INSTRUCTION MANUAL

EQ8-R Mount

Apply to EQ8-R Series Mounts

EQ8R-V2

Copyright © Sky-Watcher
 CONTENT
PART I : SETTING UP THE EQ8-R MOUNT
1.1 Setting Up the Tripod ...............................................................................................4
1.2 Putting On the EQ8-R Mount ...................................................................................6
1.3 Installing the Counterweights ..................................................................................7
1.4 Installing the Telescope ...........................................................................................7
1.5 Balancing the Mount Load .......................................................................................8

PART II : POLAR ALIGNMENT

2.1 Prepare the Mount for Polar Alignment ................................................................. 9
2.2 Based on Star Alignment ....................................................................................... 10
2.3 Based on Camera ................................................................................................. 10
2.4 Based on Polar Scope ...........................................................................................10
2.5 Align the Polar Scope ...........................................................................................12

PART III : ELECTRONIC CONTROL INTERFACE

3.1 Control Panel ........................................................................................................14
3.2 Panel Interface Components ................................................................................14
3.3 Pinout of the Interfaces .........................................................................................15
3.4 Power Supply Requirements .................................................................................15
3.5 Cable Management System ................................................................................15

PART IV : FEATURES OF THE EQ8-R MOUNT

4.1 SynScan Telescope Control System ......................................................................16
4.2 Permanent Periodic Error Correction ....................................................................16
4.3 Batch Exposures Function ....................................................................................16
4.4 Auto-Home Function ............................................................................................16
4.5 High Resolution Encoder ..................................................................................16
4.6 Hard Stops .........................................................................................................16

APPENDIX
Dimensions ..................................................................................................................17
Specifications ...............................................................................................................18

2
EQ8-R Mount EQ8-R Mount x 1 Instruction Manual x 2
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Azimuth Adjustment
Knob x 2
Packing List
EQ8-R Mount

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
SynScan
AZ-EQ6 GT Mount
TM

Mount Package Includes: Copyright © Sky-Watcher

EQ8-R-V1

021112V1

Copyright © Sky-Watcher

Counterweight Shaft x 1 Jackscrew Handle x 1 Cable Clamp x 1 SynScan Hand Control

V5 x 1

Power Cable x 1 6 mm Allen Wrench x 1 Shutter Release Cable SynScan Hand Control
(for Canon EOS) x 1 Cable x 1

Tripod Package Includes:

Tripod x 1 Counterweight x 2 Wrench x 1 2.5 mm Allen Wrench x 1

Screw x 3 Washer x 3 Thumb Screw x 3

Stand x 3

Slide Block x 3 M3X10 Allen Screw x 2 Hand Control Bracket

x1

3
 PART I : SETTING UP THE EQ8-R MOUNT
1.1 Setting Up the Tripod
1. Fully expand the tripod legs on level ground.
2. Install the hand control bracket on the tripod. (Fig 1.1a)
3. Place one or two counterweight(s) just between the bottom of the central post and the
ground if there is enough space between them. This is a critical safety effort because the
counter weight(s) will prevent users from accidentally putting their feet under the center
pole. (Fig. 1.1b)

Hand Control
Bracket
M3X10
Screws

Fig. 1.1a Fig. 1.1b

3. Fully release the clamp of the central post by loosening the two hex nuts on it with a 19mm
hex wrench (Fig 1.1c).
• The central post might fall freely when the two nuts are loosened. The counterweight(s),
which is (are) placed between the bottom of the central post and the ground earlier, will
support the central post and prevent any potential damages in this situation.
• While loosening the two clamp nuts, to reduce the possible impact of the the central
post falling, it is recommended to hold the tripod top, or to fill the gap between the top
of the counter weight and the bottom of central post with some soft material.
• User should loosen the two hex nuts alternately to make sure both of them are fully
loosened.
Dowel

Central Post

Align

Clamp
Nuts

Fig. 1.1c
4. After the clamp is fully released, rotate the central post in the clamp to roughly align the
dowel on the tripod top with the gap of the clamp. (Fig 1.1c)

4
 PART I: SETTING UP THE EQ8-R MOUNT

5. Assemble the 3 adjustable spider trusses as shown in Fig 1.1d and Fig 1.1e. Do not tighten
the thumb screws at this moment.

