StellarTune™ EQ8 Mount

New Generation StellarTune™ and re-engineered EQ8 for more performance

TO USE OUR EASY 3 WAY OPTION - PLEASE CHOOSE THIS FROM THE DROP DOWN MENU AT THE DESPATCH STAGE OF CHECKOUT 

EQ8 Performance:

Upgrading your EQ8 substantially reduces backlash and improves periodic error. It also makes the mount more reliable for observatory. We can help if your 2014-2016 EQ8's suffer from clutch issues, drivetrain or tracking issues. Tuned mounts run typically at circa 0.99 ArcsSec/min RMS unguided, and down to 0.2 ArcSec RMS (when conditions allow), make them perfect for ultra deep sky/narrowband imaging where long expure times are reliability are a must. PE Guide Amplitude is reduced to ±0.25 Arcsec or less

We have HEQ5, NEQ6, AZEQ6GT and now EQ8 Reference mounts that are utilised to constantly improve our tuning methodology and demonstrate the benefits of enhancing any mount.

Here is a customer supplied PHD graph of one of our EQ8 Mounts. Other customer supplied examples are available upon request.

Image: 2018 (Bonneville v6.3.2.2) hypertuned EQ8 StellarDrive 0.33 arcsecs RMS after 20 hours use.


Work includes:

Each EQ Mount is examined externally for any damage and owners are notified for any extra-parts (replacement Sky-Watcher EQ bolts, for example) if needed. We photograph dis-assembly and reassembly of key components, and video before and after with a sound check that creates a unique sound signature for each mount. It is also tested on our own custom tracking test rig before we start any work.


The Mount is stripped back in both axis to component level, inspected for damage or wear, and degreased. Owners are notified if any extra-parts are required or upgraded by request.

Cone Axis bearings are degreased, checked for wear and ultrasonically cleaned and re-lubricated, as are the bearing cone surfaces checked and cleaned in the mount.

All external threaded bolts on mount and tripod (if supplied) are degreased, ultrasonically cleaned and re-lubricated. 

Motors tested and gearboxes checked*  (*where applicable).

Mount is reassembled using upgraded greases and oils which operate in all temperatures from -25ºC to +50ºC (we use them in our Export Service and our own products so have been customer tested at these temperatures!).

The Mount is then bench tested and adjusted to remove backlash and to ensure operation of mount.

GoTo Handset and Mount is checked for Firmware updates and updated with latest code as required and tested for operation.

Free fitting of QHY Polemaster adapter if purchased and camera test to ensure correct focus and operation.

In the case of axis repairs and tuning we carry out a load test on every mount with either an 8 inch reflector or 100mm f9 refractor - or 70mm refractor for smaller mounts, and adjust worm backlash to dial out as much movement a possible so to ensure the mount is performing as it should under real-world conditions. Your EQ8 is calibrated using our custom SIDAC-36M Test rig for before/after build data. Please note that the mount requires 15-50 hours run in time, and is calibrated for your climate on internation builds.

Mount is then readied for shipping/collection.

EQ8 Tuning Notes:

The EQ8 requires a 13.8v 5-8 Amp dedicated power supply for smooth operation. For larger OTA Payloads over 20KG we strongly recommend slowing the max slew rate in EQMOD from 800x to 512x (and lower to 400x for temperatures lower than 0C or over 25ºC), as this will cause the motors to strain with bigger payloads. This is from customer feedback. We have a modified EQMOD.ini for limiting this speed to work with your favourite planetarium software.

We have a specific Bonneville Build Type v6.3.2.2  for the EQ8 as it requires a special lubricant package to improve the PE amplitude of the mount. DO NOT use any pure white lithium grease, or any kind of 'superlube' with this mount! Extra charges will apply if the mount require decontamination.

Backlash adjustment of this mount requires very precise engagement so that the worm-gear does not bind. The mount (like any other) is susceptible to temperture change, so for best performance, please keep your observatory cool, as the mount will absorb heat during the day in hotter climates.

The tuned EQ8 will run sub asrcecond at full payload (tested to 45KG!) and the PHD graphs will flatten out with use. Balance is improved in both axis.

The mount is videoed/photographed during evaluation, disassembly and rebuild, with a soundwave check to confirm drivetrain signature. All work carried out is now covered by our worldwide 24 month limited warranty, with PHD Support.

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.