Hello - I currently have EQ6R Pro and love it, but I wish to add a second mount that can handle a larger payload. I like the EQ8 but don't need that much beef and also do not want to spend so much, so I am considering the CQ350 Pro as a nice compromise. Do any of you have experience with this mount? For starters it would be used on a tripod - not a pier, within a roll-off rooftop backyard observatory and would carry Celestron 9.25" Edge HD but hoping to upgrade to a larger OTA in the future.
Thanks!
Gina
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It is an amazing mount. Just one thing to bare in mind, the powerhub doesn't work well with usb 3.0 highspeed data transfers, the connection drops all the time. So you might just use a usb 2.0 cable, or use a seperate powered usb hub (that's what I been using). These mounts also have an easy way to adjust the backlash on RA and DEC. It might need some adjustment because it's a mass produced mount. https://youtu.be/8saz1MSrLnQ?si=6we6p8WIPhWhr1v6 |
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I get excellent RMS with mine, and plan on putting my Edgehd 9.25 on shortly before moving to a large scope at some point. I have not bothered with the powerhub due to reading so many complaints, but I might try it in the future. My only complaint with it so far is that it is quite noisy during slews, not that it matters.
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I use this mount with a tripod and the Quattro 300P Newtonian reflector semi permanently mounted in my backyard. I consistently get excellent guiding performance (0.7" RMS or better). I use the mount through an Eagle 5S so I do not need to use the power hubs. I had issues using the Synscan wireless dongle so I moved to using Green Swamp Software with the Skywatcher driver and everything works fine.
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I also started with an EQ6 and bought the CQ350 as mount #2 for my (well loaded) C11. After a whole year, I’m still very happy about it 👌
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I have 2 EQ6-R PRO'S and one CQ350. I wish all 3 of my mounts were the CQ350's. The CQ350 is a solid built mount but is heavy. I have a rasa 11 setup on mine and it works great.
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I love mine! I have an Askar 130PHQ on mine and have achieved great guiding. I do have mine on a tri pier.
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I got to review a CQ-350: https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/astro-gear-today/reviews/sky-watcher-cq-350-pro-review-a-semi-portable-titan-r4675A few overall notes: - It's definitely a beast! Especially with its enormous field tripod, which is even bigger than my Celestron CGE one. But if you're not planning to move it around, then that's fine. - I *love* the altitude adjustment on this mount. Best design I've yet seen. - It generally performs as well as my Paramount MyT as far as guiding goes. I regularly get sub-arcsec guiding. For a fraction of the cost! That's with my Celestron Edge HD 9.25" using an OAG. - I initially had issues with communication with the mount and stuff dropping on the USB 3.0 hub, but the key here is using a powered (aka active) USB 3.0 cable. The reason is because there's already a long 3.0 cable inside the mount, so the rest of the distance to your computer goes over the 6 ft limit for USB 3. My CQ-350 came with a powered jumper cable -- just plug in 5V external power and it's good to go. I didn't have any issues after that. - The infuriating thing about this mount is that the USB-B from the hub, the hub 12V power in, the mount USB, the hand controller connection, and the mount 12V power in are all located on the RA axis, which means they move. This is especially silly with the hand controller because it literally yanks the controller out of its cradle when it slews in RA. I've used some gaffer's tape to tape the powered USB 3.0 jumper to the front of the RA axis so it's not hanging free. Cable carefully. I don't use the hand controller because of this. - As far as software goes, neither EQMOD, Green Swamp, nor the Sky-Watcher control software do all the things -- so I use Green Swamp as a driver and don't use an alignment model. (I don't use an alignment model on any of my mounts -- I let NINA do solve & center to center targets.) And I polar align with SharpCap. Let me know if you have any specific questions! I've been using it for two years now.
