Goto Motor for Skywatcher 130P EQ2

[fredbloggsXIII]

Hi.  My telescope has been gathering dust as I find trying to manually control it really hard and quickly lose sight of any objects I may find.

Can anyone point me in the right direction of where I can get a GoTo motor to use with my telescope?  I don't mind if it is New or Used, I have had a look but not really sure what I am looking for.  Ideally I would like one where you can program it to point at and track selected objects (e.g. Mars, the Moon, etc)

Thanks for any advice/links provided.

[KP82]

The only motorised options that are available for your EQ2 mount are these basic RA motor drives:

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/ra-single-speed-motor-drive-for-eq-2.html

http://www.opticalvision.co.uk/astronomical_accessories-motor_drives_and_goto_upgrades/ra_motor_drive_for_eq2.html

 

If you'd like GOTO, you will have to upgrade to an entirely new mount. You can attach your 130P to the new mount with a vixen dovetail. The cheapest GOTO mount will cost more than the whole 130P/EQ2 package.

Edited January 25, 2021 by KP82

[malc-c]

As mentioned the only commercial goto option you have is to replace your EQ2 mount with the EQ3 pro goto https://www.rothervalleyoptics.co.uk/skywatcher-eq3-pro-goto-mount-tripod.html for around £420

[saac]

Astro EQ may an awful lot cheaper option; I've used it myself and I am sure it would be acceptable but you would need to confirm compatibility with an EQ2 - I'm sure it would be.  You would need to add suitable stepper motors - NEMA 17 would most likely be suitable.  Only trouble is that it is not available at the moment during pandemic so if you are not in  hurry it may be a much cheaper option. 

https://www.astroeq.co.uk/purchase.php

 

 

Edited - this would suggest it imay be possible  https://www.astroeq.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=154.0

Jim 

Edited January 25, 2021 by saac

[Cornelius Varley]

9 minutes ago, saac said:

I've used it myself and I am sure it would be acceptable but you would need to confirm compatibility with an EQ2 - I'm sure it would be.

It probably won't be compatible with the EQ2. The Dec axis on the EQ1 & 2 has only small amount of travel. unlike the EQ3-2 & 5 etc which have a full 360degrees of travel using the slo-mo cable.

[saac]

EQ5 for sale £120 on UK Astro Buy and Sell at the moment  

https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=170247

 

Jim 

[malc-c]

32 minutes ago, saac said:

EQ5 for sale £120 on UK Astro Buy and Sell at the moment  

https://www.astrobuysell.com/uk/propview.php?view=170247

 

Jim 

 

Then add the cost of the EQ5 pro goto kit ( £330) as it is just a manual mount and you end up paying more than the new warrantied EQ3 pro goto

Plus

Quote

Selling my EQ-5 mount, badged as Celestron, great condition, has the covers for the motors should you wish to upgrade.
Extended Flexi shaft controls fitted. No counterweight included.

So you have the additional cost to purchase a new weight, as without it the mount is useless !

Not the best referral Jim  

Edited January 25, 2021 by malc-c

[saac]

3 hours ago, malc-c said:

 

Then add the cost of the EQ5 pro goto kit ( £330) as it is just a manual mount and you end up paying more than the new warrantied EQ3 pro goto

Plus

So you have the additional cost to purchase a new weight, as without it the mount is useless !

Not the best referral Jim  

I did not suggest EQ5 go pro kit at £330 , I suggested Astro Eq which comes in at approx £80 .  Quite a sensible referral I thought for a budget EQ5 goto.   It is what I started with  

Jim 

Edited January 25, 2021 by saac

[malc-c]

1 hour ago, saac said:

I did not suggest EQ5 go pro kit at £330 , I suggested Astro Eq which comes in at approx £80 .  Quite a sensible referral I thought for a budget EQ5 goto.   It is what I started with  

Jim 

Ah... I see...   However there is one fly in the ointment... The AstroEQ site has been closed since lockdown last March of last year

Quote

Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the UKs current policies on social distancing, until further notice PCBs and ICs are unavailable. While there is no evidence that the virus can be spread through sending and receiving packages nationally or internationally, I would at this time prefer to avoid making any unnecessary trips to post out items.

The store is closed for maintenance

With everything in short supply, or sites off line it's going to be hard for the OP to find a resolution - hopefully something may come up in the second hand market

[saac]

10 hours ago, malc-c said:

Ah... I see...   However there is one fly in the ointment... The AstroEQ site has been closed since lockdown last March of last year

With everything in short supply, or sites off line it's going to be hard for the OP to find a resolution - hopefully something may come up in the second hand market

Yep and that is exactly why I mentioned that in my original post!!!!

If the OP wishes to follow up on the Astro EQ then a search for a unit on the 2nd hand market may be worthwhile.  Indeed there is also the potential to build your own! Plans and component lists are readily available not least from EQMOD itself.   All these options may or may not be of use to the OP or indeed anybody who subsequently reads the thread but they represent a potential route to an effective goto mount at reasonable cost.  

Jim

17 hours ago, saac said:

Astro EQ may an awful lot cheaper option; I've used it myself and I am sure it would be acceptable but you would need to confirm compatibility with an EQ2 - I'm sure it would be.  You would need to add suitable stepper motors - NEMA 17 would most likely be suitable.  Only trouble is that it is not available at the moment during pandemic so if you are not in  hurry it may be a much cheaper option. 

https://www.astroeq.co.uk/purchase.php

 

 

Edited - this would suggest it imay be possible  https://www.astroeq.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=154.0

Jim 

im