SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod

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Skywatcher | SKU: SWEQ-AL55I
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SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod - Jacobs Digital
SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod - Jacobs Digital
SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod - Jacobs Digital
SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod - Jacobs Digital
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AUD $1,387
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Lightweight Portability, Redefined

The EQ-AL55i Pro is the perfect entry to intermediate level equatorial platform for observers and imagers looking to build a serious rig without breaking the bank.

Redesigned from the popular EQM-35 the EQ-AL55i features fully encased motor housings and two positions for the counterweight bar and optional pier extension making this mount the perfect choice for observers and imagers in lower latitudes.

Featuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth SynScan, and ASCOM telescope control, 10kg payload capacity, a guidescope and SNAP port, the EQ-AL55i is a perfect choice for a mid-size imaging mount.

The SynScan Go-To system allows full control in both axes with high precision pointing, allowing you to quickly and accurately locate objects across the night sky. The Go-To system can automatically slew the telescope on command toward planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies, clusters and much more. The SynScan has 42,900 memorised celestial objects for an amazing journey in the night sky. The Deep Sky Tour function suggests a list of the most interesting deep sky objects currently visible, so even the novice astronomer can easily observe faint objects at the touch of a button.

SynScan Features:

  • Database with 42,900+ Objects
  • Messier, NGC, IC, SAO catalogues
  • Two Star or Brightest Star Alignment
  • Autoguiding connection for astrophotography
  • Pointing Accuracy Enhancement feature (PAE)
  • Unknown Object Identification feature
  • Pointing accuracy up to 5 arc min
  • Tracking rates: Sidereal, Lunar, Solar
  • Slewing speeds: 1x, 2x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 800x (3.4°/sec)
  • Power requirement: 12V DC

In The Box

  • EQ-AL55I Mount
  • Steel Tripod
  • Counterweights
  • Accessory Tray

SPECIFICATIONS

New Column New Column
Mount Type
German Equatorial Tracking mount
Tripod Material
Steel
Telescope Mounting
V Style with optional DSLR mount
Payload
10Kg
Tripod Height
85-121cm
Power Requirement
DC 12~16V – 3A

SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod, SKU SWEQ-AL55I. A 10 kg rated German equatorial GoTo mount with SynScan Pro control, 0°–90° latitude adjustment, an illuminated polar scope and steel tripod for telescope observing and astrophotography.

Sky-Watcher

Equatorial GoTo · Wi-Fi control

EQ-AL55i ProBuilt for your next clear night.

Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod

Find your target. Follow the sky. Build an observing or imaging setup around a compact equatorial head, a stable steel tripod and the freedom of SynScan Pro control.

SKY-WATCHER · SWEQ-AL55I

Explore every angleCheck your payload
Close view of the EQ-AL55i Pro head, counterweight bar, two counterweights, adjustment controls and connection panel
EQ-AL55i Pro · Mount detail
10 kg

Maximum rated equipment load

0°–90°

Latitude adjustment

Wi-Fi

Built-in SynScan Pro control

12 V DC

Regulated external power

A capable foundation

From your first alignment
to your next imaging session.

The EQ-AL55i Pro brings motorised right ascension and declination to a versatile German equatorial platform. Its V-style saddle accommodates a wide range of suitably sized optical tubes and camera mounting arrangements.

  • GoTo and tracking: use SynScan Pro to select targets and keep pace with their apparent motion across the sky.
  • A practical imaging path: USB and ST-4 guiding connections let you add a guide camera and software when your setup is ready.
  • Made to travel between latitudes: two counterweight-shaft positions help maintain clearance as the polar axis is adjusted.
  • Everything starts with balance: the included tripod, tray and counterweights provide the mechanical foundation for your own telescope.
EQ-AL55i Pro equatorial mount, two counterweights, steel tripod and accessory tray, with Wi-Fi graphic
Mount, steel tripod, accessory tray and counterweights. Telescope and camera sold separately.

