3868 replies to this topic

[ShropshireLad]

I forgot for the az gti, you would also need an eq wedge like the skywatcher or the William optics one which is far better engineered. Could use a ball head but not as easy.

As you can see in my photo above (post #2526) I have the wedge fitted and ready to use when I try EQ mode, but I'm still getting used az , and as I have only had 3 attempts in the last 6 weeks I think it may take some time ... lol

Edited by ShropshireLad, 05 February 2021 - 09:55 AM.

[Albut]

As you can see in my photo above (post #2526) I have the wedge fitted and ready to use when I try EQ mode, but I'm still getting used az , and as I have only had 3 attempts in the last 6 weeks I think it may take some time ... lol

Me too. Let’s hope for some clear skies soon. 

[jeffry7]

Really if your looking to use az gti mount for astrophotography then the EQ option it offers is probably the way to go. Need to have a weight bar and weights to balance the set up. The other issue is pole star alignment which is crucial to longer exposures or longer focal lengths. Unfortunately the az gti does not have a polar scope so this is difficult if not virtually impossible. However, it is possible to fit a variety of pole /tracking cameras/finder scopes. A good option is the ASIairpro kit, but not cheap. Watch Peter Zelinka video on this. His set up uses the same kit to polar align and track on an ioptron mount but it can be done on the az gti.

There are ways to polar align that don't require a polar scope.

There is the drift method.

SharpCap has a method in the paid version where you take a pic of the region around polaris, plate solve, flip the Mount over, take another pic of Polaris and plate solve again. You are then instructed on what alt-az adjustments to make.

Indilib has a polar alignment module which I think automates the drift method.

[ShropshireLad]

There are ways to polar align that don't require a polar scope.

There is the drift method.

SharpCap has a method in the paid version where you take a pic of the region around polaris, plate solve, flip the Mount over, take another pic of Polaris and plate solve again. You are then instructed on what alt-az adjustments to make.

Indilib has a polar alignment module which I think automates the drift method.

 

For the SharpCap method would I need then to:-

Align polaris in the centre of my Dslr camera Take a photo of polaris, remove memory card and put in computer and send to SharpCap

Flip the mount over and do the same again.

Then make the alt-az adjustment.

Is there a time limit for this operation to complete ?

[jeffry7]

For the SharpCap method would I need then to:-
Align polaris in the centre of my Dslr camera Take a photo of polaris, remove memory card and put in computer and send to SharpCap
Flip the mount over and do the same again.
Then make the alt-az adjustment.
Is there a time limit for this operation to complete ?

I think if you use a DSLR, you would be better served by adding a guide camera pointing in the same direction as the camera and letting sharpcap use that camera for the polar alignment. This would automate everything but the adjustment. No need to swap cards.

I think indilib can polar allign with a DSLR, if you have a compatible model. Indilib knows how to get images off of the DSLR.

[gpaunescu]

As I understand, from some posts, Synscan Pro can do Polar alignment.

 

The step are this ones (in equatorial mode):

1. Two star alignment

2. o a Polar Alignment (from the Advanced Menu),  the app should give instructions (is become active only after step one is done)

3. Reset alignment

4. Two star alignment

 

I didn't had chance to try; I'm wait for clear sky

[ShropshireLad]

As I understand, from some posts, Synscan Pro can do Polar alignment.

 

The step are this ones (in equatorial mode):

1. Two star alignment

2. o a Polar Alignment (from the Advanced Menu),  the app should give instructions (is become active only after step one is done)

3. Reset alignment

4. Two star alignment

 

I didn't had chance to try; I'm wait for clear sky

Well that sounds interesting please let me know if you test this out.

 

If I used a guide camera I would still need to take the results into the house to connect to SharpCap I believe.

I don't really want to spend any more money on this at the moment so probably a guide camera is out.

[Albut]

Well that sounds interesting please let me know if you test this out.

 

If I used a guide camera I would still need to take the results into the house to connect to SharpCap I believe.

I don't really want to spend any more money on this at the moment so probably a guide camera is out.

