Skywatcher EQ8-R Pro Synscan GoTo Mount for Telescopes up to 50 kg

Skywatcher EQ8-R Pro Synscan GoTo Mount

The new Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro mount is the great evolutionary advancement of the popular EQ8 Pro mount. The EQ8-R is an equatorial extra heavy-duty observatory mount with a payload capacity of up to 50 kg. It runs very quietly and is equipped with the well-known SynScan GoTo with V.5 manual control box. The mount can automatically search for and track over 42,900 celestial objects from the extensive computer database.

A heavy pier tripod for the EQ8-R mount or matching Berlebach Planet tripods are optionally available. Two counterweights á 10 kg and the V.5 manual control box are included. The mount can also be operated wirelessly with an optional WiFi dongle and the SynScan Pro app.

The EQ8-R has been further developed in many respects:

Internal cable routing to prevent the usual cable chaos

Improved connectivity (USB, 12-volt outputs)

Optimized positioning of the drive motors for improved balance

Improved couplings on the axles for more holding force

Improved clamping screws on the saddle for better comfort and greater clamping force

Belt drive in the declination axis for a smoother operation

The new EQ8-R is no longer equipped with Freedom-Find encoders

Important note about power supply:

To avoid loss of warranty, please use only the power supplies and mobile supplies recommended by us. Especially simple car batteries or sealed lead-acid batteries can lead to an under-supply, which can then damage the sensitive electronics of the mount. Operating a Skywatcher GoTo mount with a non-proprietary power supply not recommended by us is at your own risk. Thank you for your understanding. Here is the link to more information: Notes_power_supply_SK_GoTo_en.pdf

Question:
Can you use the handbox and a laptop for remote operation at the same time?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
It is not possible to use both at the same time. It is best to use the WLAN dongle for a laptop. But then you can no longer connect a handbox. I would prefer the WLAN connection to the USB port, as there are fewer problems here. You need the appropriate firmware and software for the USB sockets, these are mainly intended for updates.


Question:
How can I connect the hand controller to the PRO mount if the port for the hand controller is already connected to the EQMOD cable?

Answer from Teleskop-Service:
You can connect either the hand controller or the EQMOD/EQDIR cable. If you control the mount remotely via the computer, a hand controller is no longer necessary.

Safety informations: PDF Download