MOUNTS & TRIPODS
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STANDARD MOUNTS

AZ-3 Alt-Azimuth Mount

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This mount is an ideal mount for terrestrial use, and can also be used for basic astronomical viewing.  There are two flexible slow motion controls, for horizontal and vertical control.  Sturdy for use with spotting scopes, binoculars and small telescopes.

(For spotting scopes and binoculars, see also Manfrotto and Acuter mounts.)

SkyTee Heavy Duty

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The new and revolutionary heavy-duty alt-az mount recently introduced by Sky-Watcher represents a significant improvement over previously available AZ mounts. It is in a category of its own. It features a heavy-duty precision CNC machined body, dual-parallel telescope attachment points employing a standardised Sky-Watcher/Vixen dovetail mount, and two exceptionally smooth and stable, manually articulated axes of motion. This allows the user the ability of operating two telescopes at the same time - great for sharing the skies with others! In addition, it is made with an attractive glossy black powder coated finish and chrome accent pieces, which highly compliment the appearance of Sky-Watcher Equinox PRO-Series telescopes. The mount extends to a maximum height of 158cm and the maximum recommended loading would be an Sky-Watcher Equinox-80 OTA mounted on both sides.

Tabletop Equatorial EQ1 Mount
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(With R.A. Motor Drive & Multi-speed Hand controller)

This convenient mount possesses all the same features as a standard sized EQ1. The only difference being it is supplied with mini-sized, screw-in tripod legs offering the ultimate in portability for the mounting of short-tube small aperture telescopes or even a camera. The mount, which is only 13” high, can be used on any reasonably firm and level surface. Perfect for taking on days out and trips abroad. Supplied with D.C. single axis motor drive with multi-speed (2x/8x) hand controller, manual slow motion cable controls, counterweight & ¼”/20 threaded adaptor.

EQ-2 Equatorial Mount

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The EQ-2 Equatorial Mount is suited to both beginners and experienced astronomers. It offers very good stability and the tall, fully adjustable aluminium tripod with large accessory tray is a real plus. This mount features 360 degree slow motion tracking gears on both the right ascension and declination axes with flexible controls. Dual metal setting circles allow location of objects by their R.A. and DEC, co-ordinates. A separate latitude adjustment aids in polar alignment. An optional D.C. motor drive can be installed to the R.A. axis for auto-tracking purposes.

 

EQ3-2 Deluxe Equatorial Mount

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EQ-3 Deluxe Equatorial Mount

The superb high-end EQ3-2 mount receives high marks from experienced observers. This sturdy mount offers precision and stability along with a host of other features for the serious astronomer. The mount rests firmly on a large, adjustable aluminium tripod with accessory tray. A bubble level allows for quick and accurate levelling. Slow motion control knobs allow for continuous manual tracking of celestial objects. The precision mount features full 360 degree worm-gear tracking controls on both R.A. and DEC. axes. Dual metal setting circle dials allow quick location of target using celestial co-ordinates. An optional polarscope is available for aiding in polar alignment. Optional single axis and dual axis D.C. motor drives can be installed for auto tracking purposes

Shown with optional Drives (362 and 406)

EQ-5 Equatorial Mount

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The sturdy EQ-5 provides excellent precision and stability and a host of other useful features for the serious astronomer. The mount rests firmly on a large, adjustable aluminium tripod with acessory tray. Supplied complete with a bubble level, latitude adjuster with micrometer scale and an azimuth polar-alignment adjuster. It also features engraved aluminium setting circles and manual slow motion tracking controls. An optional polarscope is available for aiding in polar alignment.

Optional single-axis and dual-axis D.C. motor drives can be installed for auto-tracking purposes.

 

Supa-Trak HEAVY-DUTY
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Will accept Telescopes with Skywatcher/Vixen type dovetail bar.

Maximum recommended OTA: D102/F500 Refractor (Startravel-102), D130/F650 Reflector (Explorer-130P), D127/F1500 Maksutov (Skymax-127)

More information to follow soon.

