Heq5 Black version

[Lucas1807]

Good afternoon. Was wondering if there is anyone on here that could possibly help before I purchase expensive stuff 🤣🤣 So purchased an old heq5 black version. Didn't come with any hand controller. My question is will it work with asiair plus via hand controller socket rj12 via an eqmod cable. It hasn't been upgraded so it's the original version. Thanks very much

[AstroMuni]

Before you purchase an ASIair, check if the mount works with your laptop using the cable.

Edited April 24, 2023 by AstroMuni

[Cornelius Varley]

18 minutes ago, AstroMuni said:

Before you purchase an ASIair, check if the mount works with your laptop using the cable.

I doubt eqmod works with the old dual axis (non synscan) heq5. Probably also the asiair.

The synscan upgrade kit costs about £452 https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/synscan-pro-goto-version-3-upgrade-kit-for-heq5.html

[AstroMuni]

37 minutes ago, Cornelius Varley said:

I doubt eqmod works with the old dual axis (non synscan) heq5. Probably also the asiair.

Thats sad. Any idea what is the ST port used for on the old model?

[Cosmic Geoff]

4 minutes ago, AstroMuni said:

Thats sad. Any idea what is the ST port used for on the old model?

It could be for guiding, or for connecting the RA +DEC hand controller which does not appear in your photos.

[Cornelius Varley]

15 minutes ago, AstroMuni said:

Thats sad. Any idea what is the ST port used for on the old model?

The port shown in the photo is the handbox port. I am not aware of an ST4 port on the old mount.

[doublevodka]

Maybe have a look at onstep if you don't mind a bit of diy https://onstep.groups.io/g/main/wiki/3860

[malc-c]

19 hours ago, Cornelius Varley said:

I doubt eqmod works with the old dual axis (non synscan) heq5. Probably also the asiair.

The synscan upgrade kit costs about £452 https://www.firstlightoptics.com/sky-watcher-mount-accessories/synscan-pro-goto-version-3-upgrade-kit-for-heq5.html

A new HEQ5 is just over a grand.  With the upgrade costing just under half that of a new mount it begs the question of whether to get a new mount rather than fit the upgrade.

[Cornelius Varley]

21 minutes ago, malc-c said:

A new HEQ5 is just over a grand.  With the upgrade costing just under half that of a new mount it begs the question of whether to get a new mount rather than fit the upgrade.

It's still £600 cheaper to upgrade the mount than spend £1052. That £600 can then be spend on the ASIair + other stuff. No questions need begging.