Sky-Watcher set EQ8-R Pro SynScan with Pier Tripod

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

This complete version is supplied with the Sky-Watcher 20293 pier tripod, two 10 kg counterweights and the SynScan computerised hand controller.

The EQ8-R Pro is an evolution of the EQ8 Pro with several mechanical and practical improvements, including integrated cable management, improved connectivity, revised motor positioning for better balance, a stronger clutch mechanism and an improved dovetail locking knob.

Both axes use belt drive for quieter slewing. The drive system uses 0.9° hybrid stepper motors combined with a 435:1 worm drive and 256 micro-steps.

The supplied SynScan hand controller can automatically locate and track more than 42,900 celestial objects. The mount can also be controlled from a Windows computer via USB or through the SynScan Pro apps for iOS and Android with the optional Wi-Fi dongle.

50 kg Imaging Payload Capacity

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

This rating is specified for imaging use and allows large optical tubes together with cameras and imaging accessories to be installed.

Sky-Watcher 20293 Pier Tripod Included

This version includes the Sky-Watcher 20293 pier tripod.

The pier tripod weighs 29.4 kg.

Its heavy-duty construction provides a robust base for the EQ8-R Pro mount head.

25.8 kg Mount Head

The EQ8-R Pro mount head weighs 25.8 kg excluding the tripod.

It forms the core of this observatory-class system.

Two 10 kg Counterweights

Two 10 kg counterweights are supplied.

The counterweight rod weighs 2.6 kg.

Belt Drive on Both Axes

Both right ascension and declination axes use belt drive.

This configuration provides quieter slewing.

High-Precision Drive System

The mount uses 0.9° hybrid stepper motors.

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

Stated 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.

The mount supports:

• Sidereal tracking
• Solar tracking
• Lunar tracking

Selectable Autoguiding Rates

Available autoguiding speeds are:

• 0.125x
• 0.25x
• 0.5x
• 0.75x
• 1x

These settings allow guiding corrections to be adapted to the imaging configuration.

Permanent PPEC

The EQ8-R Pro features 200-segment permanent PPEC.

Periodic error correction data can therefore be retained by the mount.

Pointing Accuracy

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

Built-In Cable Management

The mount features an integrated cable management system.

This helps reduce cable tangling during mount movement and simplifies installation of a complete imaging system.

Integrated Connectivity

The EQ8-R Pro provides:

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

The SNAP function also supports batch exposures.

Auto Home Function

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

This is particularly useful for permanent or automated installations.

SynScan Hand Controller Included

A SynScan hand controller is supplied with the mount.

Its database contains more than 42,900 celestial objects.

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 Windows using SynScan Pro via USB.

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 through software control.

An external polar scope is also available separately under product code 20295.

Adjustment Range

Latitude adjustment ranges from 10° to 65°.

Azimuth adjustment range is ±10°.

No Freedom-Find Encoders

Freedom-Find encoders are not fitted to the EQ8-R Pro.

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-R Pro SynScan
• Manufacturer product code : 20323-20293
• Type : Computerised German GoTo equatorial mount
• Version : Mount head with pier tripod
• Class : Extra heavy-duty observatory mount
• Imaging payload capacity : 50 kg excluding counterweights
• Mount head weight : 25.8 kg
• Pier tripod : Sky-Watcher 20293
• Pier tripod weight : 29.4 kg
• Counterweights supplied : 2 × 10 kg
• Counterweight rod weight : 2.6 kg
• Latitude adjustment range : 10° to 65°
• Azimuth adjustment range : ±10°
• Motors : 0.9° hybrid stepper motors
• Drive : Belt driven on both axes
• Transmission : 435:1 worm drive
• Micro-steps : 256
• Resolution : 44,544,000 counts per revolution
• Stated 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 jacks : 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 controlled or optional polar scope
• Freedom-Find encoders : No
• Optional polar scope : Product code 20295
• Power requirement : 11–16 V DC
• Power consumption : 55 W

Package Contents

• Sky-Watcher EQ8-R Pro SynScan mount head
• Sky-Watcher 20293 pier tripod
• SynScan hand controller
• 2 × 10 kg counterweights

Not Included

• External polar scope 20295
• Wi-Fi dongle