We recommend the SkyWatcher EQ-8 RH Pro GoTo mount, the successor to the SkyWatcher EQ-8 Pro GoTo, primarily for amateur astronomers engaged in astrophotography with large telescopes. It is one of the highest-payload instruments available to amateur astronomers and astrophotographers at an affordable price, with comparable equipment previously accessible only to smaller observatories.
According to the manufacturer's specifications, it has a payload capacity of 50 kg, allowing it to stably support and guide Newtonian and SC/MC systems over 30 cm in aperture, thanks in part to the factory-installed timing belt drive.
The robust mount head is supported by an optional pier and tripod combination. With the two 10 kg counterweights, the mount can be balanced even with the heaviest telescopes. Astrophotographers will appreciate the exceptionally fine adjustment capability, with correction speeds as low as 0.125x sidereal rate, as well as pointing accuracy of up to 5 arcminutes. The EQ-8 RH version features a Renishaw encoder on the RA axis, enabling precise measurement of angular rotation and effectively eliminating the need for an autoguider.
SkyWatcher's patented Freedom Find technology allows the user to move the telescope along its axes manually or electronically at any time without losing alignment or position information. There is no need to realign the mount, even if the telescope is moved by hand.
Tests show exceptionally smooth tracking with very low, almost negligible periodic error; the maximum tracking error is only around 0.5". The mount also features Permanent Periodic Error Correction. After completing the PEC training routine, the user can activate periodic error correction, significantly improving tracking accuracy for short-focal-length astrophotography. For subsequent observing sessions, however, the training process does not need to be repeated, provided the telescope is always precisely polar aligned. This is the origin of the name: Permanent Periodic Error Correction
The SynScan hand controller database stores data for more than 42,900 objects, any of which can be selected with just a few button presses. Its two-line LCD display allows you to select the desired target from numerous catalogues, and it can also be connected to a computer, enabling telescope control from indoors. A GPS receiver can also be connected, making it easier to enter the current date, time and geographical coordinates.
The mount features one USB 3.0 input, four USB 3.0 outputs, one power input, three power outputs (hub), and three Aux inputs and three Aux outputs.
Technical specifications:
- EQ head weight: 25.9 kg
- Maximum telescope weight: 50 kg
- Tripod: adjustable height from 77 to 100 cm
- R.A. worm wheel: D=219.5 mm, 435 teeth, aluminium
- Dec. worm wheel: D=219.5 mm, 435 teeth, aluminium
- R.A. axis: D=55 mm, aluminium
- Dec. axis: D=55 mm, aluminium
- Counterweight shaft: D=31.5 mm
- Latitude adjustment range: 15 to 65 degrees
- Azimuth fine adjustment: approx. +/-5 degrees
- Polar alignment: using built-in software or an external polar scope
- Polar scope: external - optional
- Dual Encoder control: yes
- PEC: yes
- Motor: DC 12V stepper motors
- Tracking rates: sidereal, solar, lunar, PEC+sidereal
- Tracking mode: single- or dual-axis tracking
- Object database: 42,000 objects
- Power supply: DC 12V, min. 3A, cigarette lighter power cable included
Included accessories:
- SkyWatcher EQ8-RH head with SynScan hand controller
- 2x10 kg counterweights
