The SkyWatcher SynScan handheld controller provides computer control for EQ-3/EQ-5/HEQ-5/EQ-6 Pro mechanics, even with a English user interface.
The database stores data on more than 42 900 objects, any of which can be accessed with the touch of a button. Its two-line LCD display allows you to select the target you want from a wide range of catalogues, but you also have the option of connecting it to a computer, so you can control your telescope from the comfort of your room. A GPS receiver can also be connected, making it easy to enter the current date, time and geographical coordinates.
In addition to the computer object positioning (Goto control), the Synscan handheld has a number of additional features that can be useful for both visual and photographic observers. Among other things, dead time compensation can be set to reduce the response time of the mechanics; 25 own object data can be stored for easy resetting later. It's also possible for the handheld to set up the most spectacular objects of the evening in sequence within a tour.
As an important feature for astrophotographers, the mechanism's correction speed via the autoguider connector can be fine-tuned from 0.25x to 1x star speed, and it can also perform periodic error correction to improve the quality of astrophotographs.
An important feature of the handheld controller is that the software it contains can be updated free of charge via the Internet, so that it will always have the latest "knowledge" in the future. The v5 version has a USB connection, so it can be easily connected to a PC (the v4 version can be connected to a PC via a serial cable)
