About
SynScan is the official mount-control software developed by Sky-Watcher, the world's largest telescope manufacturer. Designed to give astronomers full wireless control over their Sky-Watcher mounts, the app comes in two editions: the standard SynScan App for novice users working with alt-azimuth mounts, and SynScan Pro for experienced observers who need equatorial mount support and advanced astrophotography features. The application runs across all major platforms — Windows 10/11, macOS 11 and above, Android, and iOS — ensuring broad compatibility regardless of your setup. A companion Satellite Tracker Application is also available for Windows, enabling the SynScan Pro app and supported mounts to track artificial satellites in real time. Key capabilities include GoTo object alignment, automated star tracking, sky database navigation, and seamless connectivity to Sky-Watcher's range of computerized mounts. The Pro version adds equatorial tracking modes and astrophotography session management, making it a powerful tool for both visual observing and long-exposure imaging. The app is free to download and regularly updated with firmware compatibility improvements. SynScan is ideal for amateur astronomers, students, astrophotographers, and astronomy clubs looking to get the most out of their Sky-Watcher equipment.
Key Features
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Available on Windows 10/11, macOS 11+, Android, and iOS, allowing full mount control from virtually any device.
- Standard & Pro Editions: The regular edition supports alt-azimuth mounts for beginners; the Pro edition adds equatorial mount support and astrophotography tools for advanced users.
- GoTo & Automated Tracking: Navigate a built-in star and object database to automatically slew and track celestial objects with precision.
- Satellite Tracker Integration: A companion Windows application works alongside SynScan Pro to enable real-time tracking of artificial satellites using supported mounts.
- Regular Firmware & Software Updates: Sky-Watcher continuously updates SynScan with new features and improved hardware compatibility across all platforms.
Use Cases
- Amateur astronomers using Sky-Watcher mounts to automatically locate and track stars, planets, and deep-sky objects via GoTo functionality.
- Astrophotographers using SynScan Pro to manage equatorial mount tracking for long-exposure imaging sessions.
- Astronomy students and beginners learning to navigate the night sky using the standard alt-azimuth mode.
- Astronomy clubs and educators running guided observing sessions with wireless mount control from a tablet or smartphone.
- Satellite observers using the Satellite Tracker companion app to follow the International Space Station and other artificial satellites.
Pros
- Completely Free: SynScan is available at no cost across all platforms, making professional mount control accessible to every Sky-Watcher user.
- Wide Device Support: Runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, giving users flexibility in how they interact with their telescope setup.
- Tiered for All Experience Levels: The dual-edition model (standard and Pro) ensures that both beginners and advanced astrophotographers find the right feature set.
Cons
- Sky-Watcher Mounts Only: SynScan is designed exclusively for Sky-Watcher mounts and is not compatible with equipment from other telescope manufacturers.
- Satellite Tracker Is Preliminary: The Satellite Tracker Application is still in a testing/preliminary phase and may not be fully stable for all use cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SynScan free to download and use?
Yes, SynScan and SynScan Pro are completely free to download and use across all supported platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
What is the difference between SynScan and SynScan Pro?
The standard SynScan App is designed for novice users with alt-azimuth mounts, while SynScan Pro includes all standard features plus support for equatorial mounts and astrophotography workflows.
Which operating systems does SynScan support?
SynScan supports Windows 10/11, macOS 11 and above, Android, and iOS.
Can SynScan track satellites?
Yes, a companion Satellite Tracker Application for Windows works with SynScan Pro and compatible mounts to track artificial satellites in real time, though it is currently in a preliminary testing phase.
Does SynScan work with mounts from other manufacturers?
No, SynScan is designed specifically for Sky-Watcher computerized mounts and is not officially compatible with mounts from other manufacturers.