Thumb Screw

Spider Truss
See Fig. 1.1e

Fig. 1.1d Fig. 1.1e

6. Slide the central post up/down in the clamp (Fig. 1.1c) to the proper height and then tighten
the 3 thumb screws on the spider trusses to prevent the central post from falling.
7. Tighten both hex nuts on the clamp to secure the central post in the clamp. The two nuts
MUST be tightened in an alternate manner to avoid damage to the clamp. Do not over
tighten the two nuts.
8. The tripod can be placed directly on a level ground, or it can be placed on the 3 adjustable
stands as shown in Fig 1.1f.
• Put the tips of the tripod on the three adjustable stands.
• Turn the leveling screw to raise/lower a leg.
• Tighten the locking ring when the tripod top is leveled. (Fig. 1.1d).
• The small holes at the side of the leveling screw and the locking ring can accept a metal
bar for turning the screw and the ring.

Leveling Screw

Locking Ring

Fig. 1.1f

5
 PART I: SETTING UP THE EQ8-R MOUNT

1.2 Putting On the EQ8-R Mount

1. Loosen the two azimuth adjustment knobs on the EQ8-R mount until there is sufficient
space between the two knob screws (Fig. 1.2a). Remove the two azimuth locking screws
and washers on the tripod top.
2. Align the metal dowel on the tripod top with the gap between the two azimuth adjustment
knobs; and then put the mount on the tripod top. (Fig 1.2b)

*
* Dowel
Loosen
Loosen Azimuth
Locking
Screw
* Azimuth Adjustment Knobs Fig. 1.2a
Fig. 1.2b

3. Apply the two azimuth locking screws with washers to slightly fix the mount on the tripod
top. (Fig. 1.2c). Do not tighten these screws yet.
4. Turn the primary locking knob in clockwise direction to engage the primary locking shaft to
the threaded hole at the center of the mount’s bottom. Turn the knob until it is tightened.
(Fig 1.2c) If necessary, re-adjust the toes using the bubble level on the mount as a refer-
ence.

Azimuth Locking Screw

Bubble Level

Primary Locking shaft

Primary Locking Knob

Fig. 1.2c

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 PART I: SETTING UP THE EQ8-R MOUNT

5. Slide the jackscrew handle in the hole at the end of the latitude jackscrew’s shaft. Apply
two ball head screws on the handle. (Fig. 1.2d)

Ball-head Screw
Latitude Jackscrew
Jackscrew Handle

Fig. 1.2d

1.3 Installing the Counterweights

1. Screw the counterweight rod into the mount as shown in Fig. 1.3a.
2. Remove the stopper cap at the end of the counterweight rod.
3. Loosen the counterweight’s thumb screw and slide the counterweight onto the counter-
weight rod. Retighten the thumb screw to secure the counterweight on the rod. (Fig. 1.3b)
4. Replace the stopper cap to the end of the counterweight rod.

Counterweight Rod

Lock
Thumb Screw
Stopper Cap

Fig. 1.3a Fig. 1.3b

1.4 Installing the Telescope

1. Before installing a telescope, ensure:
• The counterweight rod is pointing towards the ground.
• All counterweights have been moved to the end of the counterweight rod.
• The R.A. axis is secured by tightening the R.A. Clutch Lever. (Fig. 1.4)

7
 PART I: SETTING UP THE EQ8-R MOUNT

2. Release the Dec. clutch lever (Fig 1.4) and rotate the Dec. axis until the three knobs on
the saddle are facing upward and the dovetail groove is leveled (Fig 1.4). Tighten the
Dec. clutch lever again.

Saddle Arrow Sign

Dec. Clutch Lever

R.A. Clutch Lever Fig. 1.4

3. Loosen the three knobs on the saddle alternately until the width of groove is slightly wider
than the width of the dovetail bar on the telescope.
4. While holding the telescope horizontally, seat or slide the dovetail bar of the telescope
into the groove of the saddle. The telescope should point in the direction of the arrow
sign on the saddle(Fig 1.4).
5. Tighten the three knobs alternately to secure the dovetail bar in the groove.
Warning: Keep supporting the telescope until you are sure that it has been firmly at-
tached to the saddle.

