Designed and built to provide a versatile platform for astronomers and astrophotographers of all levels, the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Alt-Az / Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod is outfitted with precision motors, a quiet low-backlash belt drive, a computer controller, and a sturdy tripod to provide solid and reliable platform for both long duration observation and imaging.
This unique mount ships configured as a German Equatorial mount capable of long-term Right Ascension tracking when properly polar aligned. To expand its versatility and usability, it can be reconfigured to a more basic alt-azimuth mount for fast observation sessions, and with a simple mode change on the hand controller it will function flawlessly with dual-axis tracking. For star parties or separate observation and imaging rigs, it can be converted to a dual optical tube assembly (OTA) setup with the addition of an optional dovetail saddle that installs in place of the counterweight shaft.
The SynScan hand controller computer system has an internal database of 42,900 celestial objects including the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs plus planets and stars. To keep it current, its firmware is updatable through the built-in serial port via updates downloaded through the internet. With multiple assisted alignment options, a wide slew speed range, and automatic tracking capabilities, finding and keeping objects centered in its field of view is easy, no matter if you're viewing the fast-moving moon or much slower deep-space subjects.
- Equatorial (EQ): Precise astronomical tracking for observation and imaging
- Alt-Azimuth (AZ): General purpose celestial and terrestrial viewing with fast setup for quick observations
- Dual OTA: Mount two OTAs, opposed to each other, on a single mount for star parties or separate observation and imaging rigs, requires installation of a second optional dovetail saddle in place of the counterweight shaft
- 44-pound payload capacity, excluding counterweights
- Built-in polar alignment scope in the RA axis housing enables precision polar alignment for better EQ tracking accuracy
- Latitude range of 10-70° in EQ mode, 90° in AZ mode
- ±97deg; Azimuth adjustment range
- Dual Vixen and Losmandy-D dovetail saddle for compatibility with a wide range of OTA's
- ±5 arc seconds native periodic error
- Dual-axis and Equatorial tracking modes
- Primary axis encoder tracks mount position and allows you to move mount manually without having to realign
- 64 micro-step, 1.8° hybrid stepper motor drive
- 180:1 worm drive transmission with 48:12 timing belt drive provides low backlash with smooth & silent slewing
- Two 11 lb counterweights for proper balancing of heavy loads
- 8" counterweight rod with a 6" extension for balancing heavier equipment like large aperture OTAs, filter wheels, and imaging systems
- Shutter release control for batch exposures of astrophotography
- Integrated Right Ascension and Declination dials for manual celestial navigation
- 11-16 VDC 4A power requirement
- Wired handheld computer controller for mount
- 42,900-object database including the Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, and Caldwell catalogs plus double stars, variable stars, named stars, and planets
- 25 user-defined objects
- Alignment Assistance: One-, two-, three-star alignment
- Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
- Maximum slew speed of 4.2°/second
- Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) removes inaccuracies inherent in gears and allows for more accurate tracking, especially for long-exposure astrophotography
- Connect to a computer via user-supplied RS-232 cable
- Flash upgradable via internet download
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel legs
- Two-section adjustable height
- Spiked feet provide sure footing on rough or soft earth
- Weighs 16.5 pounds to provide a stable, low-vibration platform
- Center tray holds legs at a set angle for additional stability and vibration suppression as well as offering a place to hold accessories
- Hand controller holder clips to a leg and can be moved as required to prevent cord wrap