Skywatcher EQ8-RH Pro

[jambouk]

Has anyone used one of these yet? I'd be interested to hear what scopes have been used on it for unguided imaging and what duration subs have been reliably achieved. If there are only encoders on the RA, how does it ensure there is no drift in declination?

James

[bomberbaz]

Did you read the blurb on the FLO website James? Apparently you can train the mount to increase accuracy.

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-mounts/sky-watcher-eq8-rh-astronomy-mount-with-renishaw-ra-encoder.html

[jambouk]

Thanks.

Are you referring to the Permenant Period Error Correction (PPEC)? If so, I can't see how that differs from the standard EQ8 or even from my AZEQ6. I can't really see much difference from the EQ8, apart from these things:

• Cable management system for reduced tangling.
• Improved Connectivity.
• Improved installation position of motors for improved balance.
• Improved clutch mechanism provides more holding strength.
• Improved dovetail groove knob for added comfort and increased locking power.
• Belt drive on the RA and DEC axes for quiet slewing (previously only the RA axes was belt driven).

It doesn't even have freedom find which the EQ8 does. I was under the impression there was something much more fancy with the encoders in the EQ8-Rh, but I am failing to see that. 

Thanks

James

 

[jambouk]

It seems the R.A. encoders correct for periodic error and for non-periodic errors such as running too fast or too slow to keep the R.A. at near prefect sidereal rate.