Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Dual EQ/AZ Mount with Hand Controller- S30200

Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Go-To Mount
with Hand Controller

• Innovative German Equatorial/Alt-Az/dual-OTA mode
• Permanent periodic error correction (PPEC)
• Belt drive – Super smooth PE curve; Low backlash, silent slewing
• +/- 5 arcseconds native periodic error
• Dual shutter release control for batch exposure astrophotography
• Motor controller with high torque and accuracy
• Includes two V-style saddles for mounting dual OTAs
• Secure-fit power supply connections
• Polar alignment with Optional-purchase polarscope
• Dual Encoders
• Counterweight extension bar included
• Retractable counterweight bar

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Go-To Mount has been designed for use by astronomers in a variety of applications. This Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Go-To Mount has many features and a precision design that will satisfy your astronomy needs. This mount is part AZ mount, part Equatorial, and the AZ-EQ5 is Sky-Watcher’s most versatile mount. It is capable of aligning in either Alt-Az, Equatorial, or dual-OTA mode. Thanks to it’s flexibility, the AZ-EQ5 mount is perfect for anyone from the beginning astronomer looking to get into astrophotography to the seasoned astrophotography buff, and also for educators passionate about astronomy outreach.

This Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Go-To Mount is unlike any other telescope mount on the market, since it employs a patented Sky-Watcher dual-encoder motor system, Freedom-Find™, which allows users to move the mount manually without losing alignment. The AZ-EQ5 uses a proprietary slip clutch system that keeps your alignment whether you slew by hand or using the hand controller. After moving to the new object (either done electronically or manually), the mount will begin tracking automatically.

The AZ-EQ5 Mount from Sky-Watcher USA provides a user-friendly interface with automatic slewing to over 42,000 objects in the night sky. The hand controller can also connect to a computer using the supplied RS232 cable (USB adapter available), enabling computer control with most astronomy programs, including The SkyX, Stellarium, and Starry Night. Sky-Watcher’s belt drive system has a few advantages over mounts using traditional stepper gearing.

Belt drive systems deliver nearly silent slewing and tracking, making for an evening free of obnoxious motor noises while delivering spot-on accuracy. Sky-Watcher’s belt drive also features minimal backlash, smoother tracking, and less periodic error than mounts using servo motors. For users looking to improve the accuracy of their tracking, the AZ-EQ5 also features built in Periodic Error Correction firmware, allowing users to fix periodic error in the field. The SynScan hand controller can set up exposure length, number of frames taken and a ‘cool down’ period between each frame. Also, the SynScan hand controller has the ability to select up to 8 different exposure combinations to be used.

A polar finderscope is available as an Optional purchase, to assist with setting polar alignment. The AZ-EQ5 has a built in USB port for firmware updates. In addition to the SynScan hand controller and the pier tripod, the AZ-EQ5 mount comes with two 7.5 lb counterweights and a counterweight extension bar, as well as an extra saddle for mounting a second scope for viewing in dual-OTA mode. The mount also includes two Canon EOS trigger cables for connecting your camera to the mount (Nikon and Sony cables available separate).

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