Know your mount

The controls, explained.

Match the numbered controls to their functions. Each explanation remains visible, with tap-to-highlight markers for a closer look at the working parts.

Close view of the EQ-AL55i Pro head, counterweight bar, two counterweights, adjustment controls and connection panel
  1. 1

    Right ascension clutch

    Controls the right ascension axis clutch for manual positioning and balancing.

  2. 2

    Declination clutch

    Lets you position and balance the telescope in declination before securing the axis.

  3. 3

    Connection panel

    USB-C, SNAP camera trigger, power switch and DC input are grouped on this side of the mount.

  4. 4

    Counterweight bar

    Carries the counterweights used to balance your telescope in right ascension.

  5. 5

    Counterweight lock

    Secures a counterweight at its selected position on the bar.

  6. 6

    Latitude adjustment

    Adjusts the polar-axis angle to suit the latitude of your observing site.

  7. 7

    Azimuth adjustment

    Fine-tunes the mount’s left/right direction during polar alignment.

  8. 8

    Counterweight safety stop

    The retaining stop at the end of the bar helps keep the counterweights from sliding off.

Official diagram identifying RA clutch, DEC clutch, polar-scope cap, altitude and azimuth adjustment, tripod assembly, accessory tray, leg clamps and bubble level.
Manufacturer diagram: mount and tripod controls. Open the image to view the manual.
Official annotated diagram of polar-scope components, telescope locking screw, counterweight bar, counterweights, lock screws and safety stop.
Manufacturer diagram: polar scope, saddle lock, counterweight assembly and safety stop.

Understand the geometry

Your latitude sets the starting angle.

Polar alignment aims the right-ascension axis toward the celestial pole. The angle above the horizon matches your observing latitude; the mount’s 0°–90° adjustment lets you set that geometry in either hemisphere.

Polar-axis altitude and observing latitude A schematic shows the polar axis above the horizon. Its angle changes with the latitude control below.HorizonPolar axis37°South celestial pole
Schematic alignment geometry. The diagram illustrates the principle; use the polar scope or an alignment routine to refine the real mount.

Set latitude. Refine alignment.

At 37° S, the polar axis points 37° above the southern horizon. Set the latitude scale, then refine polar alignment.

For New Zealand, aim toward the south celestial pole. The manual explains the Octans pattern; drift or camera-assisted methods are alternatives when those stars are difficult to see.

Official close-up of the EQ-AL55i Pro latitude adjustment lever and scale.
Use the latitude lever and scale to establish the initial angle, then refine the alignment.
Official diagrams showing standard and low-latitude counterweight positions, plus RA and DEC balancing positions. Telescope is illustrative and is not included.
Manufacturer diagrams: counterweight-shaft positions and RA/DEC balance. Telescope shown is illustrative and not included.

Polar alignment and GoTo alignment do different jobs.

Polar alignment physically aligns the mount with Earth’s rotation axis. Star alignment teaches SynScan where the telescope is pointing. Both matter: GoTo alignment cannot move an incorrectly positioned polar axis into place.

Plan the complete load

Count everything above the saddle.

The mount’s maximum rated equipment load is 10 kg. Add the optical tube, camera, guiding equipment and mounting accessories together; the mount, tripod and counterweights are separate from this carried payload.

Add together the weight of your telescope, rings, dovetail, camera, guidescope and all other attached accessories. Keep the complete payload within the published 10 kg maximum.

This calculator compares mass only. A lower total does not establish imaging suitability: focal length, tube length, balance, wind and guiding all affect tracking demands. No separate guaranteed photographic limit is specified.

Published maximum payload

10 kg

Add up your telescope and accessory weights, then compare the complete payload with the published maximum.

Published maximum: 10 kg. Counterweights are not entered in this calculator.

A connected observing setup

The right connection for each job.

Start with app control over built-in Wi-Fi, then add computer control, guiding or camera triggering as your equipment grows. Each socket has a separate purpose.

