Telescope-Equatorial Mounts-Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro GoTo Equatorial Mount

30 LB Payload Capacity
Utilizing all-metal gearing on both axes and 1.8 degree stepper motors, the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro was designed to deliver rock-steady tracking across the night sky. The 30 lb payload capacity allows use with a plethora of telescopes, such as this Sky Watcher Evostar PRO 120 OTA, and comes standard with two 11 lb counterweights. This mount is also fitted with periodic error correction to enhance tracking accuracy even further. With a mount head weight of 22 lbs (10 kg) and offering minimal vibration, the HEQ5 Pro supplies the incredible tracking precision and steadiness of the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro without the physical demand of such a large mount. Ideal for visual astronomy or astrophotography, this mount is perfect for any night under the stars!

Included SynScan V5 Hand Controller
To assist you with your nights under the stars, Sky-Watcher has included the SynScan V5 Hand Controller! This addition features a whopping 42,000 objects within its catalog, giving you the power to discover the cosmos. Effortlessly star align, select the perfect objects to observe, and even polar align your mount. If you’re wishing to control your mount with your PC, the onboard USB-B 2.0 port allows just this. This PC connection also offers a method to update this hand controller with any new firmware releases from Sky-Watcher. Please note: Sky-Watcher does not include a USB cable with their hand controller. We recommend the Apertura Braided USB 2.0 Cable.

Various Software Operation Methods
As stated above, the included SynScan v5 hand controller features a USB-B 2.0 port to connect to your PC. This allows operation with the powerful Windows SynScan Pro application, which is fitted with sync functions to improve the pointing accuracy, tracking management, GoTo commands, and plenty more. This HEQ5 can also be controlled by your favorite third party ASCOM supported software with the appropriate drivers installed. Wanting to utilize your smartphone or tablet for your night of observing? Not a problem! Simply attach the Sky-Watcher SynScan WiFi Adapter (not included) to the mount’s hand controller port for operation with the iOS/Android SynScan Pro WiFi app.

All of the Essential Ports
On the mount itself, you’ll find an 8-pin RJ-45 hand controller port, a 12V DC power port, as well as an autoguiding port to assist you with your guiding needs. When used in conjunction with the included SynScan v5 hand controller, you’ll find two additional ports: a multi-purpose port, as well as a USB-B 2.0 port. The multi-purpose port allows connection to external devices such as a GPS module, and even allows operation of DSLR shutters when connected to these cameras. This port can also function as a method of PC connection, though many choose to utilize the USB port for computer operation and firmware updates.

Included Polar Scope and Software-Assisted Polar Alignment
This mount comes standard with an internal polar scope, as well as an illuminated reticle to make alignment a breeze. Important note: upon receiving your mount, the internal reticle may not be properly calibrated with the RA axis. Therefore, prior to polar alignment, it’s necessary to rotate the RA axis until the crosshairs are straight up and down forming a “+” shape. If you wish to polar align a different way, the included SynScan v5 hand controller allows just this! The simple instructions on the LCD screen will have you aligned in no time. Lastly, through PC connection, you have the option to polar align this HEQ5 Pro with your favorite third party software, such as SharpCap.

Sturdy Stainless Steel Tripod
Providing a solid base for your gear is the included stainless steel tripod. This tripod features 1.75“ (4.4 cm) legs and comes in at 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg). These legs are easily adjustable for effortless leveling, and feature locking knobs for heightened rigidity. The metal spreader bar pushes against the tripod legs for increased stability, and doubles as an accessory tray to help keep you organized.

Optimized for Backyard Observing
Numerous features make this Sky-Watcher HEQ5 an ideal option for those observing from home. With a mount head weight of 22 lbs, tripod weight of 12 lbs, and two 11 lb counterweights, this mount is perfect for setting up in the backyard and provides a stable base for your equipment. The medium 30 lb payload capacity supports a wide range of telescopes, from refractors to Newtonians, allowing you to swap your telescopes in and out with ease. Not only is this mount great for visual observing, but the high precision tracking it provides is excellent for astrophotography applications as well. With characteristics like these, the Sky-Watcher HEQ5 Pro earns our High Point Scientific Mount Classification Badge of Backyard Observing!