“The new SupaTrak™ mount shares more than a passing resemblance to the Celestron SLT, but the somewhat quieter and heavier duty SupaTrak sports a more robust Vixen-style dovetail clamp…. I found that the SupaTrak was capable of following a celestial object at high magnifications for tens of minutes before slowly drifting out of the field of view, which is perfectly adequate for visual use or simple webcam imaging…. If you are looking for an intuitive and far less intimidating user experience than that offered by cheaper GoTo mounts, the SupaTrak is highly recommended as a versatile grab-and-go system.”
Ade Ashford, www.scopetest.com

 

”The SupaTrak mount is a lightweight mount, suitable for small telescopes; it is easy to assemble, align and use...A particularly strong point is the sturdiness of the mount...There is no excessive vibration...Controls and slew rate are excellent.“

Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS

Scopetest.com review of SupaTrak Telescopes (& Mounting)

SkyWatcher PRO SERIES
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SIMPLY THE STATE-OF-THE-ART

 

COMPUTERISED GOTO MOUNTING SYSTEMS

Tour the night sky at the touch of a button

For amateur astronomers seeking superior equatorial control and the ease of a high-precision computerised GOTO telescope mounting system, the new extra heavy-duty

SkySca  PRO models are advanced mounting systems which have been thoughtfully designed for ease of operation. With the user-friendly push-button hand control, locating and viewing the treasures of the night sky becomes as easy as a walk in the park. The SynScanÔ hand control allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button. The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 13,400 objects. Even an inexperienced astronomer can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. The mounts differ mainly in their physical size/weight and their subsequent payload capacity. They both come with the following advanced features that even the most discerning observers will appreciate:


SynScanÔ V.3 Firmware Updateable Handset

New features include ongoing firmware updateability via the internet, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE), and capability to store star alignment data. Also can accept new GPS mouse attachment.

 

Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
Extra-Quiet Stepper Motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
High Slewing Speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X) and a resolution of 0.144 arc sec.
Auto Guider Interface for astro-photography.
Auto Guider Guiding Speed Selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
Object Catalogues: Messier, IC, NGC, Caldwell

13740 Object Database: Including Planets, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars & User-Defined Objects

Minimal Vibration for steady long-exposure photography.                               Periodic Error Correction (PEC) Training is included for astro-photography without auto guiding.                                                                                                           Alignment Methods: 1-star, 2-Star or 3-Star alignments, built-in polarscope 

Massive Payload Capacity of up to EQ5 9kgs,  HEQ5 15kg, EQ6 25kg

Total Weight (without counterweights): 23.5kg (EQ6 PRO) & 15kg (HEQ5 PRO)

PC Compatibility

Power requirement: 11 to 15 V DC 2Amp Tip positive (Power Supply Not Supplied)

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SYNSCAN COMPUTERISED MOUNTS
GoTo Equatorial Mount & Tripod For amateur astronomers seeking superior equatorial control and the ease of a precision computerised telescope system.

SYNSCAN™ AZ GOTO COMPUTERISED ALT-AZIMUTH MOUNT & STEEL TRIPOD

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The exciting new Sky-Watcher SynScan™ Alt-Azimuth Go-To Mount is a precision engineered instrument that will allow you to easily find and enjoy viewing night sky treasures, such as Planets, Nebulae, Star Clusters, Galaxies and much more. The SynScan™ AZ hand control allows you point your telescope at a specific object, or even tour the night sky at the touch of a button!! The user-friendly menu system allows automatic slewing to over 42,900+ objects. Even an inexperienced astronome r can master its variety of features in a few observing sessions. Telescope OTA’s attach via a standard Sky-Watcher/Vixen dovetail bar fitting. Lightweight and portable.