1.5 Balancing the Mount

Once the counterweight and the telescope have been installed, the mount should be balanced
to reduce stress on the motor drive system, as well as to ensure smooth and accurate oper-
ation.
1. Loosen the R.A. clutch and rotate the R.A. axis until the counterweight rod is parallel to the
ground. Tighten the R.A. clutch.
2. Loosen the Dec. clutch and rotate the Dec. axis until the telescope is parallel to the ground.
Tighten the Dec. clutch.
3. Loosen the thumb screws on the counterweights.
4. Hold the counterweight rod with one hand, release the R.A. clutch and adjust the counter-
weights along the rod until the mount is able to remain stationary without support. Tighten
the thumb screws on the counterweights again.
5. Rotate the R.A. axis; the mount should remain relatively balanced along different angles.
Once this is confirmed, return the mount to its original position described in Step 1 and
tighten the R.A. clutch again.
6. Hold the telescope with one hand and release the Dec. clutch.
7. Slowly let go of the telescope and check for any rotational movements. If there is a
movement, slide the dovetail bar in the saddle to find a balancing position at which the
telescope can remain stationary without support.

8
 PART II : POLAR ALIGNMENT
Prior to operating the EQ8-R mount, it must be polar-aligned.

2.1 Prepare the Mount for Polar Alignment

1. Set up the EQ8-R mount, counterweights, and telescope as described in PART I. It is rec-
ommended to polar-align the EQ8-R mount with all equipment installed.
2. Loosen the primary locking knob and both azimuth locking screws; and then use the az-
imuth adjustment knobs to put the azimuth locking screws to the middle of the slots (Fig
2.1a). Tighten the azimuth locking screws slightly.

Azimuth locking screw

Slot

Azimuth adjustment
knob

Fig. 2.1a

3. Loosen the fork gripping knobs and screws (Fig 2.1b) on both sides of the EQ8-R mount,
and then tighten them slightly.
4. Tighten the primary locking knob and then loosen it by 1/4 of a turn.
5. Move the tripod to roughly align the R.A. axis to true north or south (for observing in south-
ern hemisphere).
6. Install the handle on the latitude jackscrew and use it to set the latitude dial reading to local
latitude (Fig 2.1b).

Latitude Dial

Fork Gripping Screw

Fork Gripping Knob

Latitude Jackscrew

Jackscrew Handle

Fig. 2.1b

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 PART II: POLAR ALIGNMENT

2.2 Based on Star Alignment

1. Use 2-Star alignment to align the mount by choosing two alignment stars with close dec-
lination, and then perform the polar-alignment routine. Repeat these operations several
times until the polar alignment error reported after 2-Star alignment is small. Refer to Syn-
Scan hand controller’s manual for detail operation instruction.
2. At the end of the polar-alignment routine, tighten the primary locking knob, and then tighten
the azimuth locking screws and the fork gripping knobs and screws. User should observe
the alignment star in the eyepiece while alternately tightening these symmetric knobs and
screws; try to minimize the movement of the alignment star in the eyepiece.
3. It is recommended to remove the jackscrew handle after the polar-alignment has finished.
This can prevent unexpected changes to the polar-alignment.

2.3 Based on Camera

Free software PHD2 and SharpCap provide camera based polar alignment functions. Please
refer to their instruction manuals for details.

2.4 Based on the Optional Polar Scope

Large knurled ring Fig. 2.3a

1. Install the polar scope assembly on the EQ8-R mount as shown in Fig 2.3a.
2. Verify whether the polar scope is aligned with the R.A. Axis. (Refer to the upcoming sec-
tion “Align the Polar Scope”).
3. Use the SynScan Pro app (Menu “Advanced\Polar Scope”) to find the orientation of the
Polaris or Octans in the FOV of a polar scope.
4. Use the latitude jackscrew and the azimuth adjustment knobs to move Polaris or Octans to
the desired position in the FOV of the polar scope.
5. Tighten the primary locking knob, and then tighten the azimuth locking screws and the fork
gripping knobs and screws.
6. It is recommended to remove the jackscrew handle after the polar-alignment has finished.
This can prevent unexpected changes to the polar-alignment.

