what comes with the heq5 box??

[cal1985]

Hi all.

I going to be buying my first proper mount to get into the world of astrophotography. im looking at the HEQ5 pro synscan.. presently i have an EQ2 with a skywatcher 130/900

my question is... am i going to need to buy extra stuff to attach the ota to the mount ie dovetail mounting brackets? or will this be supplied?

also i have heard alot of people using a philips toucam as a guide camera.. how does this work as i thought you needed to buy a special camera with a ST4 port ?

Many thanks in advance

Callum

[Merlin66]

The dovetail you already have on the telescope should fit the HEQ5pro.

You may need a power connector ....

A webcam can be used as a guide camera (with a suitable guide scope mounted on the main scope) to get correction signals to the mount you need something like PHD guide software and a ST-4 cable. ShoeString make a suitable cable - it's serial to ST-4 ( you may need a USB to Serial adaptor - I use a Keyspan)

As an alternative you can use the PC based EQMOD software to control both the mount and provide guide correction signals (pulse guide mode)

Hope this helps.

[dishmop]

I have a related question.

I should be picking up the HEQ-5 Pro synscan in a week, and I've seen a few references to people replacing the latitude and azimuth bolts as the supplied ones have a risk of bending over time, which sounds not so great.

Is this a real issue, and if so has anyone got a recommendation for some reasonably priced replacement bolts?

Many thanks,

[malc-c]

Dave,

The chap that makes these often sells sets on e-bay eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

These are the altitude bolts, but he also does complete sets for under £50

Alternatively if you want to spend a bit of time trawling the net there are cheaper alternatives from fastening suppliers