Maximum recommended OTA examples: D102/F500 Refractor (Startravel-102), D130/F650 Reflector (Explorer-130P), D127/F1500 Maksutov (Skymax-127)

Main Features:

  • SynScan™ Database: Total 42,900+ Objects, including Complete M, NGC, IC & SAO Catalogues
  • Alignment Method: Two-star or Brightest star alignment
  • Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE) feature
  • Unknown Object Indentification feature
  • Pointing Accuracy up to 10 arc min
  • Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
  • Slewing Speeds: 1.0x, 2.0x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x
  • Tracking Mode: Dual Axis Tracking
  • Quiet Operation
  • Motor Type & Resolution: DC Servo Motors. Resolution 0.8923 arc sec or 1,452,425 steps/rev
  • PC Compatible: can be used with popular Planetarium Software.
  • SynScan Handset Firmware upgradeable via the Internet
  • Power Requirement: 12v DC Power Supply (Tip Positive) or AA Batteries (not supplied). Sky-Watcher 7Ah or 17Ah  Power Tank Recommended.

NEQ3 SynScan
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Computerised GO-TO Equatorial Mounting System 

Sky-Watcher offers simple solutions for users who would like to attach their smaller telescope to a convenient computerized system but do not wish to deal with the weight of the HEQ5 or EQ6 mount. The NEQ3 SynScanTM mounts use the same Go-To system found in the HEQ5 and EQ6 Pros-SynScanTM. It allows you to point the telescope at a specific object or even tour the skies at the touch of a button.

The NEQ3 SynScanTM mounts are the perfect instrument for novice visual observers to enjoy astronomy with minimal setup time and in-depth knowledge of the night sky.

  • Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
  • Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
  • Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
  • Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
  • Object database containing complete Messier, NGC, and IC catalogues.
  • Periodic Error Correction.
  • PC compatibility.
  • Upgradeable hand control via internet download.


”Both the NEQ3 and EQ5 SynScan are excellent mounts; pleasingly firm, with little vibration and easily set up. Tracking is also very satisfactory.“
Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS

EQ5 SynScan
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Computerised GO-TO Equatorial Mounting System 

Tour the night sky at the touch of a button

Hardware Features:

  • SynScan TM V.3 Firmware Updateable Hand Control
    New features include ongoing firmware updateability via the internet, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE), and capability to store star alignment data. Also can accept new GPS mouse attachment.
  • High precision stepper motors
  • Motor Controller: Microstep driving with auto-power saving feature
  • Resolution: 0.288 arc second
  • Slew Rate: 0.5x, 1x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x
  • Tracking Rate: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
  • Tracking Mode: R.A. tracking
  • ST-4 type Autoguider Interface: Support 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x 1x guiding rate
  • Maximum Payload Capacity: Approx 9kg
  • Power requirement: 11 to 15 V DC 2 Amp (Tip positive) (Power supply not included)

Software Features:

  • Alignment Method: One-Star Alignment, Two-Star Alignment, Three-Star Alignment
  • Pointing Accuracy: Up to 1 arc min
  • Object Catalogues: Messier, IC, NGC, Caldwell
  • 13740 Object Database: Including Planets, Named Stars, Double Stars, Variable Stars & User-Defined Objects
  • Backlash compensation
  • Periodic Error Correction
  • Premium PC Interface: ASCOM compatible, Nexstar-5i compatible protocol and command set
  • User-tunable LCD contrast, LED backlight and buzzer volume

EQ5 SYNSCAN
“The first impressions of the assembly were of reassuring stability…The 3-star alignment is a great feature of the Go-To facility. Every time we set up, it accurately place the item we wanted in the field of view of our 25mm eyepiece. The more it was used, the easier is was to go straight to an object or star…The alignment process could not be simpler…In all, the alignment process works so well that you can be on a selected object and tracking it accurately within minutes…Overall the EQ5 SynScan gave a new lease of life to our smaller scope. It is easy to carry and it allowed us to give friends and neighbours a quick tour of the delights of the night skies.”
BBC SKY AT NIGHT MAGAZINE

”Both the NEQ3 and EQ5 SynScan are excellent mounts; pleasingly firm, with little vibration and easily set up. Tracking is also very satisfactory.“
Endorsed and recommended by
Sir Patrick Moore CBE FRS

