SynScan GOTO upgrade kit for Sky-Watcher EQ5 (NEQ5) mount
Do you own a Sky-Watcher EQ5 or NEQ5 mechanical equatorial mount and want to get the most out of it? This upgrade kit transforms it into a fully automated GoTo system - without the need to buy a new mount. Simply attach the motors to both axes, connect the SynScan hand controller, and from that moment on the mount will point your telescope to any target automatically.
SynScan hand controller and pointing accuracy
The SynScan hand controller features a clear LCD display and allows you to select a target from a database of 42,900 astronomical objects - including the complete Messier, NGC and IC catalogues. The mount then independently slews the telescope to the selected target with an accuracy of 1 arcminute. Slewing speed reaches up to 3.4°/s (800x), so you never have to wait long. You can also store up to 25 custom positions, making it easy to return to your favourite objects at any time.
Before first use, a star alignment must be performed. You can choose between 1-, 2- or 3-star alignment, with the 3-star option providing the highest pointing accuracy.
Astrophotography features
The SynScan GOTO kit is not just for visual observers. The stepper motors with a step angle of 1.8° offer a motion resolution of 0.144 arcseconds, providing the precision needed for accurate tracking. A significant portion of periodic worm error is eliminated by the built-in PEC (Periodic Error Correction) software, which stabilises the image during long exposures.
A dedicated autoguider port is also available, allowing the mount to be fully integrated into an astrophotography workflow with guiding correction. Tracking speed is adjustable in steps of 0.25x, 0.50x, 0.75x and 1x to suit your current needs. Manual slewing is possible at nine different speeds: 2x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 400x, 500x, 600x and 800x.
Connectivity and firmware updates
The SynScan controller supports firmware updates via the internet, so you will always have the latest software. The mount can also be connected to a computer for control via planetarium software.
Compatibility and power requirements
This kit is designed exclusively for the Sky-Watcher EQ5 (NEQ5) mount - the mount itself is not included. Operation requires an external 12V DC power supply with a minimum output current of 2A. The battery box normally supplied with the mount does not provide sufficient power and is not suitable.
Please note that different upgrade kit versions exist for different Sky-Watcher mount models. Before ordering, make sure you are selecting the correct kit for your specific mount.
Key specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Object database |
42,900 objects (Messier, NGC, IC and more) |
| Pointing accuracy |
1 arcminute |
| Maximum slew speed |
3.4°/s (800x) |
| Motion resolution |
0.144 arcseconds |
| Stepper motor step angle |
1.8° |
| Tracking speed steps |
0.25x, 0.50x, 0.75x, 1x |
| Manual slew speeds |
2x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x |
| Custom positions memory |
Up to 25 positions |
| Star alignment options |
1-, 2- or 3-star alignment |
| Autoguider port |
Yes |
| Power supply required |
12V DC, minimum 2A |
| Compatible mount |
Sky-Watcher EQ5 / NEQ5 |
| Mount included |
No |