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David Cruz:
It is an amazing mount. Just one thing to bare in mind, the powerhub doesn't work well with usb 3.0 highspeed data transfers, the connection drops all the time. So you might just use a usb 2.0 cable, or use a seperate powered usb hub (that's what I been using). These mounts also have an easy way to adjust the backlash on RA and DEC. It might need some adjustment because it's a mass produced mount.
https://youtu.be/8saz1MSrLnQ?si=6we6p8WIPhWhr1v6 That's interesting to hear about the hub. Mine hub shut down but then worked fine when I stopped using the power hub. I will try the USB 2 option. This is now the 2nd device I own that is supposed to be USB 3 that fails to use it without crashing (ASI2600MC). Good to know I may yet be able to use the power hub if I step down to USB 2. For the OP. I purchased the CQ350 over the summer and ran my 8" RC with it a few times. I now use it with a Meade LX850 12" f/8 SCT w/ William Optic z61 on top for guiding, plus cams. Swings around that ~50lb load with no problem. Like it much more than the iOptron mounts I have which disappoint at every turn (I have a dead GEM45 that took out a laptop in an apparent murder/suicide). The tripod is sturdy, but footprint is quite wide. Not sure how much floor space your roll-off has, but that may be a reason to consider planning for a pier, or at least a tri-pier with a narrower base. Even outside I've given mine an unfortunate boot and had to redo PA. Also, the saddle of the tripod has these three plastic dampers (not sure if that's what they are actually called, but that seems like their purpose). Two of those have now fallen off. Simple glue job.
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I've had mine for almost 2 years now, pier mounted for a C11. For the first year and a half it was pretty good, although only a marginal improvement in guiding over the CGX that it replaced. For the last 6 months it's had major issues in Dec. It was sent back to Sky Watcher and came back worse than it left. After that it took two trips to the retailer to get it working properly but it didn't last and will have to back again. I realize that my story may be an outlier but thought you should be aware of the possible downside. No way would I buy it again and I'm getting ready to try and get my money back.
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I have had this mount for 1.5 years in combination with a C11 edgehd. The telescope plus attachments weighs approx. 23 kilograms. At first I was very satisfied, the guiding values were 0.5. I don't use the hub. After approx. 6 months in December 2023, the Dec axle started squeaking. Taken to dealer, 6 weeks repair time. Gear wheels defective. In October 2024, the RA axle started squeaking and after a few days it jerked. Brought back to dealer 2 months repair time, both belts replaced with high quality German made ones. I have agreed with my dealer that I can exchange the mount for another one the next time I have a problem.
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I own two CQ350 mounts and have been using them for over a year with excellent results. Unlike some issues others have reported, I haven’t experienced any problems. I purchased each mount for $3,800, including the field tripods, and feel they’ve been worth every penny.Performance-wise, I typically achieve RMS values between 0.35 and 0.60, with seeing conditions being the primary variable. I use these mounts interchangeably with four different scopes: - Sky-Watcher Starlux 190 Maksutov-Newtonian
- AT 130EDT
- RASA 11
- Edge HD 8
All setups deliver great results. Polar alignment is straightforward—especially since I use an ASI Air with all my scopes. The CQ350s are robust and well-suited to heavy setups. I often leave them covered in the yard for weeks without issue, which adds to their convenience for extended projects.However, this is a heavy-duty mount, so assembly can be a bit of a workout. Transporting and setting up requires multiple trips in and out of the house, but the capacity and stability make it well worth the effort.A quick note: I run a Pegasus Power Box with each scope and haven’t used the CQ350’s USB ports or power distribution outlets, so I can’t speak to their reliability.Overall, the CQ350 delivers exceptional performance and value. I’m happy with my decision and wouldn’t hesitate to purchase them again.
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I own two CQ350 mounts and have been using them for over a year with excellent results. Unlike some issues others have reported, I haven’t experienced any problems. I purchased each mount for $3,800, including the field tripods, and feel they’ve been worth every penny.Performance-wise, I typically achieve RMS values between 0.35 and 0.60, with seeing conditions being the primary variable. I use these mounts interchangeably with four different scopes:
- Sky-Watcher Starlux 190 Maksutov-Newtonian
- AT 130EDT
- RASA 11
- Edge HD 8
All setups deliver great results. Polar alignment is straightforward—especially since I use an ASI Air with all my scopes. The CQ350s are robust and well-suited to heavy setups. I often leave them covered in the yard for weeks without issue, which adds to their convenience for extended projects.However, this is a heavy-duty mount, so assembly can be a bit of a workout. Transporting and setting up requires multiple trips in and out of the house, but the capacity and stability make it well worth the effort.A quick note: I run a Pegasus Power Box with each scope and haven’t used the CQ350’s USB ports or power distribution outlets, so I can’t speak to their reliability.Overall, the CQ350 delivers exceptional performance and value. I’m happy with my decision and wouldn’t hesitate to purchase them again. Thanks so much for the detailed feedback including the different scope you use it with. Mufch appreciated!
