The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount will be the subject this week on the Sky-Watcher What’s Up? Webcast. The Sky-Watcher team will take a deep dive into the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount blends the convenience of an AZ mount with the imaging capabilities of an EQ mount.
The AZ-EQ6 is a ultimate multi-role mount, blending the popularity of an EQ mount with the convenience of an Alt-Az mount. With its heavy duty 44-pound payload capacity, the AZ-EQ6 can handle a large variety of optical systems for both imaging and visual applications. In EQ mode the mount can be used for long exposure, deep sky imaging, while in Alt-Az mode it can be used for visual with one or even two telescopes with the addition of the secondary mounting saddle (included with the mount).
To provide the best performance the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount features ultra-quiet stepper motors and belt drives on both the RA and Dec axes. Belt drive reduces the number of gears used in the drive system which in turn reduces backlash. This allows the mount to track and guide with amazing precision.
For those looking for the ultimate visual tracking mount the AZ-EQ6 features Sky-Watcher’s Freedom Find encoder system. These encoders are separate from the mount’s GoTo system and allow you to disengage the clutches and manually move the mount around the sky without losing your initial alignment.
The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount can carry two separate optical systems. By mounting the included secondary mounting saddle to the end of the counterweight bar the AZ-EQ6 can be used in “dual-OTA mode”. The benefits of using two telescopes on the same target at the same time is useful when comparing or imaging with two different fields of view (narrow vs. wide).
It’s also perfect for solar observation when using two different types of filters for safe observation of the Sun. Most importantly, dual-OTA mode is ideal for astronomy outreach and education to double the number of eyes at the scope and halve the wait time keeping rambunctious kids and frazzled parents engaged and excited about the cosmos.
For an improved and simplified connection, the AZ-EQ6 features a built-in USB-B port on its side panel. This allows for easy connection to a PC computer and control through our Sky-Watcher SynScan Pro application available for PC.
Using the proprietary SynScan hand controller, the AZ-EQ6 Pro provides a user-friendly interface with automatic slewing to over 42,000+ objects in the night sky. For the astrophotographers looking to reduce periodic error, the SynScan hand controller has built-in PEC training that can be configured while in the field.
Sky-Watcher includes an illuminated polar finderscope to aid the polar alignment process. The finderscope features a circular grid reticle for the Northern Hemisphere, consistent with today’s popular polar alignment apps. For astronomers in the Southern Hemisphere, the constellation Octans is built into the reticle as well. Even without a clear view of Polaris, the AZ-EQ6 Pro can be polar aligned using the SynScan hand controller. Simply choose one of the visible stars listed and use the latitude adjustment screws to center it in the eyepiece.
All these features and more will be discussed on the Sky-Watcher What’s Up? Webcast which is a live webcast held every Friday from 10am to 11am Pacific on the Sky-Watcher USA YouTube channel. Each week they discuss a new astronomical topic including gear, visual and imaging techniques, interviews and more.
What’s Up? webcasts are free by tuning into the Sky-Watcher USA YouTube channel. Can’t watch it live? That’s OK, all webcasts can be watched whenever you like by visiting the YouTube channel.
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