Omegon Polar wedge EQ-Platform 45° (74423)

The Omegon EQ platform is a tracking system designed specifically for Dobsonian telescopes.

Dobsonian telescopes are popular for their simplicity and excellent optics, but manual tracking can be challenging, especially for beginners. Slewing and tilting the telescope smoothly to follow celestial objects and compensate for the Earth's rotation often requires practice. By placing your Dobsonian on the EQ platform, a motor automatically compensates for the Earth's rotation. This allows you to observe objects at high magnifications without them drifting out of view too quickly, making it much easier to share the experience with family and friends.

Main advantages:

• Battery-powered tracking system for Dobsonian telescopes

• Supports telescopes up to 30 kg (approximately 10" / 254 mm aperture)

• Quick to set up and easy to operate

• Lightweight at only 3.5 kg, yet robust

• Available in different versions for various latitudes

Tracking and alignment

The platform provides tracking for up to one hour before it needs to be manually reset to its starting position. The motor is powered by a standard 9-volt battery. For polar alignment, simply align the platform roughly to the north. Unlike traditional equatorial mounts, you don't need to set the latitude on the platform itself. Instead, choose the appropriate version for your location’s latitude, rounded to the nearest 5°:

• 40°: Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece

• 45°: France, Italy, Croatia, Romania

• 50°: France, Belgium, Germany, Poland

• 55°: Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Poland

Precise polar alignment is not required, but some drift of objects in the field of view may occur. This can be minimized by fine-tuning the motor speed.

Compatibility

The platform can support Dobsonian telescopes up to 30 kg in weight. The telescope base must have three feet, with the distance between the feet not exceeding 45 cm. Most Dobsonians up to 254 mm (10") aperture meet these requirements.

Note: Push-to systems that use encoders (such as Omegon Push+ or Orion IntelliScope) are not compatible with the EQ platform.

Included in the package:

• Motor with mounting bracket and hex key

• Top rocking plate

• Bottom support plate

(9-volt battery and Phillips screwdriver are not included.)

Specifications

• Maximum load capacity: 30 kg

• Battery-powered: Yes

• Suitable for: Dobsonian telescopes

• Latitude range: 42° - 47°

• Type: Mount accessory

• Build: Polar wedge

• Total weight: 3.5 kg

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 58 x 46 x 10 cm

• Material: Wood

• Battery type: 9V block (6LR61, 6F22)