Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount with Tripod

The Sky-Watcher EQ-AL55i Pro Wi-Fi Equatorial Mount is a highly versatile, redesigned equatorial platform tailored for both intermediate observers and astrophotographers. Built upon the success of the EQM-35, this model features a 22-pound payload capacity and fully encased motor housings for improved durability and sleekness. Its most notable physical advancement is the dual-position counterweight bar, which, combined with a full 0° to 90° latitude range, makes it an exceptional choice for users in lower latitudes who often struggle with equipment clearance on standard mounts.

Technologically, the EQ-AL55i is a modern powerhouse, offering seamless wireless control through built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via the SynScan Pro app for iOS and Android. It is fully compatible with ASCOM for PC-based telescope control and includes a dedicated SNAP port for automated DSLR shutter release. With a massive database of over 42,900 celestial objects and an integrated illuminated polar scope for precision alignment, this mount provides a rock-solid, high-tech foundation for mid-sized imaging rigs and visual telescopes alike.

Product Features in Detail

Low-Latitude Specialization
Many equatorial mounts struggle near the equator because the counterweight bar can hit the tripod legs. The EQ-AL55i solves this with two different mounting positions for the bar, ensuring smooth, unobstructed tracking regardless of how close you are to the Earth's equator.

Encased Motor Protection
The redesigned motor housings are fully encased, protecting the internal gears and electronics from dew, dust, and accidental bumps. This specialized housing also helps reduce "cable snag," a common frustration during long-exposure photography sessions.

Precision Polar Alignment
The built-in illuminated polar scope allows for fast, accurate alignment even in pitch-black conditions. Combined with the SynScan app’s polar alignment routines, you can achieve the sub-arcminute precision required for long-exposure deep-space imaging.

Modern Wireless Workflow
By using the SynScan Pro app, you can use your phone’s GPS to instantly set the mount’s time and location. You can tap on any object on your screen, and the mount will automatically slew to it, making the "star hopping" process a thing of the past.

Versatile Counterweight System
The inclusion of both a 7.5-pound and a 4-pound counterweight allows you to fine-tune the balance of your rig perfectly. Proper balance is the secret to reducing strain on the motors and achieving the smoothest possible tracking during high-magnification viewing.

ASCOM and Third-Party Support
For serious imagers, the EQ-AL55i integrates perfectly with popular software like N.I.N.A., SGP, or Stellarium via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows for advanced automation, including plate solving and scheduled imaging sequences.