Sutherland, Karoo, South Africa, MIlky Way Dark Sky

ZuluAlpha Remote Telescope & Ground Station Hosting in South Africa

ZuluAlpha is a private 1 300 ha dark-sky site near Sutherland, designed for
hosting optical telescopes, astrophotography rigs, traditional RF ground stations and research-grade optical ground stations.
Our location offers world-class seeing, extremely low light pollution, and exceptional sky clarity for imaging and astronomy.

Will My Rig Fit? Pier Sizing & Swing-Diameter Guide

What “swing diameter” means: the maximum circular clearance your telescope and accessories need as the mount slews past the meridian and horizon. Choose a pier with a swing diameter greater than your rig’s full width including dew shields and cables.

How to measure (steps):

  1. Assemble your full imaging train.
  2. Extend dew shield/focusers as in use.
  3. Measure the widest span perpendicular to the tube’s length (include dovetail/saddle).
  4. Add 5–10 cm of safety margin.
    Tip: long refractors often need more diameter clearance than their weight suggests.

Payload & mounts:

  • Compact (≤ 4 kg): smart scopes.
  • Small (≤ 8 kg): AM3/HEQ5 class with 60–80 mm APO or 5″ SCT.
  • Standard (≤ 20 kg): EQ6-R/AM5 class with 100–120 mm APO or 8″–10″ SCT/RASA 8.
  • Heavy (≤ 45 kg): premium mounts (Paramount MX, GM2000, etc.) with 10″–12″ RC/Newt or duals.

Checklist before you book:

  • Swing diameter ≥ your measured clearance (+ safety margin).
  • Payload within tier limit (include cameras, filter wheels, OAG, cables).
  • Balance achievable in both axes; cable management planned.
  • Power/network ports sufficient (see Add-ons for extras).

See examples:

Compact
Small
Standard
Heavy
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