Designed and built to provide a versatile platform for astronomers and astrophotographers of all levels, the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 GoTo Mount with Tripodis outfitted with precision motors, a quiet low-backlash belt drive, a computer controller, and a sturdy tripod to provide solid and reliable platform for both long duration observation and imaging.

This unique mount ships configured as a German Equatorial mount capable of long-term Right Ascension tracking when properly polar aligned. To expand its versatility and usability, it can be reconfigured to a more basic alt-azimuth mount for fast observation sessions, and with a simple mode change on the hand controller it will function flawlessly with dual-axis tracking. For star parties or separate observation and imaging rigs, it can be converted to a dual optical tube assembly (OTA) setup with the addition of an optional dovetail saddle that installs in place of the counterweight shaft.

The SynScan hand controller computer system has an internal database of 42,900 celestial objects including the Messier, NGC, and IC catalogs plus planets and stars. To keep it current, its firmware is updatable through the built-in serial port via updates downloaded through the internet. With multiple assisted alignment options, a wide slew speed range, and automatic tracking capabilities, finding and keeping objects centered in its field of view is easy, no matter if you're viewing the fast-moving moon or much slower deep-space subjects.

Three Mount Configurations    Alt-Az, Equatorial, Dual OTA    Motorized and Computer-Guided Mount    SynScan 42,900-Object Hand Controller    One-, Two-, Three-Star Alignment    Multiple Slew & Tracking Rates    Permanent Periodic Error Correction    Built-In Polar Alignment Scope    Vixen/Losmandy-D Saddle    Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Tripod

• Equatorial (EQ): Precise astronomical tracking for observation and imaging
• Alt-Azimuth (AZ): General purpose celestial and terrestrial viewing with fast setup for quick observations
• Dual OTA: Mount two OTAs, opposed to each other, on a single mount for star parties or separate observation and imaging rigs, requires installation of a second optional dovetail saddle in place of the counterweight shaft

• 44-pound payload capacity, excluding counterweights
• Built-in polar alignment scope in the RA axis housing enables precision polar alignment for better EQ tracking accuracy
• Latitude range of 10-70° in EQ mode, 90° in AZ mode
• ±97deg; Azimuth adjustment range
• Dual Vixen and Losmandy-D dovetail saddle for compatibility with a wide range of OTA's
• ±5 arc seconds native periodic error
• Dual-axis and Equatorial tracking modes
• Primary axis encoder tracks mount position and allows you to move mount manually without having to realign
• 64 micro-step, 1.8° hybrid stepper motor drive
• 180:1 worm drive transmission with 48:12 timing belt drive provides low backlash with smooth & silent slewing
• Two 11 lb counterweights for proper balancing of heavy loads
• 8" counterweight rod with a 6" extension for balancing heavier equipment like large aperture OTAs, filter wheels, and imaging systems
• Shutter release control for batch exposures of astrophotography
• Integrated Right Ascension and Declination dials for manual celestial navigation
• 11-16 VDC 4A power requirement

• Wired handheld computer controller for mount
• 42,900-object database including the Messier, NGC, IC, SAO, and Caldwell catalogs plus double stars, variable stars, named stars, and planets
• 25 user-defined objects
• Alignment Assistance: One-, two-, three-star alignment
• Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
• Maximum slew speed of 4.2°/second
• Permanent Periodic Error Correction (PPEC) removes inaccuracies inherent in gears and allows for more accurate tracking, especially for long-exposure astrophotography
• Connect to a computer via user-supplied RS-232 cable
• Flash upgradable via internet download

• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel legs
• Two-section adjustable height
• Spiked feet provide sure footing on rough or soft earth
• Weighs 16.5 pounds to provide a stable, low-vibration platform
• Center tray holds legs at a set angle for additional stability and vibration suppression as well as offering a place to hold accessories
• Hand controller holder clips to a leg and can be moved as required to prevent cord wrap

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. I am new to this. please can you help me understand what is the difference between this go compared to the EQ6 one which is much cheaper?

A: The EQ6 is an EQ mount only but the AZ-EQ6 is both an EQ mount and an Alt Az mount. It can be reconfigured to a more basic alt-azimuth mount for fast observation sessions.

Q: 2. Mounting plates aren't listed under accessories: what mounting plate would I need for mounting super-telephoto lenses? (And WHY are none listed under "accessories" for the EQ6-R?)

A: Your lenses will require that they have a tripod collar to attach a Explore Scientific DSLR Camera Vixen-Style Dovetail Assembly (11") BH #EXDSLRCDA • MFR #DSLRCDA They do come in different lengths.

Q: 3. Can this telescope be used on the ground as a hyper-telephoto photographic lens?

A: The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Alt-Az / Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod BH #SKAZEQ6 • MFR #S30330 is not a telescope. It is a mount and tripod to mount a telescope on. There is no lens.

Q: 4. Can I put a 20kg telescope on it without any problems 12" Truss Tube Ritchey-Chretien Astrograph ?

A: The Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 Alt-Az / Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod BH #SKAZEQ6 • MFR #S30330 will properly support a 20kg telescope.

Q: 5. Is there a case that will fit the head unit without the tripod

A: Probably one of the Pelican trunk cases. depending on the head dimensions only.

Q: 6. Specs say: "Payload Capacity 44 lb / 19.96 kg (without Counterweight)" Does that mean I can add more payload if I install a counterweight?

A: So the Counterweight is meant for balancing, so it can move smoothly and track accurately without unwanted vibration or putting additional wear and tear on the motors. It does not add on extra Payload for more weight to the Mount/Tripod.

Q: 7. If Payload Capacity is 44 lb / 19.96 kg (without Counterweight) does that mean I can add to payload capacity by installing the counterweight?

A: So the Counterweight is meant for balancing, so it can move smoothly and track accurately without unwanted vibration or putting additional wear and tear on the motors. It does not add on extra Payload for more weight to the Mount/Tripod.

Q: 8. Will this mount handle the SkyWatcher 300mm (i.e., 12") aperture OTA?

A: The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial GoTo Mount with Tripod Kit BH #SKEQ6RV2 • MFR #S30300 maximum payload is 44 lbs. the Sky-Watcher Quattro 300P OTA Imaging Newtonian 12" is 57 lbs.

Q: 9. I am on Lat=1 degree, can can I do polar alignment with AZ-EQ6?

A: You would need to move 4 degrees North. It needs to be at 5 degrees up to 65. This also works -5 to -65, just not those 10 degrees in the middle or too far north.

Q: 10. Will this work with my Celestron NexStar 130SLT 130mm f/5 Reflector Telescope?

A: Yes, you can