StellarDrive 3P (EQ3-2)

(Stated price is for upgrade/tune to customers own mount)

StellarDrive 3P Spec - Imaging Payload 8kg  Guided 0.6 ArcSec RMS, unguided up to 10 mins* with 300mm Lens/DSLR 5 Mins* 70mm APO Refractor and 3 mins* 130/150mm PDS Reflector.
* With 13.8v power, correct counterweights, precise Polar Agnment and balance.

Why upgrade to a StellarDrive™ 3P (EQ3-2) Mount?

This is Sky-Watcher's entry level GOTO EQ mount, which we use as a test mule for new greases. It was never great as a stock mount at circa 2.5 ArcSec RMS with a 70mm refractor, 50mm guidescope and a DSLR. So we applied our Celestron know-how to this little scope after finding lots of success with its bigger brother the EQ5.

Now, it will run a reliable circa 0.6-0.9 ArcSec RMS trace, with the same setup above, and work far better unguided too. Not only that, but is now viable with a 130/150PDS setup for unguided work up to 2-3 minutes, where it would struggle to get 30 secs before. Being a small mount it revels using lighter shorter payloads, so longer refractors over 500mm are not best suited to the EQ3-2 unless visually only.

So why do we call it the StellarDrive 3P? Well, The 'P' is for portable. Both it and it's bigger 5P brother are ideal for backpacking solutions, or in the boot of your car for a weekend away. It's similar to the performance you'd get with a belt modded stock HEQ5, but with a highly useable 7 kg imaging payload, over the 4.5kg advised for a stock mount.

Single 900s test guided frame tuned standard hypertuned HEQ5 Reference Mount.

StellarDrive 3P Notes:

The EQ3-2 SynScan mount typically runs at 30-60 arcsecs from new unguided in independent tests and is said to be sweeter than the NEQ6 for astro-imaging. Once tuned our mounts run circa 23 arcsecs PE, and around 0.6 arcsecs guided (stock is circa 1.7-2.5 ArcSec RMS) is often reported by our customers in independent tests. Also your EQ3-2 mount will run smoother and much quieter. 

A StellarDrive upgrade means you can track longer, and more reliably for better longer exposure times. Unguided with a 150P to circa 3-5 minutes with practice, and up to 5-8 minutes guided with a small 72mm APO Refractor/130PDS. The key with this diminutive mount is precise balance to get the best imaging. The sweet spot is circa 3.5-5 Kg, but can now image up to the full 7kg payload. Works really well with a 130/150PDS for deep sky work. 

The worm-gear shaft just spins with our upgraded new treated bearings. These reduce the end-float, and provide a very solid feel to the mount, which in turn virtually eliminates the well known rocking motion in both RA/DEC.

Work includes:

Every Mount is examined externally for any damage and owner notified for any extra-parts (replacement Sky-Watcher EQ bolts for example).

The Mount is stripped back in both axis to component level, inspected for damage or wear, and degreased and ultrasonically cleaned where applicable. Bearings are then replaced with low friction and super smooth worm-gear bearings, that really do improve the responsiveness of this mount. All bearings are checked and spun before fitting. Over and above our standard rebuild extra work includes:

• New DEC axis lower thrust bearing for better dual axis dithering performance
• Sleeve crown rings are super-finished, to create exeptional balance and fluidity
• reworked and dampened transfer spur gears for reduced harmonics rivalling belt drive. 
• Surface work on internal castings (where required).
• Our custom lubricant package, to Bonneville v6.3.5
• Red Ergo levers
• Benefits all motorised versions of the EQ3-2, and the Celestron Omni CG4

Mount is reassembled using upgraded dampening greases and oils which operate in all temperatures from -30ºC to +125ºC (we use them in our Export Service and our own products so have been tested at these temperatures for over five years!).

The Mount is then bench tested and adjusted to remove backlash in the worm gear, and to ensure the operation of the mount is as cohesive as it can be.

GoTo Handset and Mount control box are checked for Firmware updates and updated to the latest version as required and also tested for operation.

In the case of axis repairs and tuning we carry out a load test on every mount with either an 72mm APO Reflector or 150mm ƒ5 Reflector - and adjust to ensure the mount is performing as it should under real-world conditions. 

The mount is videoed/photographed during evaluation, disassembly and rebuild, with a soundwave check to confirm drivetrain signature - for our own purposes only. 

E&OE - Mount Build Specification and components used subject to change without notice. Example EQ mount tracking performance is not guaranteed, and is subject to the age and condition of the Donor Mount supplied for rebuild.