SynScan Pro wireless

Control the mount from a compatible phone, tablet or computer. Wi-Fi is built in; current model information also lists Bluetooth. The standard manual setup uses the mount’s local Wi-Fi network.

USB-C computer control

Connect a computer for mount communication. Use the appropriate SynScan Pro and driver setup. The USB connection is not the mount’s motor-power input.

ST-4 autoguiding

The RJ12 guide port accepts correction signals from a compatible guiding setup. USB/ASCOM guiding is another route. Guide camera and optics are separate.

SNAP camera trigger

The 2.5 mm socket can trigger a compatible camera through the correct shutter-release cable. It does not transfer image files.

Optional SynScan handset

The RJ45 handset socket supports a compatible separately sold controller if you prefer dedicated physical controls.

Regulated 12 V DC

Use centre-positive DC power. A 2 A supply meets the distributor recommendation; the manual specifies a 9–12.6 V input range and at least 1.5 A capacity.

Side detail of the EQ-AL55i Pro mount head, USB-C/SNAP/power connection panel, adjustment controls, counterweights and upper tripod, with Wi-Fi graphic
Side control panel: USB-C, SNAP camera trigger, power switch and DC input.
EQ-AL55i Pro mount head shown off the tripod, with the saddle, clutch controls, rear handset and autoguider ports, and counterweights visible, with Wi-Fi graphic
Rear mount detail with the handset and autoguider connections visible.
Official annotated connection panel diagrams identifying power switch, LED, DC input, USB Type-C, SNAP camera trigger, RJ45 handset and RJ12 autoguider sockets.
Manufacturer connection-panel diagram: USB-C, DC input, power switch, SNAP, handset and autoguider sockets. Open for the full manual.

The supplied DC lead is a cable. A suitable mains adapter or battery power source is a separate requirement.

A clear setup sequence

From packed kit to a tracked target.

Work through the mechanical setup before asking the motors to move the telescope. The full manual illustrates each adjustment.

  1. Level and secure

    Spread the tripod on firm ground, set its height, level the top and attach the mount head. Fit and secure the spreader/accessory tray.

  2. Set latitude and fit counterweights

    Set the latitude scale for your site. Use the appropriate counterweight-shaft position, fit the counterweights and secure the safety stop.

  3. Attach and balance the telescope

    Secure a compatible V-style mounting bar in the saddle. Balance declination and right ascension with the full observing or imaging equipment attached.

  4. Polar align

    Aim the RA axis toward the appropriate celestial pole. Use the illuminated polar scope or a suitable software-assisted method to refine the alignment.

  5. Connect and align SynScan Pro

    Set the equatorial home position, connect power and SynScan Pro, check location and time, then follow the appropriate star-alignment prompts.

  6. Select, track and refine

    Choose a suitable target, check telescope and cable clearance, and begin tracking. Refine focus and, for imaging, configure your guiding and capture software.

Product walkthrough

See the EQ-AL55i Pro in detail.

A model-specific overview by Agena Astro, covering the mount’s features and intended use.

Agena Astro overview of the Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pro mount▶ Play product overview

Video by Agena Astro. Telescope and imaging equipment shown are illustrative and sold separately. Watch on YouTube.

Build around your interests

Choose your optical setup.

The same equatorial platform can carry a compatible visual telescope or an appropriately sized camera setup. Check weight, mounting fit and clearance for the equipment you choose.

EQ-AL55i Pro mount and tripod carrying an illustrative reflector telescope; telescope and optical accessories are not included

Add your telescope

A compatible optical tube and V-style mounting bar turn the mount into an observing setup. Telescope and optical accessories shown are sold separately.

EQ-AL55i Pro mount carrying an illustrative reflector telescope above an optional pier extension; telescope, pier extension and optical accessories are not included

Plan an imaging rig

Allow for camera, guiding hardware, cables and clearance. This photograph includes a separate telescope and optional pier extension; neither is part of this mount package.

