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Sky-Watcher SolarQuest with Tripod Automatic Solar Tracking Mount
449.00
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Lightweight automatic solar mount with HelioFind technology, solar sensor and built-in GPS. The Sky-Watcher SolarQuest automatically locates and tracks the Sun on both axes, carries up to 4 kg and includes an adjustable aluminium tripod.
Designed specifically for solar observing, the Sky-Watcher SolarQuest greatly simplifies automatic location and tracking of the Sun when used with a suitable solar telescope.
Its HelioFind technology combines a four-photodiode solar sensor, GPS positioning and a built-in tilt sensor. After roughly levelling the tripod and initially positioning the telescope to the left of the Sun, a single command starts the automatic procedure.
The mount calculates the Sun's altitude using the time and geographical position, automatically levels the telescope, moves to the calculated altitude and then slews until the solar sensor detects the Sun.
Once acquired, the SolarQuest locks onto the target and automatically keeps the Sun within the eyepiece field of view.
With a 4 kg payload capacity, a 45 mm Sky-Watcher/Vixen-compatible saddle and a mount head weight of only 1.3 kg, it provides a lightweight and portable solution for solar observing.
HelioFind Technology
The HelioFind system automatically locates the Sun.
It combines:
• Solar sensor with 4 photodiodes
• Built-in GPS positioning
• Automatic calculation of the Sun's azimuth and altitude
• Built-in tilt sensor
• 3-axis accelerometer
The mount can therefore calculate the Sun's position automatically using time and geographical location.
Automatic Levelling
A built-in tilt sensor allows the mount to automatically level the telescope during the alignment procedure.
Automatic Sun Detection and Tracking
After calculating the Sun's position, the mount moves to the correct altitude and then slews to search for the Sun.
The solar sensor detects the target and allows the mount to track it automatically.
Automatic Drift Correction
Feedback from the solar sensor allows the SolarQuest to automatically correct tracking drift.
Automatic Pointing Offset Correction
The mount also features automatic pointing offset correction to improve positioning of the Sun within the field of view.
8-Way Centring Control
An 8-way sliding switch allows manual fine adjustment of the Sun's position within the field of view.
Alignment-Free Solar Tracking
The SolarQuest uses a solar tracking mode that does not require conventional astronomical star alignment.
Tracking operates on both axes.
Pointing Accuracy
After user calibration, stated pointing accuracy is up to 3 arc-minutes.
Resolution
System resolution is:
• 2,073,600 counts per revolution
• 0.625 arc-second
Slewing Speeds
Two slewing speeds are available:
• 16x
• 1200x
Motor Drive
The mount uses DC servo motors.
The stated gear ratio is 6480.
4 kg Payload Capacity
The SolarQuest has a maximum payload capacity of 4 kg.
It is intended for compatible solar telescopes within this capacity.
45 mm Sky-Watcher Vixen Saddle
The mount features a saddle compatible with 45 mm Sky-Watcher/Vixen-type dovetail bars.
Adjustable Aluminium Tripod
This version is supplied with an adjustable aluminium tripod.
An accessory tray is also included.
Overall mount and tripod height can be adjusted from 80.5 to 152 cm.
3/8-Inch Tripod Fitting
The connection between the mount and tripod uses a 3/8-inch fitting.
Low Weight
The mount head weighs only 1.3 kg.
Total weight with the tripod is 4.05 kg.
Built-In Bubble Level
A bubble level helps with initial tripod setup before starting the automatic HelioFind procedure.
Low Power Consumption
The SolarQuest is designed for low power consumption.
Power can be supplied by:
• 8 AA batteries
• External 12 V DC power supply
External power polarity is centre positive.
Solar Applications
When paired with a suitable solar telescope, the SolarQuest can be used for observing:
• Sunspots
• Solar eclipses
• Solar surface detail
• Transits of the inner planets across the Sun
Solar Safety
The SolarQuest is designed exclusively for use with solar telescopes.
Never point an optical instrument at the Sun unless it is equipped with professionally manufactured solar filtration specifically designed for safe solar observing. Direct observation of the Sun without appropriate protection can cause immediate and irreversible eye damage, damage the telescope and create a fire risk.
Technical Specifications
• Manufacturer : Sky-Watcher
• Model : SolarQuest
• Manufacturer product code : 20320
• Type : Automatic solar tracking mount
• Alignment technology : HelioFind
• Solar sensor : 4 photodiodes
• GPS positioning : Built in
• Tilt sensor : Built in
• Accelerometer : 3 axis
• Automatic levelling : Yes
• Automatic drift correction : Yes
• Automatic pointing offset correction : Yes
• Centring control : 8-way sliding switch
• Tracking mode : Alignment-free solar tracking
• Tracking : Dual axis
• Pointing accuracy : Up to 3 arc-minutes after calibration
• Resolution : 2,073,600 counts per revolution
• Angular resolution : 0.625 arc-second
• Slewing speeds : 16x / 1200x
• Motor : DC servo motor
• Gear ratio : 6480
• Payload capacity : 4 kg
• Saddle : 45 mm Sky-Watcher/Vixen
• Tripod fitting : 3/8 inch
• Tripod : Adjustable aluminium
• Accessory tray : Included
• Bubble level : Built in
• Mount and tripod height : 80.5–152 cm
• Mount head weight : 1.3 kg
• Total weight with tripod : 4.05 kg
• Battery power : 8 AA batteries
• External power : 12 V DC
• Polarity : Centre positive
Package Contents
• Sky-Watcher SolarQuest mount
• Adjustable aluminium tripod
• Accessory tray
Not Included
• Solar telescope
• 8 AA batteries
• External 12 V DC power supply
Sky-Watcher SolarQuest et trépied
Specific References
- UPC
- 20320
Lightweight automatic solar mount with HelioFind technology, solar sensor and built-in GPS. The Sky-Watcher SolarQuest automatically locates and tracks the Sun on both axes, carries up to 4 kg and includes an adjustable aluminium tripod.