EQ6 Pro - Can it track Satellites?

[Astro78]

Hi,

Just wondering if the EQ6 can slew quick enough to track satellites. If not, do you know what mounts can?

[iceman (Mike)]

Hi Trav
I've never seen or heard of it being done with an EQ6.
I do know there are some LX200 type mounts that can do it. Hopefully someone else will add more.

[mojo (Terry)]

The slew rate for an EQ6 pro is 3.4°/sec (?). From memory, the ISS travels at about 1.2°/sec when it's closest. If those figures are correct, I assume it can be done with an EQ6.

Also, if you don't already know, there's a project on sourceforge called EQMOD that interfaces with the EQ6 and others.

[Astro78]

Well that's about the last doubt i had before purchasing the beast. thanks guys.

[mojo (Terry)]

I suppose you could just email the manufacturer. They would definitely know if you could track satellites with it.

[Omaroo (Chris Malikoff)]

The great part about an LX200's satellite tracking capability is its predictive start. You give it a target (assuming that your ephemerides are up to date) and it moves to and sits at the horizon at the expected point of entry. To the second it waits (and counts down on the handset) until the satellite emerges from the horizon and then starts moving instantly. It really moves quickly and is still difficult to keep your eye centred on your eyepiece (depending on the mag).

Nice feature.

As Terry has stated - go to http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/eqmodlx/ to have a look at their LX200 emulator for EQ mounts.

[White Rabbit]

I tried this with my EQ5, eqmod and starry night 6 a couple of weeks ago and couldnt get it to track. Having said that I didnt look into why it wouldnt do it and never spent much time on it.

[Stewart_cal (Caleb)]

Any success getting an eq5 to satellite track.i should have an neq6 in my hands tonight.

[Wavytone]

Not with the standard handset firmware, you won't.

Maybe with a laptop driving it.