Equatorial mount Artyk EQ5 with NEQ5 tripod and polar finder (model SW-4155)

The Artyk EQ5 equatorial mount (model SW-4155) with NEQ5 tripod and polar finder is a mechanical equatorial mounting system designed for supporting and tracking astronomical telescopes with right ascension and declination axes. The system includes a sturdy adjustable tripod, a polar alignment scope to assist in locating the celestial pole, and standard mounting interfaces for attaching optical tubes, guide scopes, and accessories. It is engineered to provide stable support and gradual tracking motion required for visual observing sessions and for long-exposure astrophotography where accurate polar alignment and smooth tracking are important.

Advantages

The mount provides precise slow-motion control on both right ascension and declination axes, allowing accurate manual or motorized tracking. The included polar finder simplifies initial polar alignment, reducing field drift during long exposures. The included NEQ5-style tripod offers adjustable legs and a stable base to minimize vibrations. The construction is balanced for common amateur telescopes and supports standard mounting hardware for easy attachment of optical tubes and accessories.

Suitable for

• Visual planetary and deep-sky observations with small to medium telescopes
• Long-exposure astrophotography with guiding or periodic correction
• Field use where a portable, stable equatorial setup is required
• Astrophotography beginners who need a polar alignment aid and robust tripod

Key specifications

• Mount type: German equatorial mount with right ascension and declination axes
• Tripod: Adjustable NEQ5-style aluminium tripod with spreader for stability
• Polar alignment: Integrated polar finder (polar scope) for locating the celestial pole
• Control: Fine adjustment slow-motion controls on RA and Dec axes; compatible with typical motor drives or hand controllers
• Payload capacity: Suitable for small to medium-sized amateur telescopes and typical astrophotography setups (optical tubes, guide scopes, cameras)
• Mounting interface: Standard dovetail saddle compatible with common dovetail bars

How to use

Set up the NEQ5 tripod on firm ground and level the mount roughly by adjusting the tripod legs. Attach the telescope to the dovetail saddle and balance the optical tube on both RA and Dec axes to reduce strain on the bearings. Use the polar finder to perform an initial polar alignment: center the celestial pole according to the polar scope reticle and adjust the mount’s latitude and azimuth until alignment is achieved. After polar alignment, use the slow-motion controls to center targets and, if available, connect compatible motor drives or a guiding system for automated tracking during long exposures.

Usage recommendations

For stable tracking during long-exposure astrophotography, balance the telescope accurately on both axes and verify polar alignment with the polar finder before guiding. Use a counterweight sized for your optical tube and perform periodic checks of mount axis tightness to avoid drift. When transporting, secure the mount head and tripod separately and store the polar finder capped to protect its optics.