EM-4386 PARTS PLUS/WESTAR INDUSTRIES Differential Mount

Review PARTS PLUS/WESTAR INDUSTRIES Differential Mount

The PLUS/Westar EM-4386 Differential Mount is an essential accessory for astrophotographers and serious astronomers who seek superior image quality and precision in their telescope setup. This differential mount is specifically designed for heavy-duty astroimaging applications, making it an ideal choice for large telescopes or those requiring high-resolution images.

The EM-4386 Differential Mount boasts a robust and sturdy design, featuring high-precision motorized RA and DEC axis control. The RA axis utilizes a 3.7-inch diameter, 2.3-pound flywheel, providing excellent stability and smoothness during long exposure imaging. The DEC axis, on the other hand, is driven by a 1.5-inch diameter, 1.1-pound flywheel, ensuring accurate and reliable tracking of celestial objects.

The mount's computerized control system offers excellent tracking performance, with a periodic error of less than 30 arc-seconds and a tracking accuracy of 0.1 arc-seconds per minute. This level of precision is crucial for capturing high-quality astroimages, as it minimizes image distortion due to periodic error and other tracking inaccuracies.

A key feature of the EM-4386 Differential Mount is its ability to counteract the effects of atmospheric refraction, which can significantly impact the accuracy of tracking and imaging. This is accomplished through the use of a differential design, where the RA and DEC axes are driven at different rates to compensate for the refraction angle. This results in improved tracking accuracy and reduced image distortion, especially during long exposure imaging sessions.

The mount is also equipped with a sophisticated autoguiding system, which allows for fine-tuning of the tracking performance. This system can be connected to an external autoguider, such as a CCD camera or a guide scope, and provides real-time feedback to the mount's control system, enabling it to make precise corrections to maintain accurate tracking.

The EM-4386 Differential Mount offers a payload capacity of up to 55 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of telescopes and imaging systems. It is also compatible with a variety of telescope mounts, including the Losmandy G11, Vixen GP mounts, and others.

The mount comes with a range of features designed to make setup and use as convenient and efficient as possible. These include a hand controller with a built-in menu system, a USB interface for connection to a computer, and a built-in power supply for the RA and DEC motors. The mount is also easily transportable, with a compact design and sturdy construction that makes it ideal for use at remote observing sites.

In summary, the PLUS/Westar EM-4386 Differential Mount is a high-performance, computerized equatorial mount designed specifically for heavy-duty astroimaging applications. Its robust design, precise motor control, and advanced tracking capabilities make it an essential tool for those seeking to capture the finest details of the night sky in their images.

The Plus/Westar EM-4386 Differential Mount is a popular accessory among amateur astronomers who use large Newtonian telescopes. This mount is specifically designed to improve the performance of differential mount systems, which are essential for astrography and other advanced imaging applications. Here are some pros and cons of buying a EM-4386 Differential Mount:

1. Improved tracking: The EM-4386 Differential Mount is designed to provide precise tracking, which is essential for long-exposure astrophotography. The mount uses a pair of counterweighted drives to counteract the Earth's rotation, allowing the telescope to stay locked on a particular star or celestial object.

2. Reduced image blur: The differential mount design helps to minimize image blur caused by periodic error (PE) in the telescope mount. PE is a common problem in equatorial mounts, where the counterweight arm experiences a slight flexure as it moves, causing the telescope to drift slightly over time. The differential mount design eliminates this problem by using two separate drive systems, each with its own set of counterweights.

3. Increased imaging accuracy: The improved tracking and reduced image blur provided by the EM-4386 Differential Mount lead to increased imaging accuracy. This is particularly important for deep-sky imaging, where tiny details can be easily missed if the mount is not precise.

4. Versatile: The EM-4386 Differential Mount is compatible with a wide range of telescopes and mounts, making it a versatile accessory for many astronomers. It can be used with both fork mounts and equatorial mounts, and can be easily transported to different observing sites.

1. Expensive: The EM-4386 Differential Mount is a high-end accessory, and its price reflects its advanced features and capabilities. It may be out of reach for some amateur astronomers who are just starting out.

2. Complex setup: The EM-4386 Differential Mount requires a more complex setup process than a standard equatorial mount. It involves installing the mount on the telescope, aligning the polar axis, and balancing the counterweights. This can be a challenging process for some, particularly for those who are new to astrophotography.

3. Heavy: The EM-4386 Differential Mount is a heavy accessory, weighing in at over 50 pounds. This can make it difficult to transport to observing sites, particularly for those who do not have a large vehicle or a significant amount of help.

The Plus/Westar EM-4386 Differential Mount is a high-end accessory that offers significant benefits for advanced astrophotography applications. Its improved tracking, reduced image blur, and increased imaging accuracy make it an essential tool for those who are serious about deep-sky imaging. However, its complex setup process, high price, and weight may make it a challenging investment for some amateur astronomers.

If you are an advanced amateur astronomer who is serious about deep-sky imaging, the EM-4386 Differential Mount may be a worthwhile investment. Its advanced features and capabilities can help you capture stunning images of the night sky. However, if you are just starting out in astronomy, or if you are on a tight budget, there may be other, more affordable mounts that will better suit your needs. I would recommend carefully considering your observing goals and budget before making a decision.

Details:

Engineered with a factory-like design for effortless installation, ensuring perfect match your vehicle. Made of high-quality components for durability, reliability, and performance. Manufactured following strict OE standards to work like the original component. Differential mount Westar EM-4386 mount: part number: manufacturer.

Engineered using the latest technology to ensure product lasts longer in service. Designed specifically for trucks, trailers, and buses.

specifications differentialsdepo:

• brand: Parts Plus/westar Industries
• mpn: Em-4386
• part type: Mount
• epid: 4056589871
• upc: 656591043867

returns differentialsdepo:

• time: 30 days
• policy: returns accepted
• paid by: seller

payments differentialsdepo:

• wallet: paypal
• other
• credit card: discover

seller differentialsdepo:

• # reviews: 71575
• city: los angeles, california
• rating: 99.5%

offer differentialsdepo:

• sold #: 7
• options: ship-to-home
• prices: $30.15–$63.22
• item condition: New
• in stock #: 5
• started: june 5, 2026
• availability: in stock
• best offers: true

shipping differentialsdepo:

• type: fixed
• service: standard
• class: standard
• transit: 5-8 days

general differentialsdepo:

• category: Auto Parts > Transmission Drivetrain > Differentials, Assemblies > Additional