TTS-160 Panther Lite Telescope Mount Head (encoder version)

TTS-160 Panther Lite Telescope Mount Head (encoder version)

Key Features:

  • Versatile Mounting: Its unique design can simultaneously accommodate up to three telescopes—two side-mounted and one top-mounted—offering unparalleled flexibility.
  • Eyepiece Comfort Balancing: An innovative back-balancing system ensures consistent and comfortable eyepiece height for seamless, extended viewing sessions.
  • Smooth Manual Operation: Adjustable slide clutches and a two-axis balancing system provide precise, effortless control, even at high magnifications.
  • No Hassles, Pure Enjoyment: Designed for simplicity, the Panther Lite eliminates the need for screens, cables, or power, allowing for pure, uninterrupted stargazing.
  • Built-In Encoders (optional): Track celestial objects in real-time via smartphone integration for enhanced observing.
  • Lightweight Design: Weighing only 7 kg (15.4 lbs), the Panther Lite is perfect for astronomers who need a travel-friendly solution without sacrificing performance.
  • High Capacity: Despite its lightweight build, it can support up to 40 kg (88 lbs) when mounting two telescopes, one on each side. This makes it ideal for larger setups, including binoscopes and refractors.
Manufacturer : Track The Stars (TTS)
SKU : TTS-TTS160PL-HE
Price: 2199.00 € incl tax 19% (Germany)
Estimated delivery time : 1-4 weeks (as from Availability)
Jul 01 2025
Product description

Weighing just 7 kg, the TTS-160 Panther Lite is crafted from anodized aluminium, stainless steel, and a durable plastic cover—delivering both portability and durability. Despite its lightweight, it boasts an impressive capacity: up to 28 kg side-mounted or 25 kg top-mounted telescopes.

The Panther Lite is equipped with optical encoders offering 79,888 pulses per revolution (16 arcseconds per pulse), easily connectable via an RJ45 connector for seamless integration with Nexus DSC units. Smooth and precise control is assured with adjustable slide clutches on both axes and an altitude axle lock for secure setup and configuration changes.

Designed for flexibility, the mount accommodates dovetail saddles with M8 and M6 thread patterns for easy installation. For additional balance, two counterweight arms can be configured for top-mounted setups or eyepiece comfort balancing during side-mounted use.

With options for tripod and pier adapters and mounting holes for accessory trays, the Panther Lite delivers unparalleled versatility and precision for serious visual astronomers.

Read more about the TTS-160 Panther Lite and its features here: The TT S-160 Panther Lite Telescope Mount Article

VERSATILE MOUNTING
It can accommodate up to three telescopes simultaneously, offering unparalleled flexibility.

COMFORT BALANCING
An innovative back-balancing system ensuring consistent and comfortable eyepiece height for extended viewing sessions.

SMOOTH MANUAL OPERATION
Adjustable slide clutches and a two-axis balancing system provide precise, effortless pointing.

NO ELECTRONIC HASSLE
Designed for simplicity, the Panther Lite eliminates the need for screens, cables, or power, allowing for pure, uninterrupted stargazing.

LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT
Weighing only 7 kg (15.4 lbs), the Panther Lite is perfect for astronomers who need a travel-friendly solution or an easy and fast setup in the backyard without sacrificing performance.

ENCODERS
The built-in encoders provide a seamless way to boost your observing experience.

MaterialsAluminum - Anodized black and silver, Stainless steel, Plastic cover.
Telescope CapacitySide mounted: 1x28kg or 2x20kg, Topmounted: 1x25kg (note that
large diameter and long OTA's puts higher pressure on the mount)
Dovetail saddle bolt patternM8 thread in diamond shape 35mm between holes.
M6 Thread in linear pattern distance 60mm and 100mm
(see drawing under "User manuals")
EncodersOptical encoders are installed on both axis. They have 79888
Encoder pulses per revolution. This is equivalent to 16 arcsec
per pulse.
Encoder connectorThe RJ45 connector has a wiring matching the Nexus DSC units from
Astro Devises. A standard Ethernet cable can be used for the connection.
Tripod, Pier InterfaceThe mount head attaches to the adapter with 6 pcs M5 finger screws.
Adapters for the TTS 160 Panther folding pier is available as well a an
adapter for 3/8" 16tpi attachment
Counterweight armsThe mount head comes with two counterweight arms in Natural
Anodized Aluminium. These can be installed for top mounted
telescopes or installed for Eyepiece comfort balancing of side
mounted telescopes.
Axle clutchesBoth axles are equipped with an adjustable slide clutch. These can
be fine tuned to achieve perfect smooth movement eliminating the
need for fine adjustment handles.
Altitude axle lockThe altitude axle is equipped with a locking device securing the
telescope when setting up and when changing heavy eyepiece
configurations.
Accessory trayMounting holes for optional trays for Phones or Eyepieces, etc.

The Handpad Emulator
A Windows application made to control the TTS-160 Panther Mount remotely from a PC. Easy and quick to set up.

TTS-160 Ascom Driver
The TTS-160 ASCOM driver allows for control of the mount from software applications using ASCOM.

TTS-160 Firmware Update
The latest firmware update for your TTS-160 Pather mount. With all the improvements and newest features.