Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Equatorial GoTo Mount

Building off their EQ8-R mount, the benefits from the addition of a Renishaw incremental encoder on the right ascension (RA) axis. This virtually eliminates Periodic Error during tracking and delivers precise guiding for photographing elusive deep-sky objects like wispy nebulae and faint galaxies that require multiple long exposures to tease out their details. The mount itself is designed to carry heavy loads, including large optical tube assemblies (OTAs), guide scopes, and imaging rigs. A SNAP port connects to a DSLR shutter release, and the programmable SynScan hand box automatically controls the exposure time and number of frames with up to eight profiles so your astrophotography stays on schedule without manual intervention that can cause unwanted vibrations or errors.

This mount has a belt drive that reduces Periodic Error Correction (PEC) common to worm gears in many mounts to improve tracking accuracy, virtually eliminating vibration essential features for long-exposure deep-sky astrophotography. With a maximum payload capacity up to 110 pounds, this mount can support most large refractor, reflector, and catadioptric OTAs and still handle imaging rigs. An advanced cable management system places essential input, output, and power ports in strategic places on the mount to avoid cable wrap during long sessions that see the mount moving from one horizon to the next.

The SynScan system has an internal database of 42,900 celestial objects, including the complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs and 25 user-defined objects. To keep it current, you can update its firmware through the built-in serial port. Using the same computer connection, SynScan can be controlled with many popular astronomy software systems for additional versatility. With multiple alignment options, 10 slew speeds, and automatic tracking capabilities, finding and keeping objects centered in the field of view is easy no matter whether you're viewing the fast-moving moon or much slower deep-space subjects.

Mount

• Motorized and computer-controlled equatorial mount designed to carry heavy loads
• 110 lb payload capacity is designed to carry large OTAs, accessories, and/or imaging rigs
• High-resolution Renishaw 11.8 million tick on-axis incremental encoder on the RA axis virtually eliminates Periodic Error during tracking and allows for extremely precise guiding for advanced astrophotography
• Positioning accuracy up to 5 arcminutes
• Etched indicators on RA and declination axes
• Clutches for manual manipulation
• Internal hardstop on RA and dec axes to protect mechanical parts, OTA, and internal wiring
• Advanced cable management system utilizes multiple electronics panels to avoid cable wrap during long imaging/observation sessions
• Includes two 22 lb counterweights and 5.7 lb counterweight rod
• Runs on 11-16 VDC power, adapter included
• Motors and Gears
  • 0.9° , 256 micro-step hybrid stepper motor
  • 435:1 worm drive
  • Belt drive reduces gear backlash for finer pointing and tracking accuracy

SNAP for Astrophotography

• SNAP port permits control of DSLR camera through SynScan controller
• Enables precise control of exposure time and frames without manual intervention by user
• Control many DSLR shutter releases for advanced photography techniques, including long exposures and star scapes
• Up to 8 groups of " Exposure Time & Frames" combinations can be set on the SynScan hand controller
• Canon EOS remote shutter release cable included and releases for other brands available separately
• Camera must be equipped with a shutter release control port and can be set to the bulb exposure mode

Cable Management System

• Utilizes a primary connection panel on the mount base
• Secondary port panel on rear of dovetail saddle moves with the OTA while slewing and tracking for accessory communication and power without cable wrap
• Primary panel
  • Mount on/off switch
  • DC mount power-in port
  • Hand controller port
  • USB port for USB-to-serial connection to control the mount from a computer
  • ST-4 autoguider port
  • SNAP port for automatic camera control
• Secondary panel
  • Three 2.1mm power ports
  • Four USB 3.0 ports
  • RJ10, RJ12, RJ45 modular in/out jacks

SynScan Controller

• Self-contained computer controller for mount
• 42,900-object database, including the complete Messier, NGC, IC, and SAO catalogs
• 25 user-defined objects
• Alignment Assistance: One-, two-, three-star alignment
• Sidereal, Lunar, Solar tracking rates
• Slew Speeds: 1000x, 800x, 600x, 400x, 200x, 32x, 16x, 8x, 2x, 1x
• Guiding speed selectable from 0.125x, 0.25x, 0.50x, 0.75x, or 1x
• Periodic Error Correction (PEC) removes inaccuracies inherent in gears and allows for more accurate tracking, especially for long-exposure astrophotography
• Connect to a computer via user-supplied RS-232 cable
• Auto-home function
• Flash upgradable via internet download

Mounting

• Mount head only OTA and tripod or pier required for use
• Large Losmandy-style dovetail saddle
• Weighs 57 lb

EAN: 050234307123