HEQ5 vs HEQ5 pro synscan

[Psychobilly]

The Synterk had the same motors and drivers as the Synscan but without the goto handset... You could use a laptop and cheap EQdir interface to drive the mount from basically any of the astro charting apps...

It also had a guideport...

I have got an HEQ5 Syntrek which by being in the right place at the right time I bought for £5 (minus the tripod and weights) ...with a receipt.. I already had an EQ3-Pro so could use the Synscan controller of that to effectively turn it into a HEQ5 Pro...

The bog standard HEQ5 doesnt allow computer control... You can modify the handset to allow it to be guided...

Peter...

[Russe]

Sorry for being so thick, but:

The bog standard HEQ5 has GOTO technOlogy and a handset but you can't set up a guidecam?

Again, sorry, am new to this and saving 300£ would make a big diff to me...

[Psychobilly]

The confusion that we are suffering seems to be down to the naming of the HEQ5 range of mounts..

The Goto version is the "HEQ5 Pro Synscan" - although the Pro sysncan bit doesn't get included in most posts...

The HEQ5 (no longer available) was a internally a different mount...

Peter...

[Russe]

And exactly this HEQ5 is for sale as NEW on eBay. And I'm wondering - why the price difference. Should I save longer and go all the way or could I save some cash?

[Psychobilly]

If you have any issues with it what will the support be like if you buy it from a German ebay member...?

If your 100% certain that it is the Pro version then its a decision only you can make...

Peter...

[Stephen]

And exactly this HEQ5 is for sale as NEW on eBay. And I'm wondering - why the price difference. Should I save longer and go all the way or could I save some cash?

If you buy the mount you have linked to on eBay you will:

Have no GOTO

Have no guideport

Have lesser quality motors

Your call

(Edit : to get the better motors, handset, goto, guideport, you need to fork out £290 to aunty FLO. I have not found the motors available separately without the handset.)

[malc-c]

Not to mention, shipping, VAT and Customs Duty - Typically can add another 25-30%

And as Peter has mentioned, no UK warranty and should it need to be repaired it would be down to you to return it to Germany at your cost.

[Psychobilly]

AFAIK EU to EU should be no VAT and import duty if they have already been been paid in Germany...

Peter...

[Merlin66]

Looking at the image - it's a basic "no frills" HEQ5

(The small handcontroller with the direction switches is a give away.)

So, as already mentioned - No GOTO, No guide port.....

[malc-c]

AFAIK EU to EU should be no VAT and import duty if they have already been been paid in Germany...

Peter...

True...

[Russe]

Thanks Kh3ldar! This was the advice I was looking for. Back to saving then...

Thanks everyone for saving me 470 £!!!!