The Sky-Watcher EQ8-Ri and Rh high capacity equatorial mounts bring an observatory class mount into the hands of day-to-day astrophotographers. With their 110 pound payload capacity and high-end imaging features, these mounts ready to hold some of the largest systems out there.
Because these mounts are observatory class we are offering them in two configurations. For the field imager both mounts include the mount head, two 22 pound weights and a heavy-duty portable pier. For those installing into an observatory, you can purchase the mount head and weights without the tripod.
The EQ8-Rhi On Axis Encoder
On the EQ8-Rhi model, the Renishaw 11.8 million tick incremental encoder is mounted directly to the RA shaft of the mount. This virtually eliminates Periodic Error during tracking and allows for extremely precise tracking and guiding for the most demanding astrophotographers.
Inventory will be available estimated at late November.
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The NEW Sky-Watcher EQ8-Ri and EQ8-Rhi Pro mounts are an evolutionary progression of the popular EQ8 Pro.
An extra heavy-duty, observatory class German Equatorial Mount with a payload capacity of up to 50kg.
Quiet in operation, the EQ8-Rhi is supplied with the Synscan Go-To handset that can automatically find and track over 42,900 celestial objects from its extensive computer database.
Available either complete with pier tripod or as the mount head only, to install onto a static pier.
Two 10kg counterweights and the Synscan computerised handset are supplied with both options.
The mount is also compatible with the optional Synscan Wi-Fi adaptor and Synscan Pro Apps which can control the mount wirelessly.
Improvements over the previous EQ8 model include:
- Cable management system for reduced tangling.
- Improved Connectivity.
- Improved installation position of motors for improved balance.
- Improved clutch mechanism provides more holding strength.
- Improved dovetail groove knob for added comfort and increased locking power.
- Belt drive on the RA and DEC axes for quiet slewing (previously only the RA axes was belt driven).
Note: Freedom-Find encoders are not present on the EQ8-Ri or EQ8-Rhi.
Permanent Periodic Error Correction
This 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,
Batch Exposures Function
Features include 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 control’s instruction manual.
Auto-Home Function
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 control’s instruction manual.
The diagram below will be useful to those wanting to mount an EQ8 series head to an existing pier.
Specifications - EQ8-Ri
| Payload Capacity (excl. counterweights) | 50kg |
| Latitude Adjustment Range | 10° to 65° |
| Azimuth Adjustment Range | +/- 10° |
| Mount Head Weight (excl. tripod) | 25.8kg |
| Pier Tripod (optional) | 29.4kg |
| Counterweights | 2 x 10kg |
| Counterweight Rod | 2.6kg |
| Power Requirement | 11 to 16 Volts DC (Higher voltage preferred), 55W |
| Motors | 0.9° Hybrid Stepper Motor |
| Transmission | 435:1 Worm Drive + 256 Micro-Step/0.9° Stepper Motor |
| Resolution | 44,544,000 Counts/Rev, approx 0.03 Arc-Second |
| Maximum Slewing Speed | 3.7° per Second |
| Tracking Rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Rates |
| Auto-Guiding Speeds | 0.125x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x & 1x |
| PPEC | 200 Segments Permanent PEC |
| Polar Alignment | By software control or optional Polarscope |
| Hand Controller | Synscan with 42,900+ Object Database |
| Remote Control | Control also possible with Synscan Pro Application for Windows via USB, Synscan Pro App for iOS and Android with optional Wi-Fi Dongle |
| Additional Ports | 4 x USB Ports and 3 x Power Outlets for Peripheral Devices |
| Connectivity | Paired RJ10, RJ12 and RJ45 modular jacks |
| DSLR Control | DSLR Snap Port / Batch Exposures Function |
| Home | Auto Home Function |
| Synscan Celestial Object Catalogue | Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, Caldwell, Double-Star, Variable Star, Named Star, Planets |
| Pointing Accuracy | Up to 5 arc-minutes (RMS) |
Specifications - EQ8-Rhi
| Payload Capacity (excl. counterweights) | 50kg |
| Latitude Adjustment Range | 10° to 65° |
| Azimuth Adjustment Range | +/- 10° |
| Mount Head Weight (excl. tripod) | 25.8kg |
| Pier Tripod (optional) | 29.4kg |
| Counterweights | 2 x 10kg |
| Counterweight Rod | 2.6kg |
| Power Requirement | 11 to 16 Volts DC (Higher voltage preferred), 55W |
| Motors | 0.9° Hybrid Stepper Motor |
| Transmission | 435:1 Worm Drive + 256 Micro-Step/0.9° Stepper Motor |
| Resolution | 44,544,000 Counts/Rev, approx 0.03 Arc-Second |
| Maximum Slewing Speed | 3.7° per Second |
| Resolution of R.A. High Resolution Renishaw Encoder | 11,840,000 Counts/Rev., approx. 0.11 arc-second |
| Tracking Rates | Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Rates |
| Auto-Guiding Speeds | 0.125x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x & 1x |
| PPEC | 200 Segments Permanent PEC |
| Polar Alignment | By software control or optional Polarscope |
| Hand Controller | Synscan with 42,900+ Object Database |
| Remote Control | Control also possible with Synscan Pro Application for Windows via USB, Synscan Pro App for iOS and Android with optional Wi-Fi Dongle |
| Additional Ports | 4 x USB Ports and 3 x Power Outlets for Peripheral Devices |
| Connectivity | Paired RJ10, RJ12 and RJ45 modular jacks |
| DSLR Control | DSLR Snap Port / Batch Exposures Function |
| Home | Auto Home Function |
| Synscan Celestial Object Catalogue | Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, Caldwell, Double-Star, Variable Star, Named Star, Planets |
| Pointing Accuracy | Up to 5 arc-minutes (RMS) |
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