Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Astronomy Mount

• A solid workhorse at a bargain 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 a 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.
  • The 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 permanently stored in the motor controller, 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 has a SNAP port that can control a camera's shutter release. With the SynScan hand control’s “Camera Control” function, users 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 in the same home position after turning on the power. For detailed information, refer to the SynScan hand control’s instruction manual. 

   

  We have included the diagram below for those wanting to mount an EQ8 head to an existing pier. 

  

   

  Note regarding delivery: Because the EQ8-R Pro is a large mount, it is delivered separately on a pallet.  Delivery requires 3-5x days (not the indicated 1-2x days).  The courier will contact you when it reaches your local depot to arrange a delivery date. 

  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)