Sky-Watcher EQ-1 motor drive
Tracking an astronomical object by manually adjusting your mount is possible - but it quickly becomes tiring, especially at higher magnifications where even a tiny movement can send a star or planet drifting out of the field of view. The motor drive for the EQ-1 mount solves this problem elegantly: once installed, your mount takes care of smooth, continuous sky tracking automatically, so you can focus entirely on the view.
What the EQ-1 motor drive does
The Sky-Watcher EQ-1 motor drive is designed specifically for EQ-1 equatorial mounts, which are typically supplied with 70/900 mm refractors and 114/900 Newtonian telescopes. The motor drives the right ascension (RA) axis at a rate that matches the Earth's rotation, compensating for the apparent movement of the night sky. The result is a stable, steady image throughout your observing session - with no need for constant manual corrections.
Why automatic tracking makes a real difference
Once the motor drive is installed and the mount is properly polar-aligned, the motor takes over all the tracking work. This is especially valuable when observing planets, where magnifications above 100x mean that an uncompensated object can drift out of the field of view in just a few tens of seconds.
Automatic sky tracking also lets you:
- Comfortably share the eyepiece view with other observers
- Take afocal photographs through the eyepiece without rushing
- Relax at the telescope without nervously nudging the axes
The drive is powered by a single 9V battery, which is easy to find and replace virtually anywhere.
Simple installation, immediate results
No special tools or technical knowledge are required to install the motor. It attaches to the designated location on the EQ-1 mount following the included instructions and is ready to use straight away. This makes it an ideal and affordable upgrade for anyone who wants to get the most out of their EQ-1 mount and enjoy truly comfortable astronomical observing.
A great first upgrade for beginners
Whether you are just getting started in astronomy or looking for a practical improvement for your first telescope, the Sky-Watcher EQ-1 motor drive is one of the best early investments you can make - one that will immediately take your observing experience to a whole new level.
Compatibility
| Mount |
Typical telescope |
| Sky-Watcher EQ-1 |
Refractor 70/900 mm |
| Sky-Watcher EQ-1 |
Newtonian 114/900 mm |
Key specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Compatible mount |
Sky-Watcher EQ-1 |
| Drive axis |
Right ascension (RA) |
| Tracking rate |
Sidereal (matches Earth's rotation) |
| Power supply |
1 x 9V battery |
| Installation |
No tools required |
