Skywatcher EQ8-R Pro latest version

[Startrek]

I’ve been eyeing off one of these mounts for a while now to future proof my Obs down south. My existing EQ6-R pro is a superb mount in the 20kg class but maxed out with 15kg on board which doesn’t give me much room for future expansion in aperture and focal length.
When the EQ8-R pro first hit the market in late 2019 it had a few problems which could be resolved in one way or another. Lately there’s been a few more reviews on the current batch ( 2021 ) and it seems as though the mount now is fairly reliable and free of any major issues. The only thing that’s mentioned now is some minor tweaks and adjustments on the worm for minimising Dec backlash even further.
Guiding out of the box on average from various Astro sites is between 0.35 to 0.50 arc sec total which is excellent

I’d like hear from any folk who have purchased an EQ8-R pro mount in the last 12 months or so no to get their thoughts on this mount.

I realise not every situation and set up is the same but just an overview of the mount and it’s set up and performance

I know folk may suggest to go for an alternative 50kg class mount ( I Optron etc... ) but I’ve been a Skywatcher mount user since day one and would prefer to keep using the same style of mount and all my Goto and Nav programs ( EQMOD and Stellarium)

Below is the latest review on the EQ8-R pro mount from a chap in the UK


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nx-CRz24KeA

Appreciate any comments in regards to this mount

Thanks

[AdamJL]

Subscribing… an EQ8-R isn’t in my immediate future but definitely something I’m interested in in maybe a few years time

[The_bluester]

I would love a second larger capacity mount. My Orion AZEQ6 clone is starting to show it's age, it has probably done more work than most, at the very least it needs a full stripdown and clean and setting up from scratch.

I have that and an iOptron CEM70G, at the moment the biggest thing that would make me lean towards buying another CEM70 (Probably not a G) is the ease of passing cables down through the mount. My ASI2600 cameras appear not to work well on a USB hub (And I have read similar on the net about other peoples experiences) so the ability to easily pass a dedicated cable through the middle of the mount is a real selling point. It must be possible on the EQ8R given they have hard stops inside the mount to limit pointing and they have a built in hub on the puck, but I don't know how easy it is to get a user cable through the middle.

On the plus side for the EQ8R, having used both I think EQMOD is more mature and easier to use than the iOptron software, and presents extra options for setting up mount limits etc.

[Ryderscope]

Hi Martin, I have one of the original EQ8 mounts that I bought in 2012 and it’s still humming away in my observatory and I’m very happy with it. The specs on the EQ8 R look good and has some nice improvements such as internal cable management. There has been one criticism that I have seen which is to do with limitations with the on board USB hub which may have issues supporting USB 3 devices. See link to discussions on the CN forum below. This may not be a concern depending on your equipment configuration but worth noting all the same.

https://www.cloudynights.com/topic/760036-eq8-r-usb-issues/

[bluesilver]

Will also be interested to here a bit more on this also.
I have been looking and doing some research now for the last few months for the same similar reasons,

I could be incorrect here, but so far this is my understanding on both Skywatcher EQ8 mounts and Ioptron CEM120 mounts.

I was originally looking to go with the EQ8 line until just recently after talking to a few people and a few dealerships that supply and both Skywatcher and Ioptron mounts.
They say if you guide with PHD2, you might only see a slight improvement guiding with the encoder versions, and if using the versions with both encoders, it is not worth using PHD2 at all, it just plays up too much with them due to the setting time of the encoders.

They are saying that encoders don't play well with PHD2 in general, though some are having luck with just the single encoder versions with PHD2

If you were to go with twin encoder versions, you are just better of with the more expensive mounts like 10 micron and the like as they are designed to run without guiding with PHD2, but the Skywatcher and Ioptron encoders are not quiet up to the quality as the 10 micron line up.

With the Ioptron CEM120 line up, with backlash gears are all spring loaded, so help eliminate a bit of the backlash compared to the Skywatcher EQ8 which isn't spring loaded.

There were comments made about the USB3 hubs not working correctly or not running as USB3,
But as you mentioned, I am not sure if the Ioptron works with EQMOD, but all the other programs, APT, Satllerium PHD2 all work with Ioptron.

At the moment for myself, I am leaning more towards the Ioptron CEM120 non encoder version and just guide with PHD2, but i am not in a permanent observatory, I put my gear up and take it down each night.