EQ-AL55i Pro mount and tripod shown with optional pier extension; pier extension is not included

Consider extra clearance

An optional pier extension raises the head relative to the tripod. Check the extension’s exact compatibility and the clearance required by your telescope before choosing it. Pier extension shown is sold separately.

SWEQ-AL55I

The foundation is in the box.

The mount kit supplies the head, tripod and balancing hardware. Add your own telescope or camera, compatible mounting hardware, control device and external power source.

Mount head + polar scope

EQ-AL55i Pro head with a built-in illuminated polar finder.

Steel tripod + tray

Height-adjustable steel tripod and accessory/spreader tray.

Shaft + two counterweights

Counterweight shaft, two weights and safety stop for balancing your equipment.

DC power lead

Supplied DC connection lead. Use a suitable separate regulated 12 V source.

Telescope, camera, mains adapter or battery source, SynScan handset, USB cable, shutter-release cable, guide equipment and pier extension are separate items.

The full specification

Every practical detail, in one place.

Product identification

Product SkyWatcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod
Brand Sky-Watcher
SKU SWEQ-AL55I

Mount and compatibility

Mount type Computerised German equatorial GoTo mount
Rated maximum payload 10 kg
Latitude adjustment 0°–90°
Hemisphere use Northern and Southern Hemisphere
Telescope saddle 45 mm Vixen / V-style dovetail
Mount-head weight Approx. 3.7 kg
Supported use Visual observing and equatorial astrophotography

Motors, gearing and motion

Motor system DC servo motors
Drive design Worm-drive gearing on RA and DEC
RA worm wheel 73.4 mm diameter; 144 teeth
RA worm-wheel material Aluminium alloy
DEC worm wheel 51.6 mm diameter; 100 teeth
RA worm diameter 11 mm
DEC worm diameter 11 mm
Worm material Copper
RA axis resolution 0.32 arcsecond
Maximum slew speed Up to 4° per second
Tracking rates Sidereal, lunar and solar
Motorised axes Right ascension and declination
Autoguide correction rates 0.25×, 0.5×, 0.75× and 1×

Tripod, counterweights and alignment

Tripod Adjustable steel tripod with accessory tray
Leg diameter 1.75 inches / approximately 44.5 mm
Leg material Stainless steel
Tripod height 85–121 cm
Tripod weight Approx. 5.7 kg
Counterweights Two supplied
Counterweight shaft diameter 20 mm
Counterweight shaft positions Two mounting positions for low and high latitudes
Polar finder Built-in illuminated polar scope
Polar-scope field of view Approximately 8.5°
Southern polar-alignment reference Octans star pattern
Fine polar adjustment Latitude adjustment and azimuth adjustment knobs

Control and ports

Built-in Wi-Fi Yes
Bluetooth Yes; supported through compatible current SynScan Pro / mount firmware
Main control app Free SynScan Pro app
App platforms iOS, Android, Windows and macOS
Computer connection USB-C or Wi-Fi
USB interface USB 2.0 via USB-C port
Autoguider port ST-4 type, 6P6C / RJ12
Hand-controller port RJ45 for optional SynScan hand controller
Camera shutter port 2.5 mm SNAP remote-trigger socket
Computer integration SynScan Pro with ASCOM drivers and compatible astronomy software
Hand controller Optional; sold separately
Guiding equipment Guide camera and suitable guiding optics sold separately

Power and operating conditions

Recommended supply Regulated 12 V DC external supply, 2 A capacity
Permitted input voltage 9–12.6 V DC
Minimum supply current At least 1.5 A
Power polarity Centre positive
Power connector Barrel: 5.5 mm outer / 2.0 mm inner diameter, as specified in the manual
Operating temperature −10°C to +50°C

The 0.32 arcsecond figure is RA axis resolution, not a guaranteed tracking or guiding result. The 10 kg figure is the maximum equipment load; practical imaging suitability also depends on balance, focal length, tube size and observing conditions. Tripod height is measured separately from the mount head.

