferred field tripod
What’s in the Box
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HX35 Harmonic Mount Head (EQ/Alt-Az convertible)
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53mm ED Guidescope with built-in imaging camera (Sony IMX662)
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Connecting cables
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AC power adapter (standard wall plug)
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Pre-installed firmware with full object database
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(Tripod not included)
Final Thoughts
The Spectrum Optical HX35 is part of a new wave of smart mounts that combine harmonic drive performance with intelligent, simplified control systems. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a no-fuss astrophotography setup or an experienced imager who wants a compact, travel-friendly mount that just works, the HX35 delivers surprising power in a lightweight package.
This isn’t just a mount—it’s a complete imaging platform, right out of the box.
Observing Tip:
The 53mm ED smart scope makes a great piggyback imager for larger OTAs or refractors. Try using it to plate-solve and point your primary scope while capturing wide-field context frames at the same time—it’s like having a built-in finder and a second camera.