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:
Saddle Type: German Equatorial
Dovetail mount: 1.75" dovetail
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