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David Cruz:
It is an amazing mount. Just one thing to bare in mind, the powerhub doesn't work well with usb 3.0 highspeed data transfers, the connection drops all the time. So you might just use a usb 2.0 cable, or use a seperate powered usb hub (that's what I been using). These mounts also have an easy way to adjust the backlash on RA and DEC. It might need some adjustment because it's a mass produced mount.
https://youtu.be/8saz1MSrLnQ?si=6we6p8WIPhWhr1v6 Thanks David. Extremely useful! Happy New Year!
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I get excellent RMS with mine, and plan on putting my Edgehd 9.25 on shortly before moving to a large scope at some point. I have not bothered with the powerhub due to reading so many complaints, but I might try it in the future. My only complaint with it so far is that it is quite noisy during slews, not that it matters. Thanks Scott!
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I get excellent RMS with mine, and plan on putting my Edgehd 9.25 on shortly before moving to a large scope at some point. I have not bothered with the powerhub due to reading so many complaints, but I might try it in the future. My only complaint with it so far is that it is quite noisy during slews, not that it matters. Thanks Scott! Reggie Jones:
I use this mount with a tripod and the Quattro 300P Newtonian reflector semi permanently mounted in my backyard. I consistently get excellent guiding performance (0.7" RMS or better). I use the mount through an Eagle 5S so I do not need to use the power hubs. I had issues using the Synscan wireless dongle so I moved to using Green Swamp Software with the Skywatcher driver and everything works fine. Thanks Reggie!
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Jeff Clayton:
I love mine! I have an Askar 130PHQ on mine and have achieved great guiding. I do have mine on a tri pier. Thanks Jeff - sounds like a tripier might be the way for me to go too.
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Molly Wakeling:
I got to review a CQ-350: https://www.cloudynights.com/articles/cat/astro-gear-today/reviews/sky-watcher-cq-350-pro-review-a-semi-portable-titan-r4675
A few overall notes:
- It's definitely a beast! Especially with its enormous field tripod, which is even bigger than my Celestron CGE one. But if you're not planning to move it around, then that's fine.
- I *love* the altitude adjustment on this mount. Best design I've yet seen.
- It generally performs as well as my Paramount MyT as far as guiding goes. I regularly get sub-arcsec guiding. For a fraction of the cost! That's with my Celestron Edge HD 9.25" using an OAG.
- I initially had issues with communication with the mount and stuff dropping on the USB 3.0 hub, but the key here is using a powered (aka active) USB 3.0 cable. The reason is because there's already a long 3.0 cable inside the mount, so the rest of the distance to your computer goes over the 6 ft limit for USB 3. My CQ-350 came with a powered jumper cable -- just plug in 5V external power and it's good to go. I didn't have any issues after that.
- The infuriating thing about this mount is that the USB-B from the hub, the hub 12V power in, the mount USB, the hand controller connection, and the mount 12V power in are all located on the RA axis, which means they move. This is especially silly with the hand controller because it literally yanks the controller out of its cradle when it slews in RA. I've used some gaffer's tape to tape the powered USB 3.0 jumper to the front of the RA axis so it's not hanging free. Cable carefully. I don't use the hand controller because of this.
- As far as software goes, neither EQMOD, Green Swamp, nor the Sky-Watcher control software do all the things -- so I use Green Swamp as a driver and don't use an alignment model. (I don't use an alignment model on any of my mounts -- I let NINA do solve & center to center targets.) And I polar align with SharpCap.
Let me know if you have any specific questions! I've been using it for two years now. Thanks so much Molly. I appreciate the link to your review and the details regarding cabling gotchyas and the reasons for hte power issues!
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Ian McIntyre:
David Cruz:
It is an amazing mount. Just one thing to bare in mind, the powerhub doesn't work well with usb 3.0 highspeed data transfers, the connection drops all the time. So you might just use a usb 2.0 cable, or use a seperate powered usb hub (that's what I been using). These mounts also have an easy way to adjust the backlash on RA and DEC. It might need some adjustment because it's a mass produced mount.
https://youtu.be/8saz1MSrLnQ?si=6we6p8WIPhWhr1v6
That's interesting to hear about the hub. Mine hub shut down but then worked fine when I stopped using the power hub. I will try the USB 2 option. This is now the 2nd device I own that is supposed to be USB 3 that fails to use it without crashing (ASI2600MC). Good to know I may yet be able to use the power hub if I step down to USB 2.
