The SkyWatcher AZ-EQ6GT is a dual purpose, fully functional computerised heavy-duty Go-To/Tracking astronomical mount in both Alt-Azimuth (AZ) and Equatorial (EQ) modes.

Supplied with a Synscan handset with dual AZ/EQ firmware, it can automatically find and track over 42,900 celestial objects from its database.

In EQ mode, the AZ-EQ6GT is designed for either visual use or precise astro-imaging. In AZ mode, it is primarily intended for visual use, and in this mode, two telescopes can be mounted simultaneously in parallel.

A great feature of the The SkyWatcher AZ-EQ6GT is the patented dual-encoder technology. This allows the telescope to be moved manually in either axis without the mount losing its positional information. This gives the user enormous freedom, convenience and flexibility during observational sessions.

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6GT…..a new legend is born!!

SPECIFICATION

• Payload Capacity: 25kg (EQ and AZ modes)

• Tracking Accuracy: 0.1436 arc minutes

• Go-To Capability: EQ and AZ modes

• Synscan Handset Database: over 42,900 celestial objects

• Tracking Speed: sidereal, solar & lunar rates

• Tracking Mode: EQ or AZ, dual or single axis

• PEC control in EQ mode

• Autoguider Port : Yes

• DSLR Electronic Shutter Release Port : Yes

• Motor Type: DC12V stepper motors

• Patented Dual-Encoder design allows manual movement without losing positional information

• Polar alignment: via software control or supplied polar scope

• Alignment methods: 1, 2 or 3 star alignment (EQ) / brightest star or 2 star alignment (AZ)

• Telescope Connection: 2 x dual-fit saddle plates supplied accepting 45mm & 75mm dovetail bars

• RA/DEC Worm Gears: D=92.5mm, 180 teeth, brass

• RA/DEC Axes: D=40mm, steel

• Tripod: 2” Stainless Steel

• Counterweights supplied: 2 x 5kg

• Counterweight Bar: 25mm Diameter

• Mount Body Weight: 15.4kg, Tripod Weight: 7.5kg

• Power requirement: 12V DC 3A (Sky-Watcher 17Ah Power Tank recommended)

Note: Two 5kg Counterweights supplied, not four as shown in main picture

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Review
Specification

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The new Skywatcher EQ6-R Pro Mount is an exciting evolutionary progression of the continuing legend that is the EQ6 PRO. The modern optimised design of the EQ6-R PRO incorporates features that serious imagers will immediately appreciate, such as;

► Increased Payload capacity of 20kg for Astro-Photography

► Synchronous Belt Driven, resulting in minimal backlash – Even quieter, smoother operation and better results when guiding. Higher Torque.

► Superior Latitude adjustment controls with greater range of latitudes possible

► Built-in SNAP camera control port

► PPEC worm gear and worm periodic error correction function (avoids having to constantly re-train)

► Built-in carrying handle for convenient transportation

The supplied computerised Synscan hand control allows you to control the mount to point your telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to 42,000+ night sky objects from it’s extensive database.

Information

• Product Name:  EQ6-R PRO Synscan
• Mount Type:  German Equatorial
• Maximum Payload (Counterweights excluded):  20kg (for Astro-Photography)
• Latitude Adjustment Range:  5º to 65º
• Azimuth Adjustment Range:  About ±9 º
• Mount Weight (Tripod excluded): 17.3 kg
• Counterweights Supplied:  2 x 5kg
• Tripod Supplied:    2-inch stainless steel, 7.5kg Weight
• Counterweight Rod:  18mm Diameter, Length 240mm + 180mm
• Power Requirement:  DC11~16V 4A
• Motors: 1.8 º Hybrid Stepper Motors
• Transmission:  180:1 Worm Drive + 48:12 Timing Belt Drive + 64 Micro-step/1.8º Stepper Motor Drive
• Gear Ratio:  720
• Resolution:  9216000 Counts/Rev., approx. 0.14 arc-second
• Maximum Slewing Speed:  4.2 degrees/second
• Tracking Rate:  Sidereal rate, solar rate, lunar rate
• Tracking Mode:  Equatorial mode
• Auto-guiding Speed:  0.125X, 0.25X, 0.5X, 0.75X, 1X
• PEC: 100 Segments Permanent PEC (PPEC)
• Hand Controller: SynScan
• Database:  42000+ Objects
• Celestial Object Catalogue:  Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, Caldwell, Double Star, Vari-able Star, Named Star, Planets
• Pointing Accuracy:  Up to 5 arc-minutes (RMS)
• Integral SNAP camera control port
• Dual-Fit 45mm/75mm Dovetail Saddle
• Polar Alignment Scope

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It comes with a SynScan hand hand controller, 2x10kg counterweights and a GPS, with a payload of 50kg.

The patented Freedom Find (dual-encoder) technology allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes – but with no need for re-alignment!

• 50 kg Payload Capacity
• Super Smooth PE Curve
• PPEC
• Whisper Slew
• Small Backlash
• Auto-Home Function
• DSLR Interface
• Permanent Periodic Error Correction
• Precise polar-alignment with SynScan hand controller
• Adjustable Pier tripod (0.75m – 1.00m)

Freedom Find – tracking made easy!

With the patented Freedom Find (dual-encoder) technology which allows the telescope to be moved manually or electronically in either axis without losing its alignment or positional information. After moving to a new object the telescope will automatically begin to track the new object accurately. No re-setup is required in one observing session.

Freedom Find

The EQ8 mount is equipped with auxiliary encoders on both the R.A. axis and Dec. axis. Therefore, the mount can keep tracking its current position even when a user unlocks the clutches and rotates the mount in R.A. axis and Dec. axis by hand.  With this feature, a user can manually operate the mount anytime without worrying about losing the mount’s alignment status. When the user wants to operate the mount with the SynScan hand control again, no alignment is required and all that is needed to be done is to re-lock the clutches. This feature can be enabled or disabled on the SynScan hand controller.

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 stored in the motor controller permanently, 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 please refer to the SynScan hand controller manual.

Batch Exposure Function

The EQ8 mount is equipped with a SNAP port which can control the shutter release of a camera. Working with the SynScan hand control’s “Camera Control” function, a user 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 controller 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 to the same home position after turning on the power. For detailed information, refer to the SynScan hand controller manual.

Please contact us before purchase if you live in a remote area

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