10
 PART II: POLAR ALIGNMENT

2020
2012
2028
0
Southern Hemisphere 2032 3
2016
2024
Place the four stars
9
NCP
3
in the Asterism here
The left picture shows the pattern
SCP

6 Northern Hemisphere in the field of view (FOV) of the

Oct
Place Polaris on the ring
ans polar scope. If the image appears
blurred, rotate the knurled ring of
the polar scope’s eyepiece to fo-
Fig. 2.3b cus.

• For observing in Northern Hemisphere: Find the Polaris (The brightest star near the
North Celestial Pole) in the polar scope; then use the jackscrew and the two azimuth
adjustment knobs to move the Polaris to the proper position in the FOV of the polar
scope.

• For observing in Southern Hemisphere: In the FOV of the polar scope, locate the 4
dim stars (Around Magnitude 5 to 6) which form the pattern like the “Octans” drawing
in the polar scope (refer to Fig. 2.3b). Rotate the large knurled ring of the polar scope
assembly to match the orientation of the “Octans” drawing to the 4 stars. Then use the
jack screw and the azimuth adjustment knobs to move the 4 stars to the 4 small circles
of the “Octans” drawing.

11
 PART II: POLAR ALIGNMENT

2.5 Align the Polar Scope

Before using the polar scope for polar alignment, the polar scope itself must be calibrated to
ensure the pattern in the polar scope is aligned to the mount’s R.A. axis. This includes two
calibration routines:

Routine 1 - Align the pattern plate to the rotating axis of the polar scope
1. Choose a fixed object (the Polaris at night, or a far-away object in daytime); put the reticle
in the FOV of the polar scope on the object by adjusting the two azimuth adjustment knobs
and the latitude jackscrew of the EQ8-R mount. Tighten the R.A. axis.
2. Rotate the large knurled ring on the polar scope for exactly half a turn (Fig 2.5a).

Large knurled ring

Fig. 2.5a

3. If the object remains at the center of the reticle in the polar scope after the rotation, then it
means the polar scope’s pattern plate has been aligned to the polar scope’s rotating axis
and no calibration is needed.
4. If the object deviates from the reticle, then use a 1.5mm Allen wrench to adjust the three
small Allen screws on the polar scope (Fig. 2.5b) to eliminate the deviation to HALF. (Fig.
2.5c)

2020
2012
2028
0
2032 3
2016
2024

9
NCP
SCP 3

6
Oct
ans

Fig. 2.5b Fig. 2.5c

6. Repeat steps 1-4 a few times until the object keeps at the center of the reticle when rotat-
ing the mount in R.A. axis
12
 PART II: POLAR ALIGNMENT

Note:
• When adjusting the Allen screws, loosen one screw only ¼ of a turn, and then tighten the
other two.
• Do not over tighten the Allen screws; it might damage the pattern plate in the polar scope.
• Do not loosen one screw completely or loosen more than one screw at a time; otherwise,
the pattern plate in the polar scope will be disengaged and further adjustment is impossi-
ble.
• If the pattern plate does disengage, remove the polar scope’s eyepiece by turning the
knurled ring counterclockwise and then engage the pattern plate again.

Routine 2 - Align the rotating axis of the polar scope to the R.A. axis of the mount

1. Release the R.A. clutch and level the counterweight rod, then lock the R.A. clutch again.
2. Choose a fixed object (the Polaris at night, or a faraway object in daytime); put the reticle
in the FOV of the polar scope on the object by adjusting the two azimuth adjustment knobs
and the latitude jackscrew of the EQ8-R mount.
3. Rotate the mount in R.A. axis for half a turn exactly. Tighten the R.A. clutch after the rota-
tion.
4. If the object remains at the center of the reticle in the polar scope after the rotation, then it
means the polar scope’s rotating axis has been aligned to the R.A. axis and no calibration
is needed.
5. If the object deviates from the reticle, then adjust the three small adjustment screws as
shown in Fig. 2.5d to eliminate the deviation to HALF.

