Welcome to DarkFrame Ltd

We are the only full-time dedicated UK based lab/workshop in the world since 2015, for computerised telescope EQ mount rebuilds and servicing. We have precision re-engineered over 1400 mounts to date, and counting.

What we do is precisely re-work far higher tolerances into your Sky-watcher/Orion USA and Celestron EQ mount. This provides sub-arcsecond mount comparable performance of a high-end mount, for a fraction of the cost of new mount. 

We have 80,000 hours of independent customer PHD2 data across nearly every permutation of mount and telescope. This not only verifies the quality control standard we work to, but what potential your mount really has. This unique dataset demonstrates that our engineering practices work. We the only re-manufacturer that publishes comparative independent owners mount data here, in our regularly updated Mount Performance Chart.

No longer do you have to take up to a third off the stated total visual payload for a stock OEM mount. Our StellarDrive EQM-35 images at 11kg better than a stock HEQ5 at 13kg, for example.

Our proven custom engineered rebuilds can now last for up to 10 years before a service, so can offer a far greater economic value over getting a new replacement mount, telescope, or even a camera upgrade. 

Zero Dropped Frames. More Detailed Images. 
You will save a lot of time.

You do not want to be wasting time losing up to half your data on a perfectly clear night. One customer sent us his mount, and it saved him buying a second rig, because he was losing so much time. He now stays up to watch a Meridian Flip, and sets his alarm clock for Dawn. You can image while you sleep on a very clear night. A StellarDrive mount makes every exposure count. It's a massive time and frustration saver. Plus, you can go to bed, while it captures data!

Our mounts have proven to be so consistent and dependable, some are being used for remote imaging in various locations around the world. This recent discovery has driven us even further to pursue new ways to make these mounts even better than before. This is behind our new 'Atacama' build type for StellarDrive X

The maximum OEM visual payload of your mount, is now your full imaging payload, as either a StellarDrive X™ or StellarTune™ EQ mount. Balance can be perfected, as is it now effectively stiction-free. This help make things like meridian flips more precisely and worry-free. Imaging while you sleep is possible, when skies permit.

We are also a Celestron Technical Specialist Dealer.  This has led to developed drivetrain solutions to improve the tracking of AVX, CGEM-II, CG-X and CG-XL, notably via our SGv3 and SGv3.1 reduction gearboxes. We also have a lot of upgrade experience with their range of EDGE-HD and RASA telescopes. 

Each BRAND NEW (BTO) and custom rebuilt and fully optimised StellarDrive X™ or StellarDrive ULTRA™ EQ mount comes with Two years FULL worldwide mechanical warranty and support.

After a continuous eight year development history of our three custom made SIDAC36-XDA Dual Axis Test Rigs, we have precisely optimised the built the mounts to test payloads since 2016. Now fully programmable and PHD2 modelled, we can reduce turnaround times faster than before.

Our work is backed up on all other rebuilt and StellarTune™ and StellarDrive X™ customer used mount rebuilds from 06/2024, with a reassuring and industry-leading One year worldwide RTB mechanical warranty. 

An up to 6 month* RTB mechanical warranty for older Restoration and Legacy mounts up to 25 years old in stock condition, subject to evaluation and condition. These mount warranties are unmatched in this industry for any used and resold mounts.

We do accept DIY, modded EQ mounts up to 10 years for rebuild as a StellarTune™ or StellarDrive X™ EQ Mount (subject to owner declaration). All other mounts over 15 years old are classed as restoration or legacy work, and therefore may take longer to do, depending on condition and parts availability. For mounts older than 10 years, please get in touch via email first and supply photos for appraisal and a fixed price quotation (approximately inline with our rebuild pricing), and will do our best to help where we can.