Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro SynScan - GoTo Equatorial Mount

Designed to automate celestial-object pointing and tracking, the Sky-Watcher EQ5 Pro SynScan combines a motorised equatorial mount with the computerised SynScan control system.

Its GoTo system allows an object to be selected from the hand controller database before the mount automatically slews to the target. More than 42,900 objects are available, including the Messier, IC, NGC and Caldwell catalogues together with planets, named stars, double stars, variable stars and user-defined objects.

Three alignment procedures are available to configure the pointing system according to the observing setup: one-star, two-star and three-star alignment.

The mount uses high-precision stepper motors controlled through microstep driving. Its stated resolution of 0.288 arc-second provides fine control of mount movement.

A wide range of slewing speeds is available, allowing both precise adjustment and rapid movement between different areas of the sky.

For astronomical tracking, the EQ5 Pro SynScan provides sidereal, lunar and solar rates. Tracking is performed on the right-ascension axis.

A built-in ST-4 type autoguider interface provides several guide rates for use with a compatible guiding system.

The SynScan hand controller also includes functions intended to improve pointing accuracy and operation, including Periodic Error Correction, backlash compensation and Pointing Accuracy Enhancement.

ASCOM compatibility also allows the mount to be integrated into a computer-controlled observing or imaging configuration.

SynScan GoTo System

The SynScan hand controller provides automatic mount control and access to a large celestial-object database.

The system includes:

• More than 42,900 objects
• Messier catalogue
• IC catalogue
• NGC catalogue
• Caldwell catalogue
• Planets
• Named stars
• Double stars
• Variable stars
• User-defined objects

This database provides access to a wide selection of targets without requiring their coordinates to be entered manually.

Three Alignment Methods

SynScan provides:

• One-star alignment
• Two-star alignment
• Three-star alignment

These procedures establish the pointing model used by the GoTo system.

Pointing Accuracy

Pointing accuracy can reach:

• Up to 1 arc-minute

This specification applies to automatic pointing following alignment.

High-Precision Stepper Motors

The mount is driven by:

• High-precision stepper motors

The motor controller uses:

• Microstep driving
• Automatic power-saving function

This drive system provides both GoTo slewing and celestial tracking.

0.288 Arc-Second Resolution

Stated drive-system resolution is:

• 0.288 arc-second

This resolution provides fine movement during pointing and tracking.

Slewing Speeds

Available rates are:

• 0.5x
• 1x
• 8x
• 16x
• 32x
• 64x
• 400x
• 500x
• 600x
• 800x

This range provides both slow corrections and rapid movement between targets.

Sidereal, Lunar and Solar Tracking

Available tracking rates are:

• Sidereal
• Lunar
• Solar

Tracking mode operates on:

• Right-ascension axis

ST-4 Autoguider Interface

The EQ5 Pro SynScan provides an autoguider interface:

• ST-4 type

Available guiding rates are:

• 0.25x
• 0.5x
• 0.75x
• 1x

This interface allows a compatible guiding system to apply tracking corrections.

Payload Capacity

Maximum payload capacity is approximately:

• 9 kg

This is the stated maximum capacity of the mount.

Pointing Accuracy Enhancement

The SynScan controller includes:

• Pointing Accuracy Enhancement PAE

This function allows local pointing accuracy to be improved.

Periodic Error Correction

The system provides:

• Periodic Error Correction PEC

This function compensates for periodic error associated with the mount drive mechanism.

Backlash Compensation

Backlash compensation is also provided.

This function accounts for mechanical backlash during mount movement.

Firmware Updates

The SynScan hand-controller firmware can be updated.

Updates can be installed through the Internet to allow the system software to evolve.

Alignment Data Storage

The hand controller can store star-alignment data.

This allows alignment information to be retained within the system.

GPS Compatibility

The SynScan controller can accept a compatible GPS attachment.

This provides an additional method for supplying location-related information to the mount.

Computer Interface

The mount supports:

• ASCOM
• NexStar-5i compatible protocol

This compatibility allows control from a computer using suitable software.

Hand-Controller Adjustments

Several hand-controller settings can be adjusted:

• LCD contrast
• LED backlight
• Buzzer volume

Power

The mount requires:

• 11 to 15 V DC
• 2 A
• Centre-positive polarity

The power supply is not included.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer : Sky-Watcher
• Model : EQ5 Pro SynScan
• Manufacturer product code : 20981
• Type : Computerised GoTo equatorial mount
• Controller : SynScan V3
• Firmware : Upgradeable
• Database : More than 42,900 objects
• Catalogues : Messier, IC, NGC and Caldwell
• Alignment : One, two or three stars
• Pointing accuracy : Up to 1 arc-minute
• Motor drive : High-precision stepper motors
• Motor control : Microstep driving
• Automatic power saving : Yes
• Resolution : 0.288 arc-second
• Slewing rates : 0.5x, 1x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 400x, 500x, 600x and 800x
• Sidereal tracking : Yes
• Lunar tracking : Yes
• Solar tracking : Yes
• Tracking axis : Right ascension
• Autoguider interface : ST-4
• Guiding rates : 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x and 1x
• Maximum payload capacity : Approx. 9 kg
• Pointing Accuracy Enhancement : Yes
• Backlash compensation : Yes
• Periodic Error Correction : Yes
• ASCOM compatibility : Yes
• NexStar-5i protocol : Compatible
• Adjustable LCD contrast : Yes
• Adjustable LED backlight : Yes
• Adjustable buzzer volume : Yes
• Power requirement : 11 to 15 V DC
• Current : 2 A
• Polarity : Centre positive

Not Included

• Power supply