Adjustment
Screws

Fig. 2.5d

6. Repeat steps 1-5 a few times until the object keeps at the center of the reticle when rotat-
ing the mount in R.A. axis

13
 PART III : ELECTRONIC CONTROL INTERFACE
3.1 Control Panel
The control panel of the EQ8-R Mount is shown below:

Fig. 3.1
3.2 Panel Interface Components:

POWER: This is an outlet from which the mount and the hand control get power
supply. To connect to a power supply, align the index on both the plug of the cord
and the outlet on the panel, and then insert the plug to the outlet. Tighten the
knurled cap on the plug to secure the plug on the panel.

POWER Switch: Turns on and off the power to the mount and hand controller.

USB: It provides a USB-to-Serial connection for controlling the mount.

HAND CONTROL: This RJ-45 8-pins outlet is for connecting a SynScan hand con-
troller or a SynScan Wi-Fi dongle.
AUTO GUIDE: This RJ-12 6-pins outlet is for connecting an autoguider. It is com-
patible with any autoguider with a ST-4 type interface.
LED: The LED beside the Autoguide port serves as a power-on/status indicator.
1. Steady on: Power voltage is normal.
2. Slow flashing: Power voltage is low; continuing to operate the mount may dam-
age the battery (if a 12V lead-acid battery is in use).
3. Fast flashing: Power voltage is extremely low; continuing to operate the mount
may damage the battery and the motor controller in the mount.
4. Intermittent one flash: The PPEC training routine has been triggered, but the
controller in the mount has not received the worm index signal and the correc-
tion-recoding has not started yet.
5. Intermittent two flashes: The PPEC training routine has been started and the
controller in the mount has received the worm index signal and started to record
the PE correction. When the intermittent two flashes stops, it means the PPEC
training has finished.
6. Intermittent, three flashes: Sidereal tracking with PEC is now enabled.

SNAP:This is a stereo outlet for connecting to a camera’s remote control port.

14
 PART III: ELECTRONIC CONTROL INTERFACE

3.3 Pinout of the Interfaces:

Internal Circuit
HAND CONTROL
Vpp+ 8
Vpp+ 7
RX(3.3V)
TX(3.3V)
6
5 TRIGGER
Optoisolator Note:
Control Signal
4
3 GND • The SNAP port provides two trigger sig-
2
GND 1 nals to the stereo plug. Some cameras
RA- 6 need both “Shutter“ and “Focus“ signals.
DEC- 5
DEC+
RA+
4
3
• The camera control cable shipped with the
GND
GND 2
1 EQ8-R mount is for a Canon EOS series
POWER AUTO GUIDE SNAP
DSLR camera. Cable for other cameras is
Fig. 3.3 optional and can be ordered separately.

3.4 Power Supply Requirements

• Output Voltage: DC 11V (minimum) to DC 16V (maximum), higher voltage is preferred. Voltage
not in this range might cause permanent damage to the motor controller or the hand controller.
• Output Power: 55W (minimum).
• Do not use an un-regulated AC-to-DC adapter. A Skywatcher AC-to-DC switching power sup-
ply(13.7V/4A) for GOTO mount is highly recommended.
• If the power voltage is too low, the motor controller will stop the motors automatically.

3.5 Cable Management System

OUT
• IN - Auxiliary Power:
Aux. I/O • 2.0mm I.D, 5.5mm O.D., central positive.
• DC 6V to DC 24V, 5A.
• It also powers the USB hub.
• IN - USB:
• USB 3.0 Type B receptacle.
IN • Recommend less than 1 meter cable length for
USB,
Aux. I/O, USB 3.0 connection. Down-grade to a USB 2.0 ca-
Aux. Power ble if longer USB connection is needed.
• Can drive the USB hub for less than 0.4A payload.
Fig. 3.5.1 • Auxiliary I/O:
• Straight connections for the paired RJ10, RJ12
and RJ45 modular jacks.
• 0.5 A maximum current each pin.
• OUT - Auxiliary Power:
• 2.0mm I.D, 5.5mm O.D., central positive.
• 4A/Outlet, 4A in total.
• OUT - USB:
OUT
Aux. Power, • 4-Port USB 3.0 hub. Type A receptacle.
USB • 0.9A/Port if powered by an auxiliary power supply.
• 0.4A total output if powered by host USB port.

