I have a synscan eq5 upgrade on my mount and balanced my newtonian last night. The weight on both sides is 10kg each so total of 20kg on dec axis. Does anyone know the slewing limit for the synscan or am I going to break the gears.
Also I read if I upgrade the handset to 3.21 (currently 3.20) I can use eqmod driver software without buying the hardware and use cartes or some other planetarium software. Is that correct.
And finally, to power I use 12v DC 2 amp power adapter when home. What can I use when out on the field to properly power the unit.
Bunnings sells GMC Jump starters for around $40. It will be more than enough to power your EQ5. I am using one myself to power EQ6 Pro. Even after 4 hours of powering my mount its built in charge indicator displays at least a half of charge left.
The jump starts are OK but not ideal, they're not designed for continous draw.
A better solution is to invest in a 20Ah gel cell rechargable and an electronic two stage charger unit ( the basic 4A Kmart ones will ruin the battery!).
This will outlast the jump start many times over.
The rating of a mounting is usually just the weight of the scope plus accessories. Doesn't include the counterweights. These can vary with the effective length of the counterweight shaft ie you could have a 10Kg weight at 500mm or a 5 Kg weight at 1000mm to balance your scope.
