EQ8-Rh Pro GoTo Equatorial Mount with Renishaw Encoder

The Skywatcher EQ8-Rh Pro mount offers professional level performance at a significantly lower price than other mounts offering the same weight capacity and build quality. This upgraded version of the EQ8-R has an on-axis Renishaw encoder for performance that will please the most demanding imagers. With other features like all-metal internal construction, belt drives on the RA and DEC axis, built-in USB 3.0 hub and plenty of power and serial ports, an integrated cable management system, SynScan computerized GoTo system, and more, the Sky-Watcher EQ8-Rh Pro might just be your answer to the perfect mount for serious imaging and precision visual work! Highlights of this version of the Sky-Watcher EQ8-Rh equatorial mount include:

Allows for 110 lb. (50 kg) Payload

Go ahead, load up your biggest OTA on this heavy-duty mount! There is plenty of capacity for a large telescope plus a plethora of imaging equipment. The EQ8-Rh Pro comes with two (2) 22-pound counterweights, but if you need more, extras are available separately.

Renishaw RA Encoder Upgrade

If you are looking for extremely high precision in guiding and tracking as well as almost zero periodic error, the Rh version of the EQ8 is for you! It features a Renishaw 11.8 million tick incremental encoder mounted on the RA axis for amazingly precise results during astrophotography sessions.

The EQ8 High Precision EQ mount is pier tripod based. It comes with a SynScan hand controller, 2x10kg counterweights, with a payload of 50kg. The patented Freedom Find (dual-encoder) technology allows the telescope to be moved manually whenever the user wishes - but with no need for re-alignment!

• 50 kg Payload Capacity

• Super Smooth PE Curve

• PPEC

• Whisper Slew

• Small Backlash

• Auto-Home Function

• DSLR Interface

• Permanent Periodic Error Correction

• Precise polar alignment with SynScan hand controller

• Adjustable Pier tripod (0.75m - 1.00m) 

Freedom Find™

The EQ8 mount is equipped with auxiliary encoders on both the R.A. axis and Dec. axis. Therefore, the mount can keep tracking its current position even when a user unlocks the clutches and rotates the mount in R.A. axis and Dec. axis by hand.  With this feature, a user can manually operate the mount anytime without worrying about losing the mount’s alignment status. When the user wants to operate the mount with the SynScan hand control again, no alignment is required and all that is needed to be done is to re-lock the clutches. This feature can be enabled or disabled on the SynScan hand controller.

Permanent Periodic Error Correction

The EQ8 mount is equipped with an index on its R.A. worm. Thus the motor controller can keep tracking the current position of the worm. After a proper PEC training routine, in which the training data is stored in the motor controller permanently, a user can start the periodic error correction (PEC) at any time to improve the tracking performance for short focal length astrophotography. A training process is not required in the next observing session (assuming that the polar alignment is always accurate), thus this is a Permanent Period Error Correction (PPEC). A user can train the mount with manual guiding or auto-guiding. For detailed instructions please refer to the SynScan hand controller manual. 

Batch Exposure Function

The EQ8 mount is equipped with a SNAP port which can control the shutter release of a camera. Working with the SynScan hand control’s “Camera Control” function, a user can take batch exposures when doing astrophotography. Up to 8 groups of “Exposure-time & Frames” combinations can be set on the SynScan hand controller. For detailed information, refer to the SynScan hand controller manual.

Auto-Home Function

The EQ8 mount is equipped with two home position sensors. Working with the SynScan hand controller, the mount can be placed to the same home position after turning on the power. For detailed information, refer to the SynScan hand controller manual.

Cable Management System

Cable management features four USB 3.0 ports, three 2.1mm power ports and three AUX serial ports. The integrated cable management system helps eliminate the drag of cable drag and reduces the chance of a cable snag.

• EQ8-R GoTo equatorial head

• Renishaw On-Axis Encoder - Installed

• Adjustable portable pier tripod

• SynScan GoTo telescope mount with 42,900+ object database

• Built-in cable management system

• D-style dovetail saddle

• SynScan V5 hand controller

• 110 lbs payload capacity

• Two 22 lb. counterweights

• DC power cord 

Tri-Pier:

• Head Height (head by itself): 19.5"
• Tripod Leg diameter: 2.36"
• Mount w/ tripod max height: 58.625
• Mount w/ tripod min height: 49.75"
• Tripod max height (no head): 39.125"
• Tripod min height (no head): 30.25"
• Leveling Pads: 3.125" minimum height
• Leveling Pads: 4" max height