SkyWatcher EQ-5 SynScan GoTo upgrade kit

Our existing EQ-3, NEQ-5, HEQ-5 and EQ-6 mounts can be upgraded with GoTo control, which makes the mounts more suitable for serious astrophotography and significantly more comfortable to use for visual purposes, as it can adjust any object in the sky for you in seconds.

The package includes all electronics, components and the SynScan v5 handheld controller.

The SynScan handheld controller's database stores data on more than 42,900 objects, any of which can be accessed with the touch of a few buttons at a maximum speed of 3.4 degrees/second. You can select the target you want from a number of catalogues via its two-line LCD display, but you also have the option of linking it to a computer, allowing you to control your scope from the comfort of your room. A GPS receiver can also be connected, making it easy to get the current date/time and geographic 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 mount; 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 correction speed of the mount via the autoguide connector can be fine-tuned from 0.25x to 1x star speed, and it is capable of periodic error correction to improve the quality of astrophotographs.

The basic package includes a cable with a cigarette lighter adapter to operate the mount from a car cigarette lighter. For those looking for a portable solution, we recommend the simpler battery solution. An optional mains adapter is required for operation from a 220V mains supply.

An important feature of the hand control is that the software it contains can be updated free of charge via the internet, so you will always have the latest "knowledge" in the future. The cable needed to update the software and control the system from a computer can be obtained from anywhere, an ordinary USB "printer cable".