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

Designed for heavy astrophotography systems and observatory installations, the Sky-Watcher EQ8-RH 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-RH shares the basic design of the EQ8-R but adds a high-resolution Renishaw encoder on the right ascension axis. This system provides sufficiently precise tracking to allow astrophotography without an autoguider.

Several improvements are incorporated compared with the previous EQ8 generation, including internal cable management, improved connectivity, revised motor positioning for improved 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.

High-Resolution Renishaw Encoder

The main feature of the EQ8-RH Pro is the Renishaw encoder installed on the right ascension axis.

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

This high-resolution encoder directly improves right ascension tracking accuracy and allows the mount to be used for unguided astrophotography.

50 kg Imaging Payload Capacity

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

This rating is specified for imaging use and allows large optical tubes together with their cameras and photographic equipment 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 platform for the EQ8-RH Pro and high-capacity astronomical installations.

25.8 kg Mount Head

The mount head weighs 25.8 kg excluding the tripod.

It provides an extra heavy-duty platform for demanding astrophotography configurations and observatory installations.

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 design provides quieter slewing than the previous generation.

High-Precision Drive System

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

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

Drive 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 are:

• Sidereal
• Solar
• Lunar

Selectable Autoguiding Rates

Although the Renishaw encoder allows unguided imaging, the mount remains compatible with autoguiding.

Available rates are:

• 0.125x
• 0.25x
• 0.5x
• 0.75x
• 1x

Permanent PPEC

The EQ8-RH 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

An internal cable management system reduces the risk of cable tangling while the mount is moving.

This design simplifies integration of peripheral equipment within a complete astrophotography system.

Integrated Connectivity

The mount provides:

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

The SNAP port also supports batch exposure control.

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 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 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°.

No Freedom-Find Encoders

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

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

Power Requirements

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

A higher voltage within this range is indicated as preferable.

Specified power consumption is 55 W.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer : Sky-Watcher
• Model : EQ8-RH Pro SynScan
• Manufacturer product code : 20324-20293
• 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°
• 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
• Sky-Watcher 20293 pier tripod
• SynScan hand controller
• 2 × 10 kg counterweights

Not Included

• External polar scope
• Wi-Fi dongle