The SkyWatcher EQ8-R Pro GoTo mount is primarily recommended for amateur astronomers doing astrophotography with large telescopes. It is the latest and most advanced model in the popular EQ series. Compared to its predecessors, it offers even higher payload capacity and more accurate tracking. According to the manufacturer's specifications, its payload capacity is 50 kg, making it capable of securely carrying and guiding Newtonian and SC/MC systems larger than 30 cm. The robust mount head is supported by a pier and tripod combination. With the help of two 10 kg counterweights, the mount can be balanced even with the heaviest telescopes. Astrophotographers will appreciate the exceptionally precise corrections, available at guide rates as low as 0.125x sidereal speed, as well as pointing accuracy of up to 5 arcminutes.
Tests show that it provides exceptionally smooth tracking with very low periodic error. The mount also features Permanent Periodic Error Correction (Permanent Periodic Error Correction). After completing the PEC training routine, the user can activate periodic error correction, significantly improving tracking accuracy for short focal length astrophotography. For subsequent observing sessions, the training process does not need to be repeated, provided the telescope is always accurately polar aligned. This is the origin of the name: Permanent Periodic Error Correction.
The SynScan hand controller database stores data for more than 42,900 objects, and any of them can be selected at the touch of a few buttons. Its two-line LCD display allows the desired target to be selected from numerous catalogues, while connection to a computer makes it possible to control the telescope from indoors. A GPS receiver can also be connected, making it easier to enter the current date, time, and geographical coordinates.
Technical specifications:
- EQ head weight: 28.5 kg
- Tripod weight: 31 kg
- Maximum telescope weight: 50 kg
- Tripod: adjustable height
- Counterweight: 10 kg
- Hand controller: SynScan
- R.A. worm wheel: D=219.5 mm, 435 teeth, aluminium
- Dec. worm wheel: D=219.5 mm, 435 teeth, aluminium
- R.A. axis: D=55 mm, aluminium
- Dec. axis: D=55 mm, aluminium
- Counterweight shaft: D=31.5 mm
- Latitude adjustment: between 15 and 65 degrees latitude
- Azimuth fine adjustment: approx. +/-5 degrees
- Polar alignment: using built-in software or an external polar scope
- Polar scope: external - optional
- PEC: yes
- Motor: DC 12V stepper motors
- Tracking rates: sidereal, solar, lunar, PEC+sidereal
- Tracking mode: single- or dual-axis tracking
- Object database: 42,000 objects
- Power supply: DC 12V
