The Cygnus Observatory now has a Skywatcher EQ8 mount – yippee!!. This will considerably help SAS to promote the study of Astronomy in the local community.
This has been achieved from the fundraising efforts from members Sunderland Astronomical (you know who you are) & the from kind donation from the Community Foundation’s “Frank Acfield“ Endowment fund.
The Skywatcher EQ8 is still undergoing some final tweaks & updates, but like the Death Star it is fully armed and operational!
Due to our dedicated SAS members, we also now have have (limited range) WIFI access in Discovery Centre and Cygnus observatory. Removable flooring and laptop stands for audio visual presentations/illustrations,etc.
Skywatcher EQ8 Key features:
- 50 Kg payload capacity.
- High resolution stepper-motors directly drive the worm gears to minimise backlash.
- Patented dual-encoder technology for perfect harmony between manual handling and automated Synscan driven operation, never losing the position.
- Modern driver software with AUTOHOME, PPEC and hardware compatible with the established Synscan handset and the new starchart driven Synscan Tour.
For more information, see:
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