For the OP. I purchased the CQ350 over the summer and ran my 8" RC with it a few times. I now use it with a Meade LX850 12" f/8 SCT w/ William Optic z61 on top for guiding, plus cams. Swings around that ~50lb load with no problem. Like it much more than the iOptron mounts I have which disappoint at every turn (I have a dead GEM45 that took out a laptop in an apparent murder/suicide). The tripod is sturdy, but footprint is quite wide. Not sure how much floor space your roll-off has, but that may be a reason to consider planning for a pier, or at least a tri-pier with a narrower base. Even outside I've given mine an unfortunate boot and had to redo PA. Also, the saddle of the tripod has these three plastic dampers (not sure if that's what they are actually called, but that seems like their purpose). Two of those have now fallen off. Simple glue job. Thanks for the feedback. Tripier and external USB hub sound like must-haves if I go with this mount.
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I've had mine for almost 2 years now, pier mounted for a C11. For the first year and a half it was pretty good, although only a marginal improvement in guiding over the CGX that it replaced. For the last 6 months it's had major issues in Dec. It was sent back to Sky Watcher and came back worse than it left. After that it took two trips to the retailer to get it working properly but it didn't last and will have to back again. I realize that my story may be an outlier but thought you should be aware of the possible downside. No way would I buy it again and I'm getting ready to try and get my money back. Darn - sorry to hear about all of your issues. It's good to get the bad feedback along with the good!
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I upgraded from an EQ6-R to the CQ350 mount. I have had it a little over 9 months and have I found it to be an amazing mount. When I first received the mount I did find that the accessory brace had an issue. There wasn't enough thread on the bottom of the central lock bolt. It missed by several inches. I contacted the Skywatcher direct and they understood the issue immediately (not uncommon) and sent me a spacer that would fix the issue. The spacer was about an inch long and was still too short. I purchased several thick washers to fill the gap and now it is perfect. A minor issue but something that happened to me and a few others.
The performance of the mount is amazing. I get tracking RMS is between 0.5 and 0.3 typically. I am using several scopes with the mount including the Skywatcher 300P Quattro, the 200P Quattro, an LX200 10" Meade and the 135mm Samyang lens. When I used the 300P for the first time, I found the scope did hit the tripod legs when near the Zenith. One of the local telescope stores made a short pier extension for the mount and I no longer have to cut the shooting early. The pier extension does raise the scope a little higher but it's not an issue. It can make putting the scope onto the saddle a little harder though.
The mount is coupled to the ASIAIR Mini or Plus depending on the scope being used. I have only just started to use the USB hub and I find no issues with dropout but I do use active cables.
The adjustment bolts for Polar alignment are far superior to those used on the EQ6-R so that was a complete pleasure to discover. The larger heads make for an easier grip and a more controlled adjustment.
It's a pleasure to us and I can highly recommend getting one.
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Andrew Murrell:
I upgraded from an EQ6-R to the CQ350 mount. I have had it a little over 9 months and have I found it to be an amazing mount. When I first received the mount I did find that the accessory brace had an issue. There wasn't enough thread on the bottom of the central lock bolt. It missed by several inches. I contacted the Skywatcher direct and they understood the issue immediately (not uncommon) and sent me a spacer that would fix the issue. The spacer was about an inch long and was still too short. I purchased several thick washers to fill the gap and now it is perfect. A minor issue but something that happened to me and a few others.
The performance of the mount is amazing. I get tracking RMS is between 0.5 and 0.3 typically. I am using several scopes with the mount including the Skywatcher 300P Quattro, the 200P Quattro, an LX200 10" Meade and the 135mm Samyang lens. When I used the 300P for the first time, I found the scope did hit the tripod legs when near the Zenith. One of the local telescope stores made a short pier extension for the mount and I no longer have to cut the shooting early. The pier extension does raise the scope a little higher but it's not an issue. It can make putting the scope onto the saddle a little harder though.
