Skywatcher HEQ5 Syntrek no longer available.

[FLO]

The Skywatcher HEQ5 Syntrek mount is no longer available. At this stage we don't know whether this is a UK only situation, nor whether the Skywatcher EQ6 Syntrek will be similarly affected.

The HEQ5 SynTrek mount had the same pre-installed stepper-motors, motherboard and ST-4 autoguider port as the PRO SynScan but was supplied with a non-GOTO hand controller that provided slewing controls and automatic tracking of celestial objects. It was most popular with astro-imagers who use a PC running Planetarium software via EQMOD to control the mount, so have no need for the PRO model's GOTO handset.

If you were planning to buy a HEQ5 Syntrek we suggest you start phoning around asap (we have sold out). If you are planning to buy an EQ6 Syntrek it might prove wise to buy sooner rather than later.

Hope that helps,

Steve

[Stephen]

Any thoughts on the reasoning behind this?

[FLO]

Any thoughts on the reasoning behind this?

See HERE

[Deneb]

Sounds like the Storm is brewing larger !

[Odd Dob]

It'd make sense to concentrate on a smaller product range to improve economies of scale from their point of view.

[jaffons]

Phew, looks like I got mine in good time

[garethmob]

just a stab in the dark steve..... but if its just the controller that is different could one source a supply of controlers and sell the synscan versions with that controller instead?

[FLO]

Whilst it does look similar the regular Skywatcher HEQ5 mount is intended for visual astronomers so doesn't have the same stepper-motors, motherboard or ST-4 autoguider port as the HEQ5 Syntrek and HEQ5 PRO SynScan models.

HTH

[Andrew*]

Gareth is suggesting to sell the Synscan with the Syntrek controller.

[FLO]

Ah, sorry, missed that.

That would only work if we had customers for the surplus controllers.

[Parus major]

Just out of interest, when I got a EQ6 syntrek last May it had this leaflet in the box.....

Never seen or heard anything about it since. Connected? Could be a demotion for the Synscan controller and syntrek falls out the bottom.

[Psychobilly]

I guess it leverages a bit more profit for the manufacturer...

[riklaunim]

Maybe they are making room for new mounts (that probably won't be cheap) or just simplifying their mount catalogue... going Apple a bit iSynScan...

[pritc]

I am so glad I ordered and received mine from FLO (21st Sept)

I was going to wait till the end of the year before ordering....

Wayne

[Starbabe]

Just out of interest, when I got a EQ6 syntrek last May it had this leaflet in the box.....

Never seen or heard anything about it since. Connected? Could be a demotion for the Synscan controller and syntrek falls out the bottom.

http://focusscientific.com/osCommerce/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/510

These have been out since 2010?

Cannot see a "red" screen mode. That would suck.

Touch screen, probably sucky too and problematic , especially with dew and no haptic feedback most likely so you will be pressing non responsive virtual buttons repeatedly.

I think Skywatcher just took a step backwards in favour of touchy feedbackless screens ala iPad/iPhone ****.

OLD is the new NEW

On the plus side, you get a USB port, no need for flimsy adaptors

I wouldn't expect more firmware updates for the SynTrek or Synscan now

[Cordulegaster]

There have been hints of new mounts for a while. They should be field testing but I guess those who have seen the new mounts are under confidentiality agreements. Let's hope there are some improvements and that they are bug free :-)

[Starbabe]

There have been hints of new mounts for a while. They should be field testing but I guess those who have seen the new mounts are under confidentiality agreements. Let's hope there are some improvements and that they are bug free :-)

Bug free?

You mean like metal screws that don't bend when turned?

You mean like handsets that don't freeze up and have to be reflashed if you are lucky?

You mean like setting circles that are actually useful?

[Macavity]

...no haptic feedback.

New word-of-the-day for me anyway!

[Starbabe]

New word-of-the-day for me anyway!

It is like on Android where when you press a button you get vibrational feedback that it was pressed.

[Cordulegaster]

Bug free?

You mean like metal screws that don't bend when turned?

You mean like handsets that don't freeze up and have to be reflashed if you are lucky?

You mean like setting circles that are actually useful?

That would be a good start!

[duncan.p]

Starbabe - Do I detect a touch of scarcasm....