Skywatcher EQ8

[Peter.M]

I have just noticed bintel have these mounts on their site stating "due March 2013"

http://www.bintel.com.au/Mounts---Tripods/EQ-Mounts/SkyWatcher-EQ8/1445/productview.aspx

I am tempted!

[RobF]

Wow. Well spotted Peter. Let's hope life is about to get more interesting and the chinese have really "upped the ante". The pier design makes a lot of sense for many of us that have to travel to get decent skies. Be very interesting to see a G11/EQ8 face-off next year some time :question:

[MrB]

Yeah looking forward to seeing one of these and reading some tests/reviews.
There are some more comments in this thread: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=93577

[Sarge]

Looks fantastic. Early reports were concerned about the weight
Specs are:

Tripod / Pier Weight: 31kg
EQ Head Weight: 28.5kg

Does limit the term "portable"

Clear skies

Rod
:D:D

[g__day]

Anyone know if the gears are belt driven or if they have done anything else in the design to improve backlash?

[MrB]

One of the video reviews for the EQ7 prototype says the worm is direct drive from the stepper, no intermediate reduction. I'm guessing the EQ8's wormwheels will be the same.