USB-HEQ5 direct interface for Skywatcher HEQ5, EQ8, AZ-EQ6, AZ-EQ5, EQ6-R

This interface cable was developed to get the most out of the HEQ5 Goto mount in conjunction with the open EQMOD project. It also fits directly to all mounts with an RJ45 port for the hand box, such as Skywatcher EQ8, AZ-EQ6, AZ-EQ5, EQ6-R, NEQ5, NEQ3 and ORION Sirius.

This interface allows a PC with a USB port to be connected to the equatorial mount instead of the hand control box. In this way, the mount's motors are controlled directly from the PC. This enables functions that were not previously possible: ultra-precise Goto, direct autoguiding (via ASCOM), satellite tracking, N-star alignment, synchronisation, GPS support, etc.

Note: Skywatcher and Orion also sell "Goto-compatible" HEQ5 mounts (Skywatcher designation "Syntrek") that do not have the Goto hand controller. These mounts are nevertheless fully compatible with the USB-HEQ5 Direct Interface, as the built-in electronics and mechanics are exactly the same as in the Goto models, only the hand control box is different.

Compatible software: All ASCOM-compatible, Cartes du Ciel, Astrosnap, ...

The latest driver can be found at: https://www.pierro-astro.com/telechargements/category/35-eq-direct