The SkyWatcher EQ8-RH is the observatory class mount with a staggering payload of 50kg and sub arcsecond tracking accuracy (RMS), a great choice for the professional astrophotographer with a permanent set-up.
The EQ8-RH features an on-axis Renishaw 11.8 million tick incremental encoder on the RA axis, virtually eliminating periodic error for extreme precise guiding.
To enhance the overall stability, the EQ8-RH has a non rotatable counterweight bar and a 200mm Losmandy style saddle for a more stable connection with the telescope. The saddle has three knobs to secure the telescope.
It is compatible with the Ascom drivers but also allows to guide with the ST4 protocol. The periodic error can be reduced through the PPEC (Permanent Periodic Error Correction).
Two home position sensors will guide the mount as part of the shutdown procedure, storing the alignment details for a quick setup for your next observing session.
The EQ8-RH is equipped with a SNAP port for dual control of camera shutter release. Working with the SynScan hand control’s “camera control” function, you can take batch exposures of up to 8 groups of “exposure-time & frames”.
The new feature of the EQ8-RH is the build-in cable management that reduces the cable drag. The cable management includes:
- USB hub (4 ports)
- 2.1 mm power port (3 ports)
- 3 serial ports on the back of the saddle
While the EQ8 uses a transmission belt in RA and a flexible joint in declination, EQ8-RH employs the transmission belt between the motor and the worm drive in both the axes.
EQ8-RH also features the new PC direct connect feature. Now you can easily connect your mount to your computer without the need for a hand controller. When paired with the SynScan Pro app. for Windows the mount can be aligned and controlled directly from a PC.
The heavy duty and stable pier tripod uses a gear mechanism to firmly connect the EQ8-RH. The high can be changed by rising the pier and the mount can be levelled by using the separate "feet jack" that are supplied for each foot. The EQ8-R can be purchased with or without the tripod.