Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro Mount Head Only with Counterweights

The Sky-Watcher CQ350 Pro: A 35 kg Payload for Demanding Imagers

The CQ350 Pro carries a 35 kg (77 lb) instrument payload, rated for astrophotography and excluding counterweights. One listing covers the head with counterweights; a second variant adds the heavy-duty field tripod.

Drive System: 155 mm R.A. Gear and 0.023 Arc-Second Resolution

The Right Ascension axis features a 155 mm diameter worm gear paired with a 308:1 worm drive. It is driven by 1.8° hybrid stepper motors operating with 256 microsteps.

This gives a driving resolution of 55,193,600 counts per revolution, or about 0.023 arc-seconds. When slewing between targets, the mount can reach a maximum speed of 4° per second.

Payload & Balancing: Carrying 77 lb with Two 10 kg Counterweights

The CQ350 Pro includes two 10 kg (22 lb) counterweights and a 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) counterweight rod to balance its rated 35 kg (77 lb) payload.

To balance your telescope, you must first unlock the R.A. and Dec clutches. With the clutches disengaged, you can adjust the position of the counterweights along the rod and the telescope's dovetail bar within the saddle. Keep the imbalance small when unlocking or locking the clutches, to avoid damaging the gears.

Polar Alignment: A 10° to 72° Latitude Range

The latitude adjusts from 10° to 72° and the azimuth ±15°. Polar-align with all equipment installed.

An external polar scope is optional. The SynScan V5 hand controller also has a Polar Alignment without Polar Scope routine, which uses alignment stars.

GoTo Control: SynScan V5 Controller with a 42,000+ Object Database

The included SynScan V5 hand controller holds a database of over 42,000 celestial objects, including the Messier, NGC, IC, SAO and Caldwell catalogs, as well as planets, double stars, and variable stars.

The hand controller manages all mount functions, from the initial 1, 2, or 3-star alignment to slewing and tracking. It also sets the autoguiding speed and runs the auto-home function.

Connectivity: PC Control via USB and App Support

The CQ350 Pro can be controlled directly from a computer or mobile device. A built-in USB (USB-to-serial) port on the control panel allows for a direct connection to a PC.

The SynScan Pro app is available for Windows, Android and iOS. The Windows and Android versions can connect via the USB port or an optional SynScan Wi-Fi dongle (sold separately). The iOS app requires the Wi-Fi dongle for connection. All of these options support the ASCOM telescope control platform.

Imaging Features: 5 Autoguiding Speeds and a SNAP Shutter Port

The standard RJ-12 autoguide port is compatible with any ST-4 type autoguider. You can select from five different autoguiding speeds (0.125x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, and 1x).

The mount also includes a SNAP port for camera shutter control. When used with the SynScan hand controller's "Camera Control" function, you can automate a sequence of exposures. This allows you to program up to 8 different groups of exposure times and frame counts. A shutter release cable for Canon EOS cameras is included.

Hard Stops and Tripod Options

Internal hard stops on both the R.A. and declination axes protect the mechanical parts, the telescope and the internal wiring.

This package includes the mount head and counterweights only. A separate variant is available that includes a heavy-duty field tripod. skywatcher.com says the head also fits Sky-Watcher's EQ8 pier tripod.

Power System: DC 11-16 V, 55 W Requirement

The mount requires a DC power source providing 11 to 16 volts, with a minimum power output of 55 watts. Higher voltage within this range is preferred; voltage outside it can permanently damage the motor controller or the hand controller. A power cable is included.

Do not use an unregulated AC-to-DC adapter; Sky-Watcher highly recommends its 13.7 V / 4 A switching supply for GoTo mounts. If the voltage is too low, the motor controller stops the motors. The LED beside the autoguide port shows whether the voltage is normal, low or extremely low.

Assembly: Step-by-Step First Night Setup

If using the tripod, begin by leveling it and installing the accessory tray. Next, install the mount head onto the tripod, ensuring the tripod's alignment pin is seated between the mount's azimuth adjustment knobs. Attach the 2.6 kg counterweight rod and slide on the two 10 kg counterweights, securing them on the shaft.

Then install your telescope onto the dovetail saddle. You can then proceed with balancing the mount, first in Right Ascension by adjusting the counterweights, and then in Declination by sliding the telescope's dovetail bar. Once balanced, polar-align the mount with all equipment installed, then power on and run the SynScan alignment.

Component Weights and Auto-Home

The mount head weighs 18.5 kg (40.8 lb). The two included counterweights add 10 kg (22 lb) each, and the counterweight rod weighs 2.6 kg (5.7 lb).

The mount is equipped with two home position sensors that, when used with the SynScan hand controller, allow the mount to return to the same home position after powering on.