Before your first clear night

Your questions, answered.

What is the EQ-AL55i Pro designed for?

It is a motorised German equatorial mount for telescope observing and astrophotography. After you balance the equipment, polar align the mount and complete the appropriate SynScan setup, GoTo control finds targets and tracking keeps pace with the sky. The telescope and camera are separate purchases.

Is the 10 kg rating a photographic payload limit?

Sky-Watcher specifies a maximum equipment load of 10 kg; its German distributor describes this as the visual limit. A separate guaranteed photographic capacity is not specified. For imaging, choose a comfortably lighter, well-balanced setup and include the camera, guidescope and all mounted accessories in your load calculation. Telescope length, wind and focal length also affect practical tracking demands.

Which telescopes can I attach?

The saddle accepts a 45 mm Vixen / V-style dovetail. Check that your telescope has the matching mounting bar and that the complete attached equipment is within the mount’s capacity. A Losmandy / D-style bar needs a suitable separate solution; it is not the supplied saddle standard.

Can I use a DSLR or mirrorless camera without a telescope?

Yes, with a suitable camera mounting arrangement that fits the V-style saddle. The local listing describes an optional DSLR mount; that adapter is sold separately. Include the lens, mounting hardware and other attached accessories when balancing and checking payload.

Does it operate as an alt-azimuth mount too?

The EQ-AL55i Pro is documented as an equatorial mount. Its 0°–90° latitude adjustment lets you polar align at different locations around the world; it does not establish a supported alt-azimuth GoTo or tracking mode. Use the equatorial workflow in SynScan Pro.

Will it work in New Zealand and the Southern Hemisphere?

Yes. The latitude range covers New Zealand, and the manual provides a Southern Hemisphere polar-alignment method. Point the polar axis toward the south celestial pole and use the Octans pattern in the illuminated polar scope. Enter the correct site location, time and time zone in SynScan Pro.

How do I polar align when Octans is difficult to see?

The manual also recommends drift alignment or camera-assisted polar alignment using suitable software such as PHD2 or SharpCap. SynScan Pro includes a polar-alignment routine that does not require looking through a polar scope: its manual calls for an alignment using exactly two suitable stars first. A camera-based method needs the relevant camera and software.

Are polar alignment and GoTo star alignment the same thing?

They do different jobs. Polar alignment physically aligns the RA axis with Earth’s rotation axis and is especially important for long exposures. Star alignment teaches the GoTo system where the telescope is pointing. Completing a star alignment alone does not physically correct the mount’s polar axis.

What are the main setup steps?

Spread and level the tripod, attach the head and tray, set your latitude, fit the counterweight shaft and weights, and attach the telescope securely. Balance the telescope in declination and right ascension before powered operation. Polar align, set the equatorial home position, connect SynScan Pro and follow its star-alignment prompts. The supplied manual gives the full assembly sequence.

Why does the counterweight shaft have two positions?

The alternative mounting position helps the counterweights clear the tripod at low latitudes. Use the position appropriate to the observing site, then rebalance the system. This arrangement is what helps the mount reach its 0°–90° latitude range.

Are counterweights required?

Use counterweights to balance this conventional equatorial mount; two are supplied. The manual describes balancing the telescope in declination and shifting the weights along the shaft to balance right ascension.

How do I connect my phone or tablet?

Install SynScan Pro, power the mount from its DC input, and join the SynScan Wi-Fi network broadcast by the mount. Open SynScan Pro and select Connect. The exact-model manual uses this Wi-Fi connection as the standard phone or tablet setup.

Do I need internet access at the observing site?

The mount creates a local Wi-Fi connection for control, so an internet router is not required for that link. Download the app and any software you need beforehand. Your device may report that the mount’s Wi-Fi has no internet access; keep it connected to that network while operating the mount.

