Sky-Watcher EQ8-RHi Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod and Wi-Fi Adapter

Building off their EQ8-R mount, the Sky-Watcher EQ8-RHi Equatorial GoTo Mount 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 app 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 vibrationessential 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.

Supporting your OTA, accessories, and the massive mount head is Sky-Watcher`s heavy-duty pier tripod. Unlike conventional telescope tripods, this advanced support combines the strength and stability of a pier with the portability and adjustable height of a tripod. Instead of multiple leg sections that get smaller and less stable as you extend them to the maximum height, the pier tripod has large solid legs, each with a 2.4" diameter. The legs attach to a collar that wraps around the center pier column. To adjust the height, move the column up and down through the collar and lock it in place, so the legs remain at a constant wide spread for maximum stability. For proper leveling on uneven ground, Sky-Watcher includes a set of three leveling stands that provide up to 4" of height, allowing the tripod to be properly leveled for accurate alignment with precise GoTo and tracking.

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
• Wi-Fi enabled control via SynScan Pro app
• 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 onlyOTA and tripod or pier required for use
• Large Losmandy-style dovetail saddle
• Weighs 57 lb

EAN: 810098970334