eq6 with tracking, eq6 with synscan, eq6pro - what's the difference?

[rmuhlack (Richard)]

Originally Posted by 2stroke

http://eq-mod.sourceforge.net/reqindex.html going by eqmod no because it says eq6+syncscan upgrade. Unless the newer models have a motherboard inside the case? Going by that cloudy nights post 1 person is saying the new models are the same as the goto apart from the hand controller, though i would wanna make sure before i bought one lol.

Wise advice

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

The original black EQ6 comes in a non-goto and a goto version with synscan. The goto synscan versions work with EQMOD (that's what I have). The cable you need can be made by purchasing a USB-Serial TTL cable and soldering a DB9 plug on it or you can buy a cable already made up - see this thread:
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ght=dontronics

http://www.dontronics-shop.com/ftdi-...ter-cable.html

http://www.starstuff.com.au/page56a.html

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Originally Posted by Digital_Artist

Hi Peter,
Can EQ6 w/o Goto be driven by computer i.e. any planetarium software or EQMOD? If yes, what cable is needed to connect it with PC's USB? Is there any difference in Payload capacity between EQ6 and NEQ6 Pro? According to astroshop.com.au they both have carrying capacity of 25kg. Then why is that price difference? Only for SynScan controller?

You are correct - the non-goto version cannot work with EQMOD - you need to change the controller board in the mount to synscan goto - Skywatcher sell an upgrade kit for about $650 which includes new stepper motors, the controller board and the synscan hand controller. Steve Massey looks to have them:

http://www.astroshop.com.au/products...sp?id=MAS-022I

Apart from that the mounts are essentially the same (the payload capacity is not changed). The new EQ6pro has different dovetail and I think larger diameter CW bar with extension piece. Main difference in cost is the steppers/control board and Synscan hand control.

[MrB (Simon)]

It's my understanding(but happy to be corrected) that any EQ6 that has a DB9 connector for a handcontroller is able to use EQMOD.

The very early EQ6's did not have the DB9 (see picture) and these are the mounts that need a SynScan upgrade to work.
However, the EQ6 SynTrek mount (which is non-GOTO) will work as the mount itself is identical to the SynScan version with the exception of the handcontroller itself. The SynTrek hand controller is basic having only sidereal tracking and NSEW slewing buttons.
Obviously as there is no SynScan handcontroller this mount can't use PC-Direct mode, but will work with EQMOD and an EQDIRECT cable.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

Simon,

You are right re the EQ6 Syntrek

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skyw...6-syntrek.html


Peter

[Digital_Artist]

Originally Posted by peter_4059

Simon,

You are right re the EQ6 Syntrek

http://www.firstlightoptics.com/skyw...6-syntrek.html


Peter

Hi,
can you kindly explain if it is EQ6 Syntrek or not?
http://btow.com.au/index.php?main_pa...oducts_id=2178

I would love to have this mount if it can be driven by EQMOD. I don't want to use SynScan controller.

[peter_4059 (Peter)]

The mount shown in the image is the non-goto original EQ6 - not the Syntrek model - it has the old style hand controller.

[2stroke (Jay)]

Just give them a call and get a answer from them If they say they don't know what eqmod is then the answer is no unless you pay them a vist. Another thing they want $450 for a eq 5 no motors or nothing also the same *slow-motion control yes by control knob blah blah, ill call him a knob for that price and thats about it hahah.

The SkyWatcher EQ6MNT Equatorial Mount Features:


* Accessory Tray With tripod
* Counterweight (s) supplied
* Mount Type German Equatorial
* Slow-Motion Control Yes by control knob or optional motor drive That means it doesn't even come with motors from the sound of it
* Tripod Aluminium Tripod Height 71cm to 123cm