Special work on EQ-6 mount and renovation of drive mechanism

Highly recommended service and upgrade for EQ-6 Pro mount

( 5 / 5 )

I highly recommend this service to owners of the older "white" EQ-6 Pro mounts from Sky-Watcher. It truly revitalizes your mount, significantly upgrading its performance to be on par with the latest models from the same brand. This option is not only faster but also more cost-effective than attempting to sell an old EQ-6 (which isn't easy!) and purchasing a new one.

I bought my EQ-6 Pro back in 2008, and it had performed flawlessly for nearly 16 years, even though I kept it outdoors under a cover almost permanently. However, this past winter, while attempting a GoTo function in freezing temperatures, my RA motor stalled. This was the first issue I'd ever encountered, and I knew it was time for a major maintenance overhaul.

I decided to use this opportunity not only for servicing but also to upgrade the mount’s mechanics and electronics. The service involved a complete teardown of my mount — dismantled down to the last screw, thoroughly cleaned, and re-greased with high-performance lithium-based grease. All mechanical components and bearings were inspected and replaced if necessary. Additionally, a Rowan Belt Mod was installed. After reassembly, everything was carefully adjusted and tested.

Throughout the process, I had excellent communication with Achim Mros, who carried out the work. He explained every detail and responded promptly to my questions. Upon my request, he also upgraded my old motherboard, which had a DB9 connector, to a modern version with a USB port (https://www.astroshop.eu/other-spare-parts/skywatcher-motherboard-eq6-pro-usb-port/p,80034). This new board allows the mount to be controlled with the latest software, which is incompatible with the old motherboard, enabling new features like continuous satellite tracking, for example. To my surprise, even my old keypad was upgraded to be compatible with the new system!

I've now been using the upgraded mount for over a year and feel the difference. It operates like a brand-new mount and is fully compatible with SynScan App and SkyTrack for satellite tracking. The tracking accuracy has significantly improved. I measured the periodic error and found it to be a smooth curve with peak PE values of 6 arcseconds. It performs definitely better than the mount did before the service!