I wasn't aware that Skywatcher were or had made any more changes to current EQ8 line.
Bit of a long reply, but just my understanding of these two mounts

[Startrek]

Thanks all for your comments
Much appreciated !!
I believe the USB3 hub issue is now rectified and is a bonafide USB3 end to end.
Yes I am aware that the worm and drive gears do not have spring loaded adjusters to compensate for backlash, just conventional worm drives like my EQ6-R mount
I’m not considering the Rh version which has on axis encoders for the Ra
My expectation for a future mount upgrade is to carry a heavier payload ( up to 25kg ) , use my current software and guiding out of the box below 0.50 arc sec error, and finally a budget below $10K. I believe this mount can satisfy that expectation. I don’t think I will be imaging at focal lengths beyond 1500mm
Any further advice or comments most welcome
Thanks

[AdamJL]

Even if you went beyond that, I reckon the EQ8 series should handle it fine

[stephen2615]

I have an EQ8-R and like many people who own them, most will complain about the horrendous Dec backlash that comes with many of these mounts from the factory. I considered trying to adjust it only to find I need to have a very short head Allen Key which I have just acquired.

The onboard cable management works well for me. I have an Intel NUC that I used to have on my scope with a previous mount but now it sits on a small platform near the base of the pier. It has a USB 3.1 Gen 2 port (5 Gbps) and I use that for the USB in. On top of the mount, I have three cameras (two imaging and guide cameras) and other USB devices and (touch wood), I have never had any major USB issues other than when first booting up the mount, sometimes, I need to reset my cameras. The cable management works very nicely.

I have two Pegasus Pocket Powerboxes (PPB), one near my NUC that supplies power to the cable management and the other on the scope which provides power to my cameras and autofocuser, etc. Three DC out on top is just not enough. Interestingly, the one on the ground provides 12.1 volts but the one on the scope, only provides 11.7 volts. It looks like some voltage is dropped from the bottom to the top of the mount.

I provide mains power to the mount so it doesn't use the PPB. My QHY cameras are known to get a bit upset if they don't get 12 v DC but so far, it hasn't been a problem.

Apart from the terrible Dec backlash which I hope to fix, I have all sorts of issues with Green Swamp Server. I have given up on it and have gone back to EQMOD. The limits setting was a bit fiddly due to some setting in the mount itself. It has an autohome facility that unfortunately only works when using the SynScan controller.

The payload was what sold me. I looked at the Paramont MyT but it all started getting a bit too expensive. I want to install a dome and the extra money needed for the MyT can almost cover the price of the dome.

[Startrek]

Thanks Stephen
It’s not a big deal to fine tune the worm gear to reduce backlash, I’ve done it both of my EQ6-R’s , just takes time and patience plus a few clear nights to test
From what I’ve read the EQ8-R is fairly straightforward too
On the EQ6-R one of the Dec worm gear housing bolts sits near the Ra clutch lever and usually requires a shortened 5mm Allen wrench , but I just drive the mount 50mm to clear it and can loosen the bolt with a standard Allen wrench
A few questions if I may -
1/ What is the diameter of the tripod foot pads , I think they are 130mm but would like that confirmed
2/ What is the minimum and maximum spread distance (mm) for the tripod between the feet centre to centre ( Skywatcher don’t provide that information)
I know there are adjusters with wing nuts but need to know the min and max dimensions

Thanks in Advance

Cheers
Martin

[Startrek]

Stephen
Attached is some info on how to tune out the backlash on an EQ8-R mount

https://wolfcreek.space/index.php/2020/03/25/eq8-r-pro-gear-backlash-adjustment/

Cheers
Martin

[stephen2615]

I purchased some weird Allen Keys with ultra long handles but really short heads so I hope to give the Dec adjustment a try if it ever stops raining. My mount is permanently outside with a cover over it as it is too heavy for me to move around with a dodgy shoulder. Poor thing has dealt with two significant hail storm events in the last month.

The three foot plates have a 130 mm diameter.

The adjustment thingy has 220 mm of travel. I have mine as low as possible as any higher, it becomes hard to put my scope on it.

So at the widest amount of space it takes up, it is an equilateral triangle with sides of 1040 mm give or take.

