Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro SynScan Equatorial Mount

Designed for heavy astrophotography systems and permanent observatory installations, the Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro SynScan is a German GoTo equatorial mount providing a 50 kg imaging payload capacity, excluding counterweights.

The EQ8-RH version shares the basic design of the EQ8-R Pro but adds a high-resolution Renishaw encoder on the right ascension axis. This system provides extremely precise tracking and allows the mount to be used for astrophotography without autoguiding.

This version includes the mount head only. It can be installed on a permanent pier or combined with the optional EQ8 pier tripod.

The mount head weighs 25.8 kg. Two 10 kg counterweights are supplied.

Both axes use high-precision hybrid stepper motors with belt drive. This arrangement provides quiet slewing and precise tracking.

The mount also features internal cable management, integrated connectivity, permanent PPEC, Auto Home and SynScan GoTo control with a database containing more than 42,900 celestial objects.

High-Resolution Renishaw Encoder

The main difference between the EQ8-RH Pro and the EQ8-R Pro is the high-resolution Renishaw encoder fitted to the right ascension axis.

The encoder directly measures the position of the axis with very high precision and significantly improves tracking performance.

Its resolution is 11,840,000 counts per revolution, equivalent to approximately 0.11 arc-second.

This technology allows the EQ8-RH Pro to be used for astrophotography without autoguiding.

50 kg Imaging Payload Capacity

The EQ8-RH Pro provides a 50 kg imaging payload capacity, excluding counterweights.

This capacity is intended for heavy imaging systems incorporating large optical tubes together with cameras, filter wheels, focusers and other photographic equipment.

Observatory-Class Equatorial Mount

The extra heavy-duty design of the EQ8-RH Pro is particularly suited to permanent installations and observatories.

The mount head weighs 25.8 kg excluding the tripod.

It can be installed directly on a permanent pier or used with the optional EQ8 pier tripod.

Belt Drive on Both Axes

Both right ascension and declination axes use belt drive.

This design contributes to quieter operation and smooth mount movement.

High-Precision Drive System

The EQ8-RH Pro uses 0.9° hybrid stepper motors.

The mechanical transmission consists of a 435:1 worm drive operating with 256 micro-steps.

Drive-system resolution is 44,544,000 counts per revolution, equivalent to approximately 0.03 arc-second.

Maximum Slewing Speed of 3.7° per Second

Maximum GoTo slewing speed is 3.7° per second.

Available tracking rates include:

• Sidereal
• Solar
• Lunar

Selectable Autoguiding Rates

Although the Renishaw encoder allows unguided imaging, the EQ8-RH Pro also supports autoguiding.

Available rates are:

• 0.125x
• 0.25x
• 0.5x
• 0.75x
• 1x

Permanent PPEC

The mount features 200-segment permanent PPEC.

After periodic error training, correction data can be retained for subsequent observing sessions.

Pointing Accuracy

Stated pointing accuracy is up to 5 arc-minutes RMS.

Built-In Cable Management

The EQ8-RH Pro features internal cable management.

This reduces the number of external cables that need to move with the mount axes and simplifies installation of a complete imaging system.

Integrated Connectivity

The mount provides:

• 4 USB ports
• 3 peripheral power outlets
• RJ10, RJ12 and RJ45 modular connections
• DSLR SNAP shutter-release port

These connections allow equipment installed on the mount to be integrated more easily.

Auto Home Function

The Auto Home function allows the mount to automatically locate its reference position.

This is particularly useful for permanent and automated observatory installations.

SynScan Hand Controller Included

A SynScan hand controller is supplied with the EQ8-RH Pro.

Its database contains more than 42,900 celestial objects for automatic locating and tracking.

Available catalogues include:

• Messier
• NGC
• IC
• SAO
• Caldwell
• Double stars
• Variable stars
• Named stars
• Planets

Computer and Wi-Fi Control

The mount can be controlled from a Windows computer using SynScan Pro via USB.

Wireless control through the SynScan Pro apps for iOS and Android is also possible with the optional Wi-Fi dongle.

Polar Alignment

Polar alignment can be performed with software assistance.

An external polar scope is also available separately.

Adjustment Range

Latitude adjustment ranges from 10° to 65°.

Azimuth adjustment range is ±10°.

Counterweights Included

Two 10 kg counterweights are supplied.

The counterweight rod weighs 2.6 kg.

No Freedom-Find Encoders

The EQ8-RH Pro does not feature Freedom-Find encoders.

The Renishaw encoder installed on the right ascension axis is a separate high-precision tracking system.

Power Requirements

The mount operates from an 11–16 V DC supply.

A higher voltage within this range is preferred.

Specified power consumption is 55 W.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer : Sky-Watcher
• Model : EQ8-RH Pro SynScan
• Manufacturer product code : 20324
• Type : Computerised German GoTo equatorial mount
• Version : Mount head only
• Class : Extra heavy-duty observatory mount
• Imaging payload capacity : 50 kg excluding counterweights
• Mount head weight : 25.8 kg
• Counterweights supplied : 2 × 10 kg
• Counterweight rod weight : 2.6 kg
• Latitude adjustment range : 10° to 65°
• Azimuth adjustment range : ±10°
• Encoder : High-resolution Renishaw encoder on R.A. axis
• Renishaw encoder resolution : 11,840,000 counts per revolution
• Encoder angular resolution : approx. 0.11 arc-second
• Unguided astrophotography : Yes
• Motors : 0.9° hybrid stepper motors
• Drive : Belt driven on both axes
• Mechanical transmission : 435:1 worm drive
• Micro-steps : 256
• Drive resolution : 44,544,000 counts per revolution
• Drive angular resolution : approx. 0.03 arc-second
• Maximum slewing speed : 3.7°/s
• Sidereal tracking : Yes
• Solar tracking : Yes
• Lunar tracking : Yes
• Autoguiding speeds : 0.125x / 0.25x / 0.5x / 0.75x / 1x
• PPEC : Permanent, 200 segments
• Pointing accuracy : Up to 5 arc-minutes RMS
• Built-in cable management : Yes
• Auto Home function : Yes
• USB ports : 4
• Peripheral power outlets : 3
• Modular connections : RJ10, RJ12 and RJ45
• DSLR SNAP port : Yes
• Hand controller : SynScan included
• SynScan database : More than 42,900 objects
• Windows control : SynScan Pro via USB
• iOS / Android control : SynScan Pro with optional Wi-Fi dongle
• Polar alignment : Software assistance or optional polar scope
• Freedom-Find encoders : No
• Power requirement : 11–16 V DC
• Power consumption : 55 W

Package Contents

• Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH Pro SynScan mount head
• Integrated high-resolution Renishaw encoder on the right ascension axis
• SynScan hand controller and cable
• 2 × 10 kg counterweights

Not Included

• Tripod or pier
• External polar scope
• Wi-Fi dongle
• Power supply