In praise of encoders: Review of the SkyWatcher EQ8-Rh

[Phil Hart]

I've posted a review of the (relatively) new SkyWatcher EQ8-Rh on my website:

http://philhart.com/skywatcher-eq8-rh

This version has the high-resolution encoder on the R.A. axis. Hope the review might be helpful to someone.

cheers
Phil

[peter_4059]

Phil,

Did they do anything about covering/sealing the Dec ring gear or is that still exposed?

[Phil Hart]

hi Peter

I've attached a quick phone image as best as I could showing Dec ring. I believe the cover used to be silver (not coated) and perhaps there was a larger gap here but I'm not sure?

I recall a comment on a forum about this but can't find it now. Might have been somewhere here:

https://groups.io/g/SkywatcherEQ8

Phil

[peter_4059]

Thanks Phil...looks like they haven't tackled that problem yet.

The DEC ring gear is facing the sky and gets dew accumulation. The water accumulates in the ring gear housing and has no way to drain. The risk is if this water ends up corroding the encoder surfaces and the encoders become unreliable. I've made a plastic cover for my EQ8 DEC axis that seems to be working so far.

The RA axis is a bit less exposed due to the geometry however it is a shame they are including very expensive encoders on that axis and not providing weather shielding.