What's Up? Webcast: EQ vs Harmonic vs Direct Drive

What's Up? Webcast: EQ vs Harmonic vs Direct Drive
(Episode 177)
Mount technology is rapidly changing, but what does it actually mean for us astronomers? We take a look at the various mount options what what they bring to the table. Geared mounts, belt drive, harmonic and direct drive are all options for the modern astronomer but what does that mean for us? Lets find out together!
What's Up? webcast take place right here on the Sky-Watcher USA KZbin channel every Friday from 10am to 11am Pacific.
For more information on Sky-Watcher products please visit www.skywatcherusa.com

[@gregcrinklaw]

This is a good video about drives for mounts. But with change and new options, there is room for some new types of misconceptions to occur. The type of mount has nothing to do with the drive. It is mechanical differences that determine the type of mount, such as: German equatorial, Dobsonian, Fork, Horseshoe, or even an equatorial platform. The main two types of mounts are equatorial vs alt/az. The primary distinction between equatorial mounts is whether or not they require a meridian flip. What's changed with these new harmonic wave mounts (or strain wave) is that they can be used in both alt/az or equatorial modes, which can be a little confusing. When it comes to how these mounts are actually used, the need for a meridian flip is the deciding factor. If you stop and look carefully, noting how there are two axes at right angles, these newer harmonic wave mounts are in fact German Equatorials, just without a counterweight. But it isn't the counterweight that defines the type of EQ mount, so these are properly categorized to as German Equatorials, regardless of how they may be marketed.

[@heavyjohnny]

Well, referencing strain wave, its more like the weight was added because they have a tripod too small to handle the load they put on it. The mount will swing the weight just fine. You could get a pier or a wider tripod to solve the issue. Also, I would say ZERO backlash is pretty special and the fact the AM5 weighs a fraction of the EQ6 is also something special to note.

[@briankotak403]

Great video Kevin. That was really informative. Thanks. Dr B from Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

[@sHuRuLuNi]

I can do 10+ minutes unguided imaging with my friction drive mount. In fact, I even tested it with 15 and 20 minutes, no problem at all (there just is no need to do it regularly). It holds a ton of weight and it is super simple and reliable. It is a mystery to me why none of the "big" companies offer friction drive mounts ...

[@robinwoodbury2563]

Thanks so much to Kevin and Sky-Watcher for this valuable overview of mount drive technologies. I feel like I have a far better grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of these devices.

[@ricardoabh3242]

Have you done a presentation of the AZ-GTiX?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

We don't have plans currently to bring that model into the U.S,, so we have not done an episode on it.

[@tubedude54]

Nice presentation... sorry I missed it live. What I'm really interested in is kits to add strainwave or even a direct drive to existing mounts and the software to run them. I have a really nice fork mount I'd love to put either on if somebody would supply the hardware. I've been toying in my mind of getting either a Pegasus or ZWO strainwave mount and taking the RA and Dec mechanisms out and making the needed mounting hardware to attach them to my fork...

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Unfortunately when referring to strainwave and especially direct direct drives there would not be an easy way to simply make a add on kit. The mount really needs to be designed with these in mind as they are the heart of the mount.

[@tubedude54]

@@SkyWatcherUSA Oh no! You almost said 'it can't be done!' lol Because that would be a challenge I might just take on!

[@HerbsGarage]

Nice informative video ! Looking forward to something lighter (and thus more portable) than my HEQ5 and EQ6R, and of course improved tracking, possibly from a harmonic strain wave and/or belt drive, possibly with less counterweights. And I am not a fan of any of that phone app stuff, I want a standard hand controller and a standard usb laptop hookup. Smaller scale direct drives look very attractive, if the manufacturing price can be reduced.

[@seemantadutta]

Great video!! I learned a lot. One question about the direct drive: won’t it need a field rotator for the imaging sensor since it looks like it turns only in Alt-Az axes?

[@rorobishop9661]

You Can use a wedge that goes on the pier (custom Made for youre longitude) that the mount, mounts to To turn it into a EQ but yes you are right

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Yes, that is correct. As stated in the previous comment you would need to make it an EQ mount. Direct drives can come in all designs.

[@mluu83]

What's the max amperage that the Wave 150i can supply through the saddle connections? The Pegasus Powerbox V3 needs 10A to ensure everything is sufficiently powered. Is that possible through the saddle?

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

It is likely the same as our larger CQ350 and EQ8-R which is 5amps.

[@jaimenegrete1253]

Very interesting program, full of good information. I have since 2020 my EQ6R PRO, belt drive which I imported to Chile where I live. Unfortunately works perfectly until last week. Now the USB B port on the mount is dead so I can not use the mini pc to control it. I can use the hand control to move it, but is not the same, you know? There is not option available locally to service the mount and I don't feel comfortable trying to replace the USB B jack myself without a backup plan. I would like to know if Skywatcher USA, selling the motherboard as a spare to replace it. Please if you can give me a hand with this. Many thanks in advance. I always watch you webcast to keep me updated with the technology, always useful information . Greetings from BelloCielo - Chile Jaime

[@SkyWatcherUSA]

Sorry to hear about this. Please reach out to [e-mail] and they will be able to assist with this.

[@jaimenegrete1253]

Thanks I will contact them.