If you use the asiair pro kit (asiair pro, camera and guide scope) can all be done on iPad/tablet. But kit cost around £550.

[ShropshireLad]

If you use the asiair pro kit (asiair pro, camera and guide scope) can all be done on iPad/tablet. But kit cost around £550.

Way out of my price range then.

And I would need to buy an Ipad as well.

[CloudyIFR]

Polar align with SynScan Pro and the Ipad in EQ mode.

 

Mechanically align by leveling the tripod with a bubble level, center the Az-GTI mount in both axis by holding the bubble level against the sides of the mount and lens.  Pointing the camera/mount directly at Polaris with a laser pointer, red dot finder, polar finder etc...A friend made a 3D printed Hot Shoe mount for a laser.  (Free on Thingiverse: I just point this to Polaris and it's been close enough for the electrical alignment I'll explain next:
 Turn the mount on, open the SynScan App and connect.  Once connected click Alignment then Reset alignment.  This clears the saved information in the app.  Throw the app away and run the app again, connect, then Alignment.  I recommend a 3 Star alignment.  This gives two stars on one side of the Meridian and one star on the other side.  It really helps with alignment.  Once aligned I've been using the Luminos app on the same device and it shows exactly where the camera is pointing and if I'm still connected and tracking.  Lately I have been getting 2 minutes subs with zero star trailing over a three hour period!  You can also use the app to select an object and the camera/scope will move to it.  

 

Hope the rambling helps.

Curtis

[gpaunescu]

Well that sounds interesting please let me know if you test this out.

 

If I used a guide camera I would still need to take the results into the house to connect to SharpCap I believe.

I don't really want to spend any more money on this at the moment so probably a guide camera is out.

I can confirm that Polar Align is working following next steps, with AZ-GTI in eq mode (no need that Polaris is visible):

 

0. Roughly position your mount to the celestial pole; set your latitude on wedge

1. Perform two star alignment

2. Do a Polar Alignment (from the Utilities->Advanced Menu),  the app should give instructions  how to adjust your wedge (this option is become active only after step one is done)

3. Reset alignment

4. Again do two star alignment

[Albut]

Polar align with SynScan Pro and the Ipad in EQ mode.

 

Mechanically align by leveling the tripod with a bubble level, center the Az-GTI mount in both axis by holding the bubble level against the sides of the mount and lens.  Pointing the camera/mount directly at Polaris with a laser pointer, red dot finder, polar finder etc...A friend made a 3D printed Hot Shoe mount for a laser.  (Free on Thingiverse: I just point this to Polaris and it's been close enough for the electrical alignment I'll explain next:
 Turn the mount on, open the SynScan App and connect.  Once connected click Alignment then Reset alignment.  This clears the saved information in the app.  Throw the app away and run the app again, connect, then Alignment.  I recommend a 3 Star alignment.  This gives two stars on one side of the Meridian and one star on the other side.  It really helps with alignment.  Once aligned I've been using the Luminos app on the same device and it shows exactly where the camera is pointing and if I'm still connected and tracking.  Lately I have been getting 2 minutes subs with zero star trailing over a three hour period!  You can also use the app to select an object and the camera/scope will move to it.  

 

Hope the rambling helps.

Curtis

2 min subs. What focal length lens?

[CloudyIFR]

2 min subs. What focal length lens?

Redcat51...that’s 250mm on a Nikon D5600 which is a 1.5 crop sensor.

Curtis 

[hansj]

Hello,

 

this is my first post here in this awesome forum.

I'm from Stuttgart/Germany and i think my English is quite ok for conversation, but it lacks when it comes to details at very specific stuff like astronomy. So i'm not quite shure i got it correctly.

Because i'm also an owner of the AZ-GTi i read here a lot. What is confusing me, which version of the firmware should i update to, when i'm using a wedge? There were a lots of pros an contras on the different versions.

In short - 3.20 or 3.26 thats the question.

 

Greetings Hans

[Albut]

Redcat51...that’s 250mm on a Nikon D5600 which is a 1.5 crop sensor.

