| This mount tracks very well. I bought mine new
from York Optical in Sydney via friendly, helpful staff for an excellent price before the
GFC hit the exchange rate. The EQ-6 is better than my
previous mount which was a Meade LXD-75. The EQ-6 is stronger and has smoother
tracking. It is quite a bit heavier and it costs more, but you get what you pay for.
The periodic error (PE) is much less than what I had on the LXD-75. The PE
is smoother (i.e. doesn't lurch suddenly but moves gradually) which is very
important. This makes it easier for your autoguider to guide out the error resulting
in rounder stars.
The mount deals with breezes much better. With the EQ6 I am not as worried
when a small breeze comes along. With the LXD-75 (with 8" tube) a small breeze
would affect the images slightly.
The EQ6 Pro is rock solid. It has 2" tripod legs with a supporting
steel cross-brace between them and a vertical tensioning bar. The mount is made by
Synta in Taiwan and variously rebadged around the world as Skywatcher, Orion, etc.
Specifications |
| Construction |
2" sturdy steel tube legs,
steel cross- brace and a vertical tension-bar. Double thumb locks on sliding legs
ensure no slip. |
| GoTo pointing precision |
1 arc minute |
| Periodic Error (Uncorrected) |
Not measured yet ??
Google this. |
| Comfortable Payload: |
SN-8 (8" telescope), Orion
80ED guidescope, 400g Canon 350D camera, dew shield, dew heater, mirror fan, a Telrad and
a 340g guide camera, cables. |
| Autoguider port: |
Yes. ST-4 compatible.
Do not confuse the computer link port with the autoguider port or damage may
result. |
| Computer link port: |
Yes. RS232 serial
interface. Do not confuse the computer link port with the ST-4 compatible autoguider
port |
| Slew speeds |
9 slew speeds. x1=Guide;
x9= 4.5degrees per/sec. |
| Tracking speed |
Lunar, Sidereal & Custom |
| Power (mount powers the autostar via HBX port)
: |
12 Volts DC 2 AMPS |
| Operation: |
North & South Hemispheres |
| Polar Alignment Scope |
Illuminated Reticle |
|
EQ-6 Pro Mount
This sturdy mount rides a good sized payload with ease. It
has moderate periodic error, but importantly what periodic error it has is introduced
smoothly without jerky movements. It easily carries the weight of all 8"
telescope imaging rigs - including a piggyback guidescope, counterweights and cameras.
A piggyback refractor rig like the one in the picture above is no problem at all.
Overall the mount is better than a Meade LXD-75 mount but
not as good as a Losmandy mount - which is where it is positioned price-wise.
Overall it is good value for money.
Weight |
| Tripod Head |
17.0 kg |
| Tripod (legs and
cross-brace) |
7.5 kg |
| Counterweights 2 x
5.1 kg |
10.2 kg |
TOTAL |
34.7 kg
|
|
|
| Pentax Camera body |
760 g |
| Mintron camera |
340 g |
|
|
|