The mount is coupled to the ASIAIR Mini or Plus depending on the scope being used. I have only just started to use the USB hub and I find no issues with dropout but I do use active cables.
The adjustment bolts for Polar alignment are far superior to those used on the EQ6-R so that was a complete pleasure to discover. The larger heads make for an easier grip and a more controlled adjustment.
It's a pleasure to us and I can highly recommend getting one. Thank you for sharing your experience with this mount. It's really helpful for me!
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Andrew Murrell:
I upgraded from an EQ6-R to the CQ350 mount. I have had it a little over 9 months and have I found it to be an amazing mount. When I first received the mount I did find that the accessory brace had an issue. There wasn't enough thread on the bottom of the central lock bolt. It missed by several inches. I contacted the Skywatcher direct and they understood the issue immediately (not uncommon) and sent me a spacer that would fix the issue. The spacer was about an inch long and was still too short. I purchased several thick washers to fill the gap and now it is perfect. A minor issue but something that happened to me and a few others.
The performance of the mount is amazing. I get tracking RMS is between 0.5 and 0.3 typically. I am using several scopes with the mount including the Skywatcher 300P Quattro, the 200P Quattro, an LX200 10" Meade and the 135mm Samyang lens. When I used the 300P for the first time, I found the scope did hit the tripod legs when near the Zenith. One of the local telescope stores made a short pier extension for the mount and I no longer have to cut the shooting early. The pier extension does raise the scope a little higher but it's not an issue. It can make putting the scope onto the saddle a little harder though.
The mount is coupled to the ASIAIR Mini or Plus depending on the scope being used. I have only just started to use the USB hub and I find no issues with dropout but I do use active cables.
The adjustment bolts for Polar alignment are far superior to those used on the EQ6-R so that was a complete pleasure to discover. The larger heads make for an easier grip and a more controlled adjustment.
It's a pleasure to us and I can highly recommend getting one. Very good point regarding the Pier Extension, I use the following extension on both mounts, it is as if they always belonged with the mount. No tripod strikes since installing them. TESTAR PIER EXTENSION FOR CQ350 & EQ8-R | Testar Australia |
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Andrew Murrell:
I upgraded from an EQ6-R to the CQ350 mount. I have had it a little over 9 months and have I found it to be an amazing mount. When I first received the mount I did find that the accessory brace had an issue. There wasn't enough thread on the bottom of the central lock bolt. It missed by several inches. I contacted the Skywatcher direct and they understood the issue immediately (not uncommon) and sent me a spacer that would fix the issue. The spacer was about an inch long and was still too short. I purchased several thick washers to fill the gap and now it is perfect. A minor issue but something that happened to me and a few others.
The performance of the mount is amazing. I get tracking RMS is between 0.5 and 0.3 typically. I am using several scopes with the mount including the Skywatcher 300P Quattro, the 200P Quattro, an LX200 10" Meade and the 135mm Samyang lens. When I used the 300P for the first time, I found the scope did hit the tripod legs when near the Zenith. One of the local telescope stores made a short pier extension for the mount and I no longer have to cut the shooting early. The pier extension does raise the scope a little higher but it's not an issue. It can make putting the scope onto the saddle a little harder though.
The mount is coupled to the ASIAIR Mini or Plus depending on the scope being used. I have only just started to use the USB hub and I find no issues with dropout but I do use active cables.
The adjustment bolts for Polar alignment are far superior to those used on the EQ6-R so that was a complete pleasure to discover. The larger heads make for an easier grip and a more controlled adjustment.
It's a pleasure to us and I can highly recommend getting one.
Very good point regarding the Pier Extension, I use the following extension on both mounts, it is as if they always belonged with the mount. No tripod strikes since installing them.
TESTAR PIER EXTENSION FOR CQ350 & EQ8-R | Testar Australia
Awesome - thanks so much for this link!
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Molly Wakeling:
- The infuriating thing about this mount is that the USB-B from the hub, the hub 12V power in, the mount USB, the hand controller connection, and the mount 12V power in are all located on the RA axis, which means they move.
This is especially silly with the hand controller because it literally yanks the controller out of its cradle when it slews in RA. Hi Molly. I have been hoping Skywatcher would redesign this aspect of the Mount. perhaps a V2 version will be released sometime soon. Whats your thoughts on this mount and design Vrs a CEM70 ioptron, which is a viable alternative ?
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