Description
TTS-160 Panther Pro Hybrid Telescope Mount
The TTS-160 Panther Pro is a premium Alt-Az hybrid telescope mount for visual observers who want the freedom of manual observing with the precision of motorised tracking and GoTo. Built on the Panther Lite platform, it lets you move the telescope naturally by hand, and the moment you let go, the mount immediately begins tracking the object. No switching between modes. No interruption to the observing flow.
At just 10 kg, the Panther Pro remains compact and portable while offering impressive payload capacity. It supports 1 × 25 kg or 2 × 20 kg side-mounted, and 1 × 20 kg top-mounted telescope configurations. It is also compatible with the Track The Stars Comfort Balancing system, allowing more ergonomic eyepiece positioning and a more relaxed observing experience across the sky. Large-diameter and long OTAs place greater demands on the system and that should always be considered when choosing a setup.
What makes the Panther Pro unique is its true hybrid operation. You can use it as a manual mount, adjusting the clutches to get the exact movement feel you prefer, or you can activate full motorised control through the included handpad, SkySafari, or your preferred astronomy software. With 79,888 CPR optical encoders, 5°/sec slewing, integrated Wi-Fi, and onboard Raspberry Pi 4B control with ASCOM and Alpaca support, the Panther Pro gives you a seamless bridge between tactile manual observing and modern precision control.
The Panther Pro is designed first and foremost for the visual observer. It is built on a true Alt-Az platform, meaning no meridian flip, a natural telescope orientation across the sky, and fast, intuitive setup. Place the mount on a tripod or pier, point the telescope south and horizontal, and power on. From there, you can begin observing immediately. For many visual setups, no counterweights are needed, making the system even lighter, faster, and simpler in the field.
It is also highly capable for EAA, keeping targets centred once pointed, and includes a Target Lock function that automatically recentres a selected object if the telescope is bumped during use. Whether you are observing visually, running outreach sessions, or combining manual use with app-assisted control, the Panther Pro is built to adapt to you.
Key Features:
- Hybrid manual and motorised Alt-Az design
- Immediate tracking after manual movement
- Accurate GoTo via handpad, SkySafari, or astronomy software
- Integrated Wi-Fi, ASCOM and Alpaca support
- Comfort Balancing compatible
- No counterweights needed for many visual setups
- Up to ~40 kg payload depending on configuration
- Side-mounted, top-mounted, and multi-scope compatible
- Fast setup with no polar alignment
- Target Lock for outreach and secure recentring
- Built for visual observing and EAA.
| Telescope | Needed Counterweights | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OTA Weight | Example: | Side-mounted | Top-mounted | Comfort Balancing |
| 5-10kg | Refractor <120mm, 8" SCT, Newton 6" | Not needed | 2x4kg | 4kg |
| 10-15kg | Refractor 120-150m, Newton 200mm | Not needed | 2x8kg | 4kg or 8kg |
| 15-20kg | Refractor 150-160mm, 11" SCT, Newton 250mm | 8kg (or opposite mounted OTA) | 2x8kg+2x4kg | 8kg |
| 20-25kg | Refractor 160-180mm, Newton 300mm | 8kg (or opposite mounted OTA) | 8kg | |
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