Does this version include Bluetooth?

Yes. Current Sky-Watcher product information lists Bluetooth as well as built-in Wi-Fi. Use SynScan Pro and the connection options supported by your app and mount firmware. The included mount instructions explain the standard Wi-Fi setup.

Can I use a wired computer connection?

Yes. A USB-C port provides a USB connection to a computer, and the manual also describes connecting a computer over Wi-Fi. The USB cable is sold separately. On Windows, install the appropriate SynScan Pro software and drivers, then select the mount’s serial port where required. Power the mount through its DC input.

Is a SynScan hand controller included?

A SynScan hand controller is sold separately. The mount can be controlled through SynScan Pro, and a compatible SynScan hand controller is available separately for the RJ45 handset port.

What can GoTo locate?

SynScan provides searchable celestial catalogues and target selection for objects such as stars, planets, nebulae, galaxies and clusters. Available functions depend on your app or handset version and what is above your horizon. The catalogue depends on the app or controller version; install the current SynScan Pro release before your observing session.

Does it support autoguiding?

Yes. The exact-model manual supports guiding through the ST-4 autoguider port or the USB connection. For a typical guided imaging setup you will need a guide camera, suitable guiding optics, the necessary cables and guiding software. USB/ASCOM guiding and a direct ST-4 connection are different connection routes; use the instructions for your chosen software.

What are the different connections for?

USB-C is for computer communication; the RJ12 ST-4 socket accepts guiding corrections; the RJ45 socket is for an optional SynScan hand controller; the 2.5 mm SNAP socket triggers a compatible camera; and the barrel socket takes DC power. Guiding optics are separate accessories; SNAP is a shutter trigger, not an image-download connection.

Will SNAP control my camera?

SNAP can trigger cameras with a compatible remote-shutter input using the correct separate release cable. The mount end uses a 2.5 mm plug; the camera end varies by model. It is not compatible with every camera, so check the cable and camera’s remote-trigger support before ordering.

Does autoguiding guarantee long, sharp exposures?

No fixed exposure length or guiding accuracy is guaranteed. Results depend on polar alignment, balance, the telescope’s focal length, wind, camera sampling and the guiding setup. Autoguiding improves tracking by applying corrections, but it does not remove the need for careful setup.

Does 0.32 arcsecond mean that level of tracking accuracy?

No. The distributor’s 0.32 arcsecond figure is the RA axis resolution. It should not be read as a guaranteed tracking error, guiding result or GoTo pointing accuracy. Those results depend on the mount, setup and observing conditions.

Do I need to think about meridian flips?

Yes. A German equatorial mount has to manage the telescope’s position as targets pass the meridian. Check your telescope and cable clearances and follow the meridian settings in SynScan Pro or your imaging software. Do not assume a complete automatic imaging flip sequence is included just because the mount has GoTo.

What power supply should I use?

Use a regulated 12 V DC, centre-positive supply; a 2 A supply meets the distributor recommendation. The exact-model manual specifies an allowed input range of 9–12.6 V and at least 1.5 A supply capacity. Use the supplied DC lead and confirm connector compatibility.

What is included, and what else do I need?

The package includes the EQ-AL55i Pro mount with illuminated polar scope, steel tripod, accessory tray, counterweight shaft, two counterweights and DC power lead. Add your telescope or camera and compatible mounting hardware, a suitable external power source, and a phone, tablet or computer. A handset, USB cable, camera-release cable, guiding equipment and pier extension are optional extras.

Where can I get setup, firmware and local support?

Use Sky-Watcher’s official EQ-AL55i Pro manual, SynScan Pro downloads and motor-controller firmware page for current operating instructions. For local support or help choosing compatible accessories, contact Jacobs Digital using the links below.

Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pro gallery

EQ-AL55i Pro equatorial mount, two counterweights, steel tripod and accessory tray, with Wi-Fi graphic

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