SKYWATCHER AZ-EQ6 PRO MOUNT

This is the new version of the Az-Eq6 which includes the USB port.

The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Pro Go-To is designed for the professional astrophotographer who wants a solid and reliable mount with a payload of up to 20kg. It combines the advantages of the equatorial mount with the simplicity of the alt-azimuth system. In fact, the AZ-EQ6 is a hybrid mount usable in both these configurations. The equatorial mode is ideal for astrophotography while the alt-azimuth configuration is more practical for observation as polar alignment is not required. 

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-EQ6 shows all its potential in astrophotography. It has a build-in polar scope with southern hemisphere reference and the polar alignment is easy and precise due to the azimuth and elevation screws.
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-EQ6 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-EQ6 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 in 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-Eq6 user manual

Download the Az-Eq6 motor board firmware

Specifications

Included items

• SkyWatcher AZ-EQ6 mount
• Steel tripod
• Counterweights (2 x 5 kg)
• Counterweight extension bar
• Second telescope saddle (Vixen and Losmandy style)
• Polar scope (Southern and Northern Hemisphere)
• SynScan hand controller with cable (RJ45 to RJ45)
• Power supply cord (lighter plug)
• Mount and SynScan user manual