HEQ5 SYNTREK
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Super Heavy-Duty Equatorial Mount 

The new HEQ5 SynTrek is effectively a hybrid of the standard HEQ5 and the HEQ5 PRO SynScan. It is basically a standard EQ6 but with a pre-installed PRO SynScan motherboard and stepper motors, and supplied with its own unique SynTrek hand-controller.
The SynTrek hand control is designed for the purpose of providing a simple slewing and tracking control. The small and versatile SynTrek hand control provides automatic tracking of celestial objects as soon as the power is turned on. The user-friendly interface provides quick access to many other functions the SynTrek has to offer.
The HEQ5 and EQ6 SynTrek mounts can be upgraded to computerized SynScan system by simply changing the hand control to SynScan hand control (prod.code 948). See HEQ5 and EQ6 Pro mounts for specifications for the mounts and details on the SynScan hand control.

  • SynTrek Hand Control
  • Power supply: 11 to 15V DC 2Amp
  • Motor type and resolution: Microstep driven 1.8 stepper motors. Resolution: 0.144 arc sec (or 9,024,000 steps/rev.)
  • Slewing speeds: Guiding speed, 4x 8x, 32x, 64x, 800x
  • Guiding speeds: 1x, 0.75x, 0.5x, 0.25x
  • Gear ratio: 705
  • Tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
  • Tracking Modes: RA track

HEQ5 PRO SynScan GO-TO Mount
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SynScan GoTo Equatorial Mount & Tripod

Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
Auto Guider Interface for astro-photography.
Power Supply Required - not supplied
Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
Object database containing complete M, NGC, and IC catalogues.
Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography. 

EQ6 PRO SynScan GO-TO Mount
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Positioning Accuracy up to 1 arc minute. Accuracy enhanced by software collimation error (mount mechanical error) compensation.
Stepper motors with 1.8° step angle and 64 micro steps driven.
Slewing speed up to 3.4°/sec (800X).
Auto Guider Interface for astro-photography.
Guiding speed selectable from 0.25X, 0.50X, 0.75X, or 1X.
Object database containing complete M, NGC, and IC catalogues.
Minimal vibration for steady long-exposure photography.

Sky-Watcher 7Ah Rechargeable Power Tank

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  • Multi-purpose Rechargeable Power Supply ideal for use with Sky-Watcher SynScan and SupaTrak mountings
  • Built-in 12V 7 Ah Sealed Lead Acid Rechargeable Battery with Diagostic LED Display, Protective Fuse.
  • Built-in Multi-angle 500,000 cp Halogen Spotlight
  • 2 x DC 12V output car jack
  • DC 3, 6, 9V output jack
  • Booster Terminal on real side
  • Built-in flashlight with ON/OFF/FLASH function
  • Built-in Circuit Breaker for safety operation
  • DC cord with car plug is included
  • Light diffuser for flashlight is included
  • Mains charger, with UK & Euro adaptor plugs

SynScan V.3 Firmware Updateable Handset
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For V.2 owners wanting to upgrade, the V3 SynScan hand control includes new features such as: Firmware-updateability via the internet, Pointing Accuracy Enhancement (PAE), and capability to store star alignment data. Also can accept new GPS mouse attachment.

 

GPS MOUSE
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A plug-in accessory for the V.3 handset (requires V3.1 Firmware) that uses global positioning satellite technology to automatically locate and input the users position (longitude & latitude) to the handset. Supplied with USB connector

 

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MOTOR DRIVES
Motor drives are used in conjunction with Standard Equatorial mounts.  They offer a smooth tracking service, as an alternative to using manual slow motion controls. They come as single-axis or dual-axis, and in single or multiple-speed versions.

 

Single-Axis Motor Drive for EQ-1
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Single Axis D.C. Motor drive for EQ-1 equatorial mount can be fitted to any Skywatcher telescopes supplied with the EQ-1 equatorial mount. Variable-speed quartz controlled electronic motor tracking of the R.A. axis. Battery powered.


