SKYWATCHER AZ-EQ5 PRO PIER TRIPOD

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ5 Pro Go-To with pier tripod is designed for the astrophotographer who wants a portable and precise mount with a payload of up to 15kg. It combines the advantages of the equatorial mount with the simplicity of the alt-azimuth system. In fact, the AZ-EQ5 is a hybrid mount usable in both these configurations. 

When the mount is configured in Alt-Azimuth mode, it can carry a second instrument by attaching the dual saddle (Vixen and Losmandy style) to the counterweight bar. The detachable saddle has two adjustment screws that allow to rotate the saddle and align the secondary telescope with the main one. When the mount is set in alt-azimuth mode, the optical tube has to be mounted on the right hand side when pointing forward. 

In equatorial mode the AZ-EQ5 shows all its potential in astrophotography. The polar scope is optional but nowadays with software like SharpCap or accessories such as the PoleMaster it is possible to get a quick and very precise polar alignment.
It is compatible with the Ascom drivers but also allows to guide with the ST4 protocol. The periodic error can be reduced through the PPEC (Permanent Periodic Error Correction). Differently to the HEQ5 and the NEQ6, the AZ-EQ5 uses one belt for the transmission between the stepper motor and the worm drive rather than two gears. This belt reduces the overall backlash, the noise and the long period periodic error. Both axes are equipped with the belt transmission system.

The SynScan computerised go-to system has a database with 42,900 objects to quickly locate and slew to target. It has 9 slewing speeds up to 800 times the sidereal speed (3.3°/sec).

The AZ-EQ5 is equipped with a SNAP port for controlling the camera shutter release. Working with the SynScan hand control’s “Camera Control” function, you can take batch exposures of up to 8 groups of “Exposure-time & Frames”.

The dual dovetail bar can accept both Losmandy and Vixen style bars and the two tightening knobs do not touch the dovetail bar directly, avoiding marks on your telescope.

Download the AZ-EQ5 user manual

Download the AZ-EQ5 motor board firmware

Specifications

Included items

• SkyWatcher AZ-EQ5 mount
• Steel pier tripod
• Counterweights (2 x 3.5 kg)
• Counterweight extension bar (120 mm)
• Second telescope saddle (Vixen and Losmandy style)
• SynScan hand controller with cable (RJ45 to RJ45)
• Power supply cord (lighter plug)
• Mount and SynScan user manual

SynScan

The SynScan go-to system is a computerized system supplied with the professional SkyWatcher mounts and telescopes. 

It features:

• 9 speeds 1x, 2x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x (3.3°/sec)
• 42,900 objects including planets, the moon, the sun, named stars, double stars, variable stars and the most famous catalogue that are Messier, Caldwell, NGC, IC & SAO 
• Sidereal, moon and sun tracking speeds, 
• Pointing Accuracy Enhancement feature (PAE)
• Unknown Object Identification feature
• Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) for mounts only
• One, two and three stars or brightest star alignment (alt-azimuth telescope need at least 2 stars for the alignment)
• Telescope parking feature
• Polar allign procedure 
• Deep Sky Tour function that suggests a list of the most interesting deep sky objects currently visible.

Download the SynScan user manual