SkyWatcher ED Black Diamond ED80 PRO GOTO NEQ3-2 SkyWatcher Refractor Telescope ED Black Diamond ED80 PRO GOTO NEQ3-2

SkyWatcher ED Black Diamond ED80 PRO GOTO NEQ3-2 Refractor Telescope.

The apochromatic ED refractor tubes of the BLACK DIAMOND series from SKYWATCHER represent a range of refracting astronomical telescopes with fairly well corrected field and highly corrected chromatic aberration. Their low dispersion ED optics allow light to refract through the lens so that the light beam does not scatter much (does not open up) and therefore the image definition is greatly increased. SKYWATCHER BLACK DIAMOND refractors are constructed with a two-element air-spaced objective lens. The second lens element is constructed with the high quality fluorized glass FPL-53 (O'HARA version).

The ED optics of the BLACK DIAMOND refractor telescopes are made of SCHOTT glass. This combines the efforts of two market leaders, Synta as a manufacturer of astronomical telescopes and SCHOTT as the world's leading manufacturer of the highest quality optical glass.

SkyWatcher offers a simple solution for users who would like to be able to attach their small telescope to a computerized mount without having to carry the weight of a HEQ5 or NEQ6 mount. The EQ3 Pro mount uses the same GOTO system as the HEQ5 and NEQ6 PRO mounts, the SynScan system. It allows you to locate a specific object and even allows you to travel from one object to another along a Tour by simply pressing a button.

The EQ3 Pro mount is the perfect instrument for getting started in visual observation.

Key features:

• Pointing accuracy up to 1 arcminute. Improved accuracy through collimation error compensation software.
• Stepper motors with a step angle of 1.8º and 32 teeth.
• GOTO speed up to 3.4º/second (at 800x).
• Guiding speed selectable between 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x and 1x.
• Object database including complete Messier, NGC and IC catalogs.
• Periodic error correction.
• PC compatibility
• Upgradeable control unit via firmware download over the internet.
  
  

The SKYWATCHER telescopes supplied with a German equatorial mount with integrated SynScan system are high quality observing platforms with well thought-out mechanics and electronics.

The main features of the GOTO systems are summarized below:

PC operation:

SKYWATCHER SynScan mounts come standard with the revolutionary SynScan Computer Controller. Locating an astronomical object has never been so easy and fun. The telescope responds immediately to keystrokes on the controller, executing the indicated operations. The SynScan series telescopes can also be remotely controlled from a PC using any Planetary software (Cartes du Ciel, The Sky, etc) and via RS-232 connection to the control knob. There is even the possibility to optionally purchase a GPS to facilitate the most accurate entry of time, date and location. The SynScan firmware can be upgraded via internet with a specific and free software.

Motors, crowns and bearings:

The SKYWATCHER mounts of the SynScan series use DC stepper motors with high Torque capacity and micro-stepping control technology for maximum accuracy. Bronze crown and worm gear system for precision mechanical incremental movement to minimize gear backlash.

Speeds and tracking modes

The versatility of the SynScan system allows various search and tracking speeds to be selected. The tracking modes are: Lunar, Solar and Sidereal. The mount is compatible with use in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Database

The SynScan computer includes a database of more than 40,000 objects in memory. The library includes objects for advanced studies, following the existing catalog system: NGC, IC, Caldwell, Messier and other lists plus 25 user-definable objects (comets, asteroids, etc).

Astrophotography

Astrophotography enthusiasts will greatly appreciate the presence of the AUTO-GUIDER port that allows autoguider functions to be performed through a PC. The SynScan firmware includes the SynScangramming algorithm for periodic error correction (this error is natural and inherent to all corona-bisenfin systems). In addition, this algorithm can be complemented with the Backlash compensation function (technical term to describe gear backlash) for both AR and DEC. In this way it is possible to have uniform GOTO's and tracking.

Technical Specifications mount:

• Mount type: German Equatorial
• Dovetail mount: Dovetail 1.75"
• Motion Control: AR and DEC Axes
• Control Knob: EQ SynScan
• Piggyback Support: Yes
• Accessory tray: Yes
• Motor: Stepper motor
• Mount weight: 5.89Kg
• Mount with tripod weight: 10.59Kg
• Counterweights: 3.42Kg + 1.8Kg
• Tripod: stainless steel with adjustable height 750-1270mm
  
  

Technical Specifications tube:

• Optical Design: Apochromatic Refractor
• Diameter: 80mm
• Focal length: 600mm
• Focal ratio: f/7.5
• Maximum recommended magnification: 160x
• Stellar magnitude limit: 11.6
• Resolution power: 1.5 arcseconds
• Eyepiece holder: 2" (with adapter to 1.25")
• DS DUAL SPEED precision focuser.
• Tube dimensions: 116 x 580mm
• Weight: 3.21Kg
• Eyepieces: 28mm (2")
• Prism: Diagonal 2" with adapter to 1.25"
• Finder: 9X50mm
• Includes: Carrying case.