Maksutov-Cassegrain SkyWatcher 150/1800mm telescope with NEQ3-2 Pro GoTo mount

Maksutov-Cassegrain SkyWatcher 150/1800mm telescope with NEQ3-2 Pro GoTo mount.

Maksutov-Cassegrain catadioptric optical tubes have always stood out for their enormous contrast and magnification power. In addition, because their optical system is based on integrated mirrors, Maksutov-Cassegrain tubes are free of any kind of chromatic aberration. This makes them an ideal alternative to the classic achromatic refractors as they improve them in terms of chromaticism.

On the other hand, it is worth mentioning that the SKYWATCHER Maksutov-Cassegrain model presented here has a Maksutov corrector plate made of the highest quality glass. The result is undoubtedly a guarantee of success.

SkyWatcher offers a simple solution for those 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 NEQ3 Pro mount is the perfect instrument to get started in visual observation.

Main features:

• • • • • Aiming accuracy up to 1 arcminute. Improved accuracy by means of 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
        • Controller can be upgraded 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 control knob, 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, slewing rings 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 minimizing gear backlash.

Tracking speeds and modes

The versatility of the SynScan system allows various search and guidance 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 over 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:

• • • • • Frame 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 weight with tripod: 10.59Kg
        • Counterweights: 3.42Kg + 1.8Kg
        • Tripod: stainless steel with adjustable height 750-1270mm

Technical Specifications tube:

• • • • • Optical design: Maksutov-Cassegrain
        • Diameter: 150mm
        • Focal length: 1800mm
        • Focal ratio: f/12
        • Maximum recommended magnification: 280x
        • Stellar magnitude limit: 13.1
        • Resolution power: 0.8 arcseconds
        • Light gathering power: 660
        • Tube connection: 2", includes 2" 90º zenithal
        • M42 photographic connection
        • Weight: 5.6Kg
        • Eyepiece included: 28mm 2" (50.8mm).
        • Finder: 9x50mm

Maksutov-Cassegrain SkyWatcher 150/1800mm telescope with NEQ3-2 Pro GoTo mount.