Single Axis D.C. Motor drive for EQ-2
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Single Axis D.C. Motor drive for EQ-2 equatorial mount can be fitted to any of our telescopes supplied with the EQ-2 equatorial mount. Provides multi-speed quartz controlled electronic motor tracking of the R.A. axis. Battery powered

Single-Axis D.C. Motor Drive for EQ3-2 Equatorial Mount

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Can be fitted to any Skywatcher telescope supplied with the EQ3-2 equatorial mount. Provides multi-speed quartz-controlled electronic motor tracking of the R.A. axis. Battery powered.


Dual-Axis D.C. Motor Drive for EQ3-2 Equatorial Mount

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Can be fitted to any Skywatcher telescopes supplied with the EQ3-2 equatorial mount. Provides multi-speed quartz-controlled electronic motor tracking of the R.A. and DEC. axes. Battery powered.

Single-Axis D.C. Motor Drive for EQ-5 Equatorial Mount

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Can be fitted to any Skywatcher telescope supplied with the EQ-5 equatorial mount. Provides multi-speed quartz-controlled electronic motor tracking of the R.A. axis. Battery powered.


Dual-Axis D.C. Motor Drive for EQ-5 Equatorial Mount

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Can be fitted to any Skywatcher telescope supplied with the EQ-5 equatorial mount. Provides multi-speed quartz-controlled electronic motor tracking of the R.A. and DEC. axes. Battery powered.

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SYNSCAN PRO UPGRADE KITS
SynScan PRO GOTO Upgrade KitS available for upgrading standard EQ mounts 

The upgrade kit includes: 2 X Stepper Motors, Control Panel/Motor Board, Hand Control Cable, Hand Control, Cable Clamp, Hand Control Holder.

Power Supply Required - not supplied. 

For EQ3-2 mount
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SynScan Upgrade Kit

For EQ5 mount
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SynScan Upgrade Kit

R.A. Economy Motor Drive for EQ1
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Can be fitted to any of our telescopes supplied with the EQ1 equatorial mount, Provides single-speed (1x Sidereal) motor tracking of the R.A. Axis. Battery Powered.

Pillar Mount Support for HEQ5
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(Including PRO models)
 Provides a stable platform for all the standard HEQ5, mountings including PRO versions. Complete with wheels, which can be disengaged when mount is in use. Designed for use on a reasonably hard, level surface close to where the telescope is normally stored. Colour: Black.Please note the picture features the HEQ5 pillar support
(n.b. Equatorial head not included) 

Stainless Steel Tripod (2” Diameter Legs)
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(As Supplied with the EQ6 Mount)

 

Pillar Mount Support for EQ6
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(Including PRO models)
 Provides a stable platform for all the standard EQ6 mountings including PRO versions. Complete with wheels, which can be disengaged when mount is in use. Designed for use on a reasonably hard, level surface close to where the telescope is normally stored. Colour: Black

EQ6 extension tube

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The EQ6 extension tube extends the height of the EQ6 mount so it is easier for observer to look into a long refractor. Installed between the tripod and the mount head, this heavy-duty metal tube adds about 8" in height to the assembly while maintaining the stability of the mount.

 

Tube Mounting Rings

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These quality cast aluminium rings are custom-made for use with either the AZ3, EQ1, EQ2, EQ3-2, EQ4, EQ5, HEQ5 and EQ6 (incl. PRO) mounts/mounting plates.
Rings of the following internal diameters are available: 90mm, 102mm, 120mm, 130mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 182mm, 236mm & 285mm.

They are felt-lined and hinged for easy installation of the telescope. By loosening the thumbscrews, the telescope can be easily balanced and rotated. 

236mm  

416  

 

182mm  

527  

 

150mm  

415  

 

140mm  

412  

 

130mm  

414  

 

120mm  

413  

 

102mm  

411  

 

90mm  

410