I hope to get a NexDome 2.2 in the foreseeable future if I can get anyone to put down a concrete base. Tradies are as rare as hens teeth.

[Startrek]

Stephan,
Thanks for the info
The 250mm diameter concrete piers which sit 10mm below the underside of my deck are spaced 970mm apart , so the tripod should work out well. My piers were oriented to true south. The mount plate may end up just a bit higher than yours
Wow the foot pads are huge but bigger the better to support this monster mount
I decided against a slab and went for a hardwood deck 400mm FFL for my NexDome. So far after a year it’s worked well , completely waterproof , no dew problems, well ventilated from below and surprisingly no spiders and other creepy crawleys making a home inside. This ABS material they used on the NexDomes is fantastic, keeps heat out in summer , total light block out and try hitting it with a mallet it just bounces off , so won’t crack
Mine took 8 months to arrive from Canada, well worth the money and the wait
Thanks again
Clear Skies
Martin

[mura_gadi]

Hello,

Skies and scopes review of astrophotography winners allows for a lot of equipment review and statistics within the article. The data is from 2019-2021, based on the shortlist candidates and the article dated 21 Sept 2021.

The new EQ6-R Pro received a good reviews, generally the SW dominated the field for mounts, so they're providing good bang for bucks amongst the finalists etc.


Steve

"EQ6-R Pro – Detailed above as one of the best options for astrophotography. Available but currently hard to find in 2022"

https://skiesandscopes.com/astronomy-photographer-of-the-year/

[Startrek]

Steve
Can’t argue with that , it’s true , best 20kg class mass produced mount on the market , I have 2 off EQ6-R mounts at different sites , 2018 model with standard RJ45 HC port and a 2019 model with additional USB2B port
Both have been workhorses , the 2018 model carries 15kg and the 2019 model carries 10kg, all newts
But I’m increasing payload this year to 22kg + so the EQ6-R just won’t cut it with a big newt on board , next step is the EQ8-R for me ( happy to adjust dec backlash as I did that to both EQ6-R’s ) Folk say your mad, get a CEM120 or a CEM70 , spring loaded worm carrier. I’ve read lots of issues with these mounts as well and the software too. I’m sticking to the brand and design I know and currently use and I’m an EQMOD user too , maybe Jump to GSS in 5 years when EQMOD finally fails
Thanks for your post
Martin.

[stephen2615]

There is a really annoying feature with the EQ8-R. There is no method of turning the feet 180 degrees like the EQ6 variants. My front foot faces south and the two other feet are at right angles so they are in a east/west line. The little lug that you can change sides with the EQ6 is not removeable with the EQ8-R.

A deck sounds interesting. I will look at the options. I was a bit concerned at what impact any wind might have with the dome vibrating the deck.

[Startrek]

My NexDome has been subjected to 70 to 80km/hr winds last year ( it’s rated at 100km/hr ) and didn’t move at all ( well designed ) The deck is over spec’d with 200 x 50 bearers bolted and screwed with gal brackets ,9 off 100 x 100 posts and gal stays with concrete footings 600mm deep into shale. Tripod piers and central pier are 250 diameter and sit on a 450 x450 concrete footing 800mm below ground level. The tripod piers are 10mm below the underside of deck boards. My son and I ( 170kg total ) jumped up and down inside the Dome whilst guiding and it didn’t even notice it. The deck has 140mm hardwood Merbau deck boards screwed and glued down with 304 stainless steel fixings.
The NexDome is bolted and screws down with stainless steel fixings
The deck and Dome are not going anywhere
I’ve imaged under 30 to 35km/he westerly winds on targets in the east and south east and inside the Dome remained calm
The NexDome took nearly 9 months to land on site so I had plenty of time to design and construct the deck and underground services ( power and data cabling )
My only disappointment was that I should have made the centre pier 350 or 400mm in diameter as 250mm is not big enough for a pier mounted big scope
Hence I’m going tripod/pier
Don’t let me sway you from pouring a slab but the deck worked out really good in my situation.
Cheers
Martin

[stephen2615]

Does your EQ6 tripod foot rests align with the EQ8-R? Many people have two tripod feet in front of the mount and one to the back. There is no option like that with the EQ8-R.

