Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian GoTo AZ Telescope

The base is 32.5x25 inches and the height is 58.5 inches.

A GoTo base upgrade is offered by Sky Watcher, but the price is pretty steep. Factoring in sales tax, shipping, and the work needed to assemble the base and convert the telescope, it's probably better to order the GoTo version of the scope and sell the old one.

The mount requires 12Vdc. A fairly long cable terminated with a 12V automobile accessory (cigarette lighter) plug is supplied. The base does not have room for a large battery, and any more than one rotation of the scope would probably wrap the cable around the base. I have used a 6000mA "TalentCell" rechargeable lithium battery to power the telescope and the fan I mounted on the back of the mirror cell. It will keep the telescope going for several nights before needing a recharge. Note that battery voltage should not drop below 10.2 or so to assure proper operation of the telescope. The hand controller includes a setting to check this voltage.

The 12" GoTo telescope will track an object. However, you do need to do a proper setup (point true north and leveling) before powering up the SynScan gear, and then do an alignment (several types available). Instruction are included. The SynScan controller will also guide you through the process. The instructions say something about tapping the up and right arrow buttons to engage tracking. The SynScan Pro apps for Android or Windows are actually a bit more detailed in guiding you through an alignment. I've left the telescope for 15-20 minutes and then returned to find the object still centered in the eyepiece. Note that this scope is capable out of the box for WiFi operation. You can use a smart phone or table as a wireless controller.

The GoTo AZ mount is more than adequate for planetary photography. As for deep sky objects, success depends on the camera, tracking accuracy (which depends on setup and tweaking of tracking rate), capabilities of the camera and imaging software, post processing , and sky conditions. I have trained the telescope with a decent mid-level astro cam on M31 (Andromeda) and noted the "fuzz ball" never moved in the computer screen after several minutes. It would have been enough time to do a few long exposures. Whether the camera or light pollution were conducive to a good image is unknown. I plan to try again when I have a good observing night.

We do not sell that Item in our System. My apologies. I would recommend contacting Sky-Watcher with this inquiry.

The base of the Sky-Watcher Flextube 300P SynScan 12" f/4.9 Dobsonian GoTo AZ Telescope has a 25" diameter.