About to purchase HEQ5 SynTrek mount - advice please

[davidp]

Guys,

I've been using my Skywatcher skymax 127 synScan AZ goto for almost 2 years and it has been brilliant.  Unfortunately I seem to have got hooked on imaging (mostly planetary for the moment, but I'm seeking to expand this) and so I'm now in the market for a better mount.

After quite a bit of research I'm planning to purchases the HEQ5 SynTrek mount. ( http://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-heq5-syntrek-motorized-mount-tripod.html )

My understanding is that this is basically the same as the HEQ5 PRO SynScan except without the goto SynScan handset.  However, I think I already have this handset from my existing 127 SynScan setup, so all that's required is to reflash the firmware in this.

Have I got this right or am I about to make a very expensive mistake?!

Also, are there any other options I should consider?  The £630 this will cost me is right at the top end of my budget so any other options would need to be a similar price.  That said, if this setup isn't really suitable for DSO imaging then I'd rather wait another year or so to save up a bit more money and make the right purchase then.

Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks for your help

David

[red dwalf]

Have you thought about a second hand heq 5 pro, about £500 with the handset.

[ronin]

I would tend to get the Pro goto at the extra £130 as then you have 2 goto's and may decide to sell the Alz/Az.

If you are imaging then you could use the Alt/Az to pass the time.

Also if the handset fails (not exactly unheard of) then you have a spare - I have 3 goto's and 5 handsets.

[pete_l]

My understanding is that this is basically the same as the HEQ5 PRO SynScan except without the goto SynScan handset.  However, I think I already have this handset from my existing 127 SynScan setup, so all that's required is to reflash the firmware in this.

Also, are there any other options I should consider?

I can't talk about the usefulness of your existing handset. However even if it's not compatible you can use your new HEQ5 Syntrek with a £30 EQMOD adapter. Essentially, this plugs in to the handset port on your mount (be sure to choose the right one: the handset port is different between the HEQ5 and the EQ6 - you need the one with the "telephone" like connector, not the RS-232 connector) and then into your computer and handles all the GOTO stuff.

The only drawback is that you can't "dial in" targets directly as you can with the handset - it all has to come from the computer.

[carastro]

I'd check out the handset with one of the Astro retailers to see whether the handset is compatible. No point in spending unecessary money.

I did the same when I bought an HEQ5 syntrek and asked my retailer if I could use the Synscan pro handset from my NEQ6 (The NEQ6 is permanently in the observatory and the HEQ5 is for taking to Astro camps).  I was told that it would work but I just needed a different cable.

It did indeed work and I didn't have to reflash or anything, but then I was downgrading to a smaller mount.  

However since you're upgrading I'd just double check it will work.

Carike 

[simmo39]

Hi, I have just done this, My hand set was flashed with the latest software and I got the the HEQ 5, Had to get a new lead but just plugged in and away it went. V happy.