Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Mount - S30612

Observatory Class Performane for a Backyard Price!  The NEW Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro is an evolutionary progression of the popular EQ8 Pro. An extra heavy-duty, observatory class German Equatorial Mount with a payload capacity of up to 50kg. Quiet in operation, the EQ8-R is supplied with the Synscan Go-To handset that can automatically find and track over 42,900 celestial objects from its extensive computer database. Available either complete with pier tripod or as the mount head only, to install onto a static pier. Two 10kg counterweights and the Synscan computerised handset are supplied with both options. The mount is also compatible with the optional Synscan Wi-Fi adaptor and Synscan Pro Apps which can control the mount wirelessly.   Improvements over the previous EQ8 model include: Cable management system for reduced tangling. Improved Connectivity. Improved installation position of motors for improved balance. Improved clutch mechanism provides more holding strength. Improved dovetail groove knob for added comfort and increased locking power. Belt drive on the RA and DEC axes for quiet slewing (previously only the RA axes was belt driven). Note: Freedom-Find encoders are not present on the EQ8-R   Permanent Periodic Error Correction The EQ8 mount is equipped with an index on its R.A. worm thus the motor controller can keep tracking the current position of the worm. After a proper PEC training routine, in which the training data is stored in the motor controller permanently, a user can start the periodic error correction (PEC) at any time to improve the tracking performance for short focal length astrophotography. A training process is not required in the next observing session (assuming that the polar alignment is always accurate), thus this is a Permanent Period Error Correction (PPEC). A user can train the mount with manual guiding or auto-guiding. For detailed instructions, Batch Exposures Function The EQ8 mount is equipped with a SNAP port which can control the shutter release of a camera. Working with the SynScan hand control’s “Camera Control” function, a user can take batch exposures when doing astrophotography. Up to 8 groups of “Exposure-time & Frames” combinations can be set on the SynScan hand controller. For detailed information, refer to the SynScan hand control’s instruction manual. Auto-Home Function The EQ8 mount is equipped with two home position sensors. Working with the SynScan hand controller, the mount can be placed to the same home position after turning on the power. For detailed information, refer to the SynScan hand control’s instruction manual.    The diagram below will be useful to those wanting to mount an EQ8 head to an existing pier.      Specifications Payload Capacity (excl. counterweights) 50kg Latitude Adjustment Range 10° to 65° Azimuth Adjustment Range +/- 10° Mount Head Weight (excl. tripod) 25.8kg Pier Tripod (optional) 29.4kg Counterweights 2 x 10kg Counterweight Rod 2.6kg Power Requirement 11 to 16 Volts DC (Higher voltage preferred), 55W Motors 0.9° Hybrid Stepper Motor Transmission 435:1 Worm Drive + 256 Micro-Step/0.9° Stepper Motor Resolution 44,544,000 Counts/Rev, approx 0.03 Arc-Second Maximum Slewing Speed 3.7° per Second Tracking Rates Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Rates Auto-Guiding Speeds 0.125x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x & 1x PPEC 200 Segments Permanent PEC Polar Alignment By software control or optional Polarscope Hand Controller Synscan with 42,900+ Object Database Remote Control Control also possible with Synscan Pro Application for Windows via USB, Synscan Pro App for iOS and Android with optional Wi-Fi Dongle Additional Ports 4 x USB Ports and 3 x Power Outlets for Peripheral Devices Connectivity Paired RJ10, RJ12 and RJ45 modular jacks DSLR Control DSLR Snap Port / Batch Exposures Function Home Auto Home Function Synscan Celestial Object Catalogue Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, Caldwell, Double-Star, Variable Star, Named Star, Planets Pointing Accuracy Up to 5 arc-minutes (RMS)