Fig. 3.5.2

15
 PART IV : EQ8-R MOUNT FEATURES
4.1 SynScan Telescope Control System

Our customers have the following options on controlling the EQ8-R mount:
• SynScan hand controller.
• SynScan Pro application for Windows (Free download from www.skywatcher.com) or
SynScan Pro application for Android (Free download from Google Play), using built-in
USB or optional SynScan Wi-Fi dongle.
• SynScan Pro app for iOS (Free download from App Store), using an optional SynScan
Wi-Fi dongle.
All the above options support ASCOM telescope control platform.

4.2 Permanent Periodic Error Correction

The EQ8-R mount is equipped with an index on its R.A. worm so the motor controller can
continue to track the current position of the worm. After a proper PEC training routine, in which
the training data is stored in the motor controller permanently, a user can start the periodic
error correction (PEC) at any time to improve the tracking performance for short focal length
astrophotography. A training process is not required in the next observing session (assuming
that the polar alignment is always accurate), thus this is a Permanent Period Error Correction
(PPEC). A user can train the mount with manual guiding or auto-guiding. For detailed instruc-
tions, please refer to the relevant section in the SynScan hand controller instruction manual.

4.3 Batch Exposures Function

The EQ8-R mount is equipped with a SNAP port which can control the shutter release of a
camera. Working with the SynScan hand control’s “Camera Control” function, a user can take
batch exposures when doing astrophotography. Up to 8 groups of “Exposure-time & Frames”
combinations can be set on the SynScan hand controller. For detailed information, refer to the
SynScan hand control’s instruction manual.

4.4 Auto-Home Function

The EQ8-R mount is equipped with two home position sensors. Working with the SynScan
hand controller, the mount can be placed to the same home position after turning on the
power. For detailed information, refer to the SynScan hand control’s instruction manual.

4.5 High Resolution Enocder

The EQ8-RH mount is equipped with a Renishaw’s high resolution incremental encoder on
its R.A. axis. It helps to reduce/eliminate the influence of mechanical periodic error while the
mount is tracking an object for astrophotography.

4.6 Hard Stops

To protect mechanical parts, OTA and internal wiring, the EQ8-R mount has internal hard
stop for both R.A. axis and declination axis.

16
 APPENDIX: DIMENSIONS
Dimensions:
Ø180
Ø180
Ø140
Ø140

498
45°
800~1100
800~1100

360 894
250
894

Mount Mount Tripod

4-M 6
54

M12
2-Ø 6

Ø 124
76

160 76
100

Mount Bottom Plate Saddle Head

17
 APPENDIX: SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications:
Product Name EQ8-R Mount
EQ8-RH Mount (with high resolution R.A. encoder)
Mount Type German Equatorial Mount
Payload 50kg
(Rated for astrophotography; counterweights excluded)
Latitude Adjustment Range 10º to 65º
Azimuth Adjustment Range ±10 º
Weight (Tripod excluded) 25.8 kg
Counterweight 2 x 10kg/ea.
Tripod 29.4kg
Counterweight Rod 2.6kg
Power Requirement DC11~16V(Higher voltage preferred), 55W
Motor 0.9 º Hybrid Stepper Motor
Transmission 435:1 Worm Drive
256 Micro-step/0.9º Stepper Motor Drive
Gear Ratio 435
Resolution 44,544,000 Counts/Rev., approx. 0.03 arc-second
Maximum Slewing Speed 3.7 degrees/second
Tracking Rate Sidereal rate, solar rate, lunar rate
Tracking Mode Equatorial mode
Auto-guiding Speed 0.125X, 0.25X, 0.5X, 0.75X, 1X
PEC 200 Segments Permanent PEC
GOTO Controller SynScan hand control, SynScan Pro App
Database 42000+ Objects
Celestial Object Catalog Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, Caldwell, Double Star,
Variable Star, Named Star, Planets
Pointing Accuracy Up to 5 arc-minutes (RMS)
Resolution of R.A. High Resolution Encoder 11,840,000 Counts/Rev., approx. 0.11 arc-second
(Optioanl, available on EQ8-RH Only) from Renishaw

Note: The above specifications may be changed without advance notice.

18
EQ8-R Mount