The Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH HO PRO is an astounding upgrade from previous models and stands as the most formidable mount offered by the company. Expert craftsmanship is evident in the mount’s impressive load capacity of 50 kilograms that smoothly accommodates large astrographs with diameters up to 16 inches. Notably, this mount does not include a tripod, leaving room for customization according to your specific needs. Such robust characteristics were previously exclusive to esteemed equatorial mounts in top observatories worldwide. This professional-level product pairs advanced feature sets with user-facilitated operation.

Signature to professional astrophotography mounts is the requirement for precision tracking. The EQ8-RH satisfies this demand by integrating top-tier market components. It relies on hybrid stepper motors that gear the worm gears of the declination and right ascension axes via intermediary belt gears. This assembly optimizes the powerful resolving capacity of the motors with a step size of 0.9°, effectively reducing vibrations.

The standout characteristic setting the EQ8-RH apart from the EQ8R, is the implementation of a precise encoder on the right ascension axis. This encoder system, provided by the renowned firm Reinshaw, guarantees exceptional tracking accuracy. It’s noteworthy that Reinshaw encoders are fundamental in high-precision applications, including neurosurgical robots. With this encoder, both periodic error management and correction can be executed with precision akin to surgical standards.

The package includes the advanced SynScan V5 controller also found in high-end models such as the EQ6 and HEQ5. The controller allows users access to advanced tracking, correction functions, and the GOTO system. The expansive database in the SynScan V5 controller captures over 42,000 celestial objects, augmenting astronomer’s experiences significantly.

Main Features of the Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Mount:

• Hybrid stepper motors drive precision for declination and right ascension axes via vibration-absorbing intermediary belt drives.
• An ultra-precise Reinshaw encoder assimilated in the right ascension axis for flawless tracking accuracy.
• Advanced SynScan V5 controller included in the kit with an inclusive database of astronomical objects.
• Perpetual periodic error control (PPEC) based on the worm gear’s direct position reading.

Technical Parameters:

• Power Accommodation: 11 – 16 V, 3 A
• Mount Weight: 25.8 kg
• Counterweight Axle Weight: 2.6 kg
• Counterweight Scale: 2 x 10 kg
• Counterweight Axle Diameter: 31.5 mm
• Equipment Mounting Capacity: 50 kg
• Mounting of Optical Tube: Losmandy
• Controller: SynScan V5 Remote Control
• Right Ascension Gear: Worm Gear, 435:1 Rate
• Declination Gear: Worm Gear, 435:1 Rate
• Intermediary Gear: Belt in the Declination and Right Ascension Axes
• Height Regulation: 10 – 65°
• Horizontal Regulation: ± 10°
• Polar Finder: Optional, External
• Polar Axis Match: Programmatically or aided by the polar finder
• Encoder: Reinshaw Encoder on the Right Ascension Axis
• Encoder Resolution: 11,840,000 Pulses/Revolution, 0.11″
• Periodic Error Correction: Permanent (PPEC), 200 segments
• Home Position: Resets on Power Up
• Right Ascension Axis Boundary: Mechanical
• Output Connectors: RJ10, RJ12 (ST-4), RJ45, 3 x 2.1 mm Power Plug, 4 x USB 3.0
• Input Connectors: USB-B, RJ10, RJ12 (ST-4), RJ45, 2.1 mm Power Plug
• SLR Shutter Control: Yes, Snap Socket
• Motors: Hybrid Stepper Motors, 0.9°/Step, 64 Microsteps
• Stepper Motor Resolution: 44,544,000 Pulses/Revolution, 0.03″
• Tracking Precision: 0.11″
• Guiding Precision: Less than 5′ RMS
• Tracking Speed Variations: Star, Star + PEC, Solar, Lunar
• Autoguiding Speeds: 0.125x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x
• Maximum Travel Velocity: 3.7°/s
• Tracking Modes: EQ Mode
• Finish: Anodized, Black

Pack Components:

• Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Mount Head
• SynScan V5 Controller
• Control Cable
• Power Cable with Car Lighter socket
• Cable for Canon SLR Shutter Control
• Counterweight Axle
• Counterweights

Guarantee Period:

24 months

Details on EQ8, EQ8-R, EQ8-RH Models:

The EQ8 functions as the standard model, progressively enhanced in the EQ8-R and EQ8-RH versions. The “R” series shared a collective manual because the defining characteristic is the integrated Cable Management System, USB hub, and power hub within the mount. This design routes most cables inside the mount housing, reducing damage risk and making replacement more manageable.

Looking at the R series models, differences are observed. The EQ8-R model lacks encoders, while the EQ8-RH incorporates a Reinshaw encoder on the right ascension axis. Unlike the Freedom Find feature, the Reinshaw encoder in the EQ8-RH focuses on reducing mechanical periodic errors in astrophotography tracking. The EQ8-RH is furnished with a Renishaw’s high-resolution incremental encoder on its RA axis, which aids in mitigating or eliminating mechanical periodic errors during celestial object tracking for astrophotography.

In addition, a notable distinction lies in the use of a belt-driven intermediary gear. While the EQ8 had one belt gear on the right ascension axis to counter backlash, the EQ8-R and EQ8-RH models have belt-driven transmissions on both axes. This configuration results in minimal backlash, significantly reduces periodic errors, and leads to smoother and more precise tracking.

In summary:

• EQ8: The base model with two encoders and the Freedom Find function with a single belt gear.
• EQ8-R: The upgraded model with a Cable Management System, devoid of encoders and equipped with dual belt-driven transmissions.
• EQ8-RH: The deluxe model equipped with a Cable Management System, a Reinshaw encoder and dual belt-driven transmissions.

References:

[1] Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Mount Head Only with Counterweights – Sky-Watcher USA

[2] Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Review – Phil Hart

[3] Sky-Watcher EQ8 User Manual

[4] Sky-Watcher EQ8-R V2 User Manual

[5] EQ8 GoTo Mount – Sky-Watcher Australia

[6] Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Mount Head Only with Counterweights – Sky-Watcher USA

Purchase the Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro without Tripod

Read more and Buy Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro without Tripod

The post Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro (Excluding Tripod) appeared first on TS2 SPACE.