Upgrade mount from HEQ5 to NEQ6

[RSM]

Hi, I'm hoping someone might be able to help me out here...

I've been looking at potentially upgrading my current HEQ5 mount to and NEQ6 as I'm getting close to the limit of the HEQ5. I have the synscan system for my current mount and am looking at what the lowest cost way is to upgrade. From what I've read, I can use my existing handset with the EQ6, but what is not really clear is what version of the EQ6 I would need to buy. I've seen the full blown GOTO synscan version, but I'm thinking I don't need that as I already have the synscan handset. There is a syntrek version, which apparently I can use my synscan hand set with to effectively upgrade it to the full GOTO and I've also read that there is a basic EQ6, which I'm not sure whether I would be able to just add my synscan handset to or not (If this final option exists, I think I would need to add the electronics, motherboard and motors which only come with the syntrek or full GOTO system).

Is my understanding correct. Either way it'll be expensive, however I guess I'd be able to sell my HEQ5 mount (less the handset) second hand (which is how I bought it in the first place - guess that makes it third hand!) to offset the cost.

Thanks for any answers you might be able to provide.

[Tinker1947]

I think the NEQ6 differs from the rest with better tracking motor so it guides better....I'm sure somebody will have the right info....

[Cornelius Varley]

The basic EQ6 mount (non goto with simple dual axis drives) would need a full upgrade to turn it into a goto mount. The EQ6 Syntrek only needs the Synscan handset (which you have) to give it goto functionality.  The differences between the EQ6 Synscan and NEQ6 version is the dual fit dovetail saddle and the counterweight extension bar, the motors remain the same as the EQ6 Synscan/Syntrek mount. The EQ6 Synscan is apparently no longer available as is the EQ6 with dual axis drives so the choice is EQ6 Syntrek and reuse your existing handset or NEQ6 Synscan.

[RSM]

19 minutes ago, Cornelius Varley said:

The basic EQ6 mount (non goto with simple dual axis drives) would need a full upgrade to turn it into a goto mount. The EQ6 Syntrek only needs the Synscan handset (which you have) to give it goto functionality.  The differences between the EQ6 Synscan and NEQ6 version is the dual fit dovetail saddle and the counterweight extension bar, the motors remain the same as the EQ6 Synscan/Syntrek mount. The EQ6 Synscan is apparently no longer available as is the EQ6 with dual axis drives so the choice is EQ6 Syntrek and reuse your existing handset or NEQ6 Synscan.

Thanks for the quick reply Cornelius. Does the EQ6 still have the ability to have counterweights or would I need the NEQ6 with the counterweight extension bar for them?

[Cornelius Varley]

The extension bar is available as an extra

[Tinker1947]

You can get quite a few weights on the single NEQ6 bar....

[RSM]

1 hour ago, Tinker1947 said:

You can get quite a few weights on the single NEQ6 bar....

Cool! Great photo, thanks!!