TS-Optics Telescop2 Drive EQ platform for automatic tracking of your Dobson telescope
Dobson telescopes are unbeatable in terms of ease of use. Simply mount them and start observing: pure visual pleasure! The limitation they present is that, not having a tracking system, the object does not stay in the field of view for very long. If the tracking drawback could be solved, the object would remain in the field of view even at high magnification.
The Telescop2 Drive EQ platform from TS-Optics is the solution. Simply place your Dobson on the platform, turn on the motor and now the object will remain in the center of the eyepiece even when observing at high magnification; you can also take pictures of the Moon and planets.
The Telescop2 Drive EQ platform is capable of good tracking for about an hour, then you will have to reposition your Dobson manually. However, it is a quick and easy operation: just lift the telescope a little and push it back (the operation takes a few seconds).
The operation of the platform is very easy:
Position the platform as horizontal as possible. The built-in level will help you in leveling. If the ground is soft, you should place something underneath to prevent the telescope from sinking.
Align the platform in a north-south direction. The drive motor should face south, the circular segment should point north. A compass or an app on your smartphone is sufficient for alignment.
Place your Dobson on the platform and activate the tracking, selecting the hemisphere you are in with the N-S switch (N means northern hemisphere, S means southern hemisphere).
Now you can start observing - it's that easy!
Fields of application of the Dobson platform:
- Tracking your Dobson telescope (up to 30 kg) for visual observation.
- Binoculars and spotting scopes mounted on high-azimuth tripods. The tripod must be securely attached to the platform.
- Lunar and planetary photography
The Telescop2 Drive EQ platform is not designed for imaging nebulae, star clusters and galaxies; for this we recommend equatorial mounts. We will be happy to advise you on which model is best suited to your telescope.
Technical specifications
- Suitable for: Dobson telescopes weighing up to 30 kg, large binoculars and spotting scopes mounted on high-azimuth tripods.
- Geographic range: Perfect accuracy for all locations between 35° and 44° north/south latitude (the ideal range for southern Europe). However, the equatorial platform can be used beyond this range.
- Weight: 2 kg.
- Dimensions: 490 x 500 x 100 mm.
- Power supply: 9V battery.
- Tracking time: approximately one hour, after which the platform must be manually repositioned.
Platform TS-Optics Telescop2 Drive EQ for automatic tracking of your Dobson telescope
