The SYNSCAN Kit converts your hand-held equatorial mount into a fully automated GOTO system. Using the SYNSCAN control knob you can explore and learn to move around the sky on your own, in a very short period of time, even if you are a beginner.
Simply select from the database the object you want to observe (either a planet or a deep sky object) and the mount will do the rest. It will move slowly until it points to the selected astronomical object. The database consists of more than 42,000 astronomical objects, including the entire Messier, NGC and IC catalogs. In addition, 25 additional positions can be stored and entered by the user. With an accuracy of 1 arcminute, you can have any object you have selected within the field of view of your eyepiece immediately. The pointing speed, i.e. the speed at which the SYNSCAN system will move the motors to locate the selected object, can reach up to 3.4º per second (observing at 800x). Therefore, the wait to have the object centered in the field of view will not be very long.
The SYNSCAN system has a lot to offer to both first-time and professional users. Much of the periodic error in the corona can be eliminated thanks to the PEC (Periodic Error Correction) function built into the software, so you can opt to perform astrophotography with certain guarantees. The SYNSCAN kit includes a connection for an external autoguider. The tracking speed can be adjusted to 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X and 1X. In panning movements, the speed can be adjusted by the user to 2X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 64X, 400X, 500X, 600X and 800X, offering the possibility to freely explore the night sky. The accuracy of the motors is 0.144 arcseconds.
As with other GOTO devices, the SYNSCAN kit requires an initial alignment. Alignments with 1, 2 or 3 stars are possible, but as always, the most recommended for the highest possible accuracy is the 3-star alignment.
The SYNSCAN kit includes the following items: AR and DEC motors, SYNSCAN controller, and the necessary cables and tools for retrofitting.
Features of the controller and motors:
- 1 arcminute pointing accuracy.
- Stepper motors with steps of 1.8°
- GOTO speed up to 3.4º per second
- Tracking speeds of 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X
- Object database with complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs
- PEC (Periodic Error Correction) function
- Possibility to connect to PC
- Possibility to purchase firmware updates over the Internet
Included in the SYNSCAN kit:
- AR and DEC motors
- SYNSCAN control unit
- Required cables and tools
- RS-232 cable for firmware updates
WARNING: this product only refers to the items needed to convert a hand mount to a GOTO device, but the mount is not included with this product. On the other hand, it is recommended to power the GOTO SYNSCAN system with a 12V transformer that has a 2A stabilized output. Transformers with lower output amperage, or not stabilized, or the included battery pack itself may result in strange behavior of the mount due to lack of proper power supply.