Curtis 

They are a great lens. Used my friends and it’s on my bucket list. Got my best shot of andromeda last September with it. Thanks

[ShropshireLad]

Hello,

 

this is my first post here in this awesome forum.

I'm from Stuttgart/Germany and i think my English is quite ok for conversation, but it lacks when it comes to details at very specific stuff like astronomy. So i'm not quite shure i got it correctly.

Because i'm also an owner of the AZ-GTi i read here a lot. What is confusing me, which version of the firmware should i update to, when i'm using a wedge? There were a lots of pros an contras on the different versions.

In short - 3.20 or 3.26 thats the question.

 

Greetings Hans

Hi Hans and welcome.

I asked this question in post #2510 but didn't get much response.??

[Albut]

Hi Hans and welcome.

I asked this question in post #2510 but didn't get much response.??

I have read some reports that say 3.26 presents tracking problems in Dec and have reverted to 3.20. But then I have also read that 3 26 is ok. So it may be user problems rather than firmware. Im sticking with 3,26.A5 in az mode at the moment, as supplied from manufacturer, until I’ve had some clear skies to test it.

[ShropshireLad]

Yes I 'm using 3.26 but I haven't tried eq mode yet only az mode and have not had any problems.

[Albut]

Yes I 'm using 3.26 but I haven't tried eq mode yet only az mode and have not had any problems.

I tried last night the north level alignment, but not very successful. First attempt at a goto it was miles off but never got the chance to adjust. It was difficult trying to see the relevant stars even having to wait 15 mins for cloud to clear before I could centre in eyepiece. Then just as I did complete cloud cover so gave up. All seems to work but can’t check accuracy of goto yet. Won’t upgrade to eq firmware until it can be tested fully in case it has to be returned. I purchased it with intention of replacing my skywatcher adventurer pro as it’s got the goto function for my TV-85. Then hoping to use it in az mode for those viewing nights and eq mode for astrophotography ones. May need to overcome obtaining the accurate polar alignment in eq mode for that. Perhaps more expense for pole alignment camera and guide scope. Well see.

[AaronF]

When I updated mine to the experimental firmware I used v3.20 because I had read here about potential problems with v3.26

 

I figured it's better to use the version that no-one has had problems with, than run the risk of having problems myself

[hansj]

When I updated mine to the experimental firmware I used v3.20 because I had read here about potential problems with v3.26

 

I figured it's better to use the version that no-one has had problems with, than run the risk of having problems myself

Thanks to all.

I guess 3.20 is the Firmware i'm going to install.

But there is no need hurry.

Right now the weather is terrible in Southern Germany.

Today it was some kind of yellow, like a sulfur fog. That happens once in a while, because we got sand from the Sahara desert into our atmosphere. I really controlled my glasses to be sure i didn't pick up the sun glasses.
 

[Super Creative]

Thanks to all.

I guess 3.20 is the Firmware i'm going to install.

But there is no need hurry.

Right now the weather is terrible in Southern Germany.

Today it was some kind of yellow, like a sulfur fog. That happens once in a while, because we got sand from the Sahara desert into our atmosphere. I really controlled my glasses to be sure i didn't pick up the sun glasses.
 

Yes, go with 3.20. I had problems with 3.26 and can report that under 3.20 I am getting excellent guiding with very consistent 5 minute subs.

[Albut]

Yes, go with 3.20. I had problems with 3.26 and can report that under 3.20 I am getting excellent guiding with very consistent 5 minute subs.

Is this in EQ mode? and can anyone report if 3.26 is same in az mode.

[Albut]

Is this in EQ mode? and can anyone report if 3.26 is same in az mode.

Any news on this. Does the firmware issue also relate to the az gti mount used only in az mode or is 3,26 ok in this mode?

[ShropshireLad]

Any news on this. Does the firmware issue also relate to the az gti mount used only in az mode or is 3,26 ok in this mode?

I would also like to know this, but info appears to be scarce .