[Startrek]

I don’t know where folk in the Southern Hemisphere got the idea of the mount facing south and counter weight shaft in between both tripod legs.
From day one I was advised front tripod leg pointing South and counter weight shaft running down in front of that leg
All my mounts EQ5 , HEQ5 and 2 x EQ6-R had the option of screwing in the Azimuth dowel either end but dowel was always screwed in facing front tripod leg facing south
So EQ8-R is as per above , front tripod leg facing south and counterweight shaft pointing down in front of that leg ???
Gee I hope so otherwise I’m in big trouble !!!!

[DarkArts]

All the online photos I can see show it as such - CW bar aligned with single, front leg.

[Startrek]

Thanks
I just watched a YouTube of Trevor Jones from Astrobackyard setting up his EQ8-R mount and yes the counterweight bar points down in front of the front single tripod leg
Whoosh had a few panic attacks earlier on thinking my concrete piers are wrong. I did pour them over a year ago and did check the EQ8-R mount on line at the time , but you forget after a while
All Good !!

[SB]

Hi Martin,
Interesting!

My EQ6-R CW hang between the two legs (that's how it came from the factory). A quick look at Trevor Jones Astrobackyard EQ6-R review shows the same config. So what is correct? Is the arrangement different for the EQ8 perhaps?

Something in the back of my mind says that the CW between the two legs minimises the risk of the image train clashing with the mount legs.

I have just taken my mount apart and the leg config can be switched so I will wait for feedback before setting back up.
Thanks

SB

[Startrek]

Glad it’s reversible
I’ve always set up single front leg facing south
You have a point about minimising risk of scope clashing with legs but that should only occur near the zenith passing the meridian and I’m always there ready for a flip whether automated or manual
Cheers

[stephen2615]

When I first got my NEQ6, I followed the instructions from the manual and that had the two tripod feet on the same side as the counterweight (CW) bar. The dowel was already in position. I must have shown a pic of this and I was informed by a number of people to put the single tripod leg under the CW bar. Of course, I ignored that advice as I am a know it all lawyer. I had three bits of paint on a slab to put my tripod feet as I didn't leave it out especially in hot weather.

The EQ8-R turned up and it had the opposite setting to my NEQ6. I couldn't put the feet on the paint spots and I couldn't do anything about it as there is no option about moving the dowel. I was forced to rotate the mount 180 degrees and there wasn't any slab where one of the feet was supposed to go. If I moved the tripod a foot to the west, I would not have a good polar alignment position. So one of my feet is sitting on a paver over some paving sand. It does the job until I get my slab.

So the moral of this story is to not read the directions. :rofl:

My first meridian flip was the only time I have ever seen it. It was very close due to my filter-wheel. I think there was about 40 mm spare.

Is your signature accurate? Do you not use PixInsight? It is an amazing bit of software and worth every cent.

[raymo]

I used EQ mounts for well over 60 yrs, and every one of them, and every other one that I encountered, had the CWs above the front leg, which was pointed at the appropriate pole. That includes my last mount which was an HEQ5.
The reason is obvious. With the legs splayed like a giraffe, it is super easy
to tip the mount[and scope] forward and destroy the scope and damage the mount. You can push over a giraffe style set up mount with an 8" Newt on board with one hand. Even a stumble in the dark will easily tip it over.
None of this would apply to very large and heavy rigs of course; rigs larger than an EQ8 for example.
In addition to the above, with the single leg at the rear, the mount becomes much
less stable; the weight of much of the scope is overhanging the space between the legs, as is all the weight of the shaft and CWs,
meaning that the weight on the rear leg is greatly reduced. With the single leg below the CWs it is almost impossible to tip the rig forward onto its"nose".
raymo

[Startrek]

Raymo,
Thanks for your great analogy using the giraffe
An excellent well experienced explanation
Cheers
Martin

[raymo]

Thanks Martin; I added a little bit more, if you care to read it.
raymo

[stephen2615]

Raymo,

That's an excellent explanation. Makes me wonder why the manufacturer doesn't put that configuration in the user manual.

Cheers

Stephen

[Startrek]

I did read it all ?

[raymo]

Hi Martin, Your response to my post showed my post ending at my
mentioning the EQ8. I added several lines to it, and assumed you had read it before my edit took place.
raymo