3868 replies to this topic

[nik282000]

I have lurked my way through the first 20 pages of this thread (and several others) and put an order in for a GTi. I plan to pair it with a Nexstar 102GT OTA, as well as a Sony mirrorless camera for some wide field photography. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to document their experiences with this mount!

 

Just a heads up for anyone looking they seem to be out of stock most places but they are still available at B&H Photo.

[Albut]

I have lurked my way through the first 20 pages of this thread (and several others) and put an order in for a GTi. I plan to pair it with a Nexstar 102GT OTA, as well as a Sony mirrorless camera for some wide field photography. Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to document their experiences with this mount!

 

Just a heads up for anyone looking they seem to be out of stock most places but they are still available at B&H Photo.

If your in UK, got mine here with free P&P. A really good service and only £215. Call them first to check stock.

https://www.rotherva...-head-only.html

[ShropshireLad]

First Light Optics have plenty of them at the moment

[Albut]

First Light Optics have plenty of them at the moment

Went there first but the wanted to charge me £7.50 P&P and wouldn’t match the free P&P being offered by Rother Valley Optics. 

[lpalbou]

This is a very long post so I didn't read everything. I have seen some mentions of the guiding accuracy and as I have been using the AZ GTI extensively, I wanted to report that I can achieve up to 1"-1.3" over 400s when the sky is clear (and depending of the area of the sky you point to). It's overall an exceptional little mount capable of handling about 10 lbs of imaging rig (full frame DSLR, 300mm f2.8 lens, guide scope + guide camera). I have done guiding up to 10" at 500mm with good results. Everything needs of course to be properly polar aligned (I prefer PHD drift align over sharp cap... if I have time for setup) and balanced (it's a lot of weight for such a small mount).

 

A few other comments:

* it does have a lot of backlash, so if you can guide the DEC only north or turn it off, it's a good idea

* recently, I have had some drifting on the RA axis after slewing... it last for a few seconds (5-10s); possibly the consequence of extensive use with heavy equipments, but it's still rare and manageable

* only usable with guiding; if you want unguided, go for a skyguider pro; if you want goto, then go for CEM25.. but it's a lot heavier

 

The only other mount I could compare the AZ GTI to is the RST-135 (and travel crux). With the recent update of multi-star guiding, they do now perform much better than the AZ GTI and can handle impressive payloads (astrojedi is using the RST-135 with a c8 edged and without counterweight achieve 0.6-0.9 RMS... I am still baffled by that). But it's also 10x the price.

 

Summary for those portable mounts:

* if you don't want to bother with guiding -> skyguider pro

* if you are ok with guiding -> AZ GTI is the best mount I know of and is super affordable

* if paying 4k for a mount is not an issue, if you want extreme portability and you want to future proof for heavy equipment, the RST-135 or Travel Crux are your choice

[Albut]

This is a very long post so I didn't read everything. I have seen some mentions of the guiding accuracy and as I have been using the AZ GTI extensively, I wanted to report that I can achieve up to 1"-1.3" over 400s when the sky is clear (and depending of the area of the sky you point to). It's overall an exceptional little mount capable of handling about 10 lbs of imaging rig (full frame DSLR, 300mm f2.8 lens, guide scope + guide camera). I have done guiding up to 10" at 500mm with good results. Everything needs of course to be properly polar aligned (I prefer PHD drift align over sharp cap... if I have time for setup) and balanced (it's a lot of weight for such a small mount).

 

A few other comments:

* it does have a lot of backlash, so if you can guide the DEC only north or turn it off, it's a good idea

* recently, I have had some drifting on the RA axis after slewing... it last for a few seconds (5-10s); possibly the consequence of extensive use with heavy equipments, but it's still rare and manageable

* only usable with guiding; if you want unguided, go for a skyguider pro; if you want goto, then go for CEM25.. but it's a lot heavier

 

The only other mount I could compare the AZ GTI to is the RST-135 (and travel crux). With the recent update of multi-star guiding, they do now perform much better than the AZ GTI and can handle impressive payloads (astrojedi is using the RST-135 with a c8 edged and without counterweight achieve 0.6-0.9 RMS... I am still baffled by that). But it's also 10x the price.

 

Summary for those portable mounts:

* if you don't want to bother with guiding -> skyguider pro

* if you are ok with guiding -> AZ GTI is the best mount I know of and is super affordable

* if paying 4k for a mount is not an issue, if you want extreme portability and you want to future proof for heavy equipment, the RST-135 or Travel Crux are your choice

Thanks for the information it was really useful.

I would also add to your list the Skywatcher adventurer pro. I have used it and the ioptron skyguider pro side by side more than once and for astrophotography tracking there really isn’t any difference. Both have their good and bad points but do a fairly good job. Polar alignment is crucial but can be performed adequately with the installed polar scopes and both can be guided.

[nakiazaki]

I upgraded my saddle of this mount because I never liked too much the original one as its bolt marked the prism rail every time. So I bought this little one - replacing the saddle is super easy as it does not need an extra plate with different holes to fit as other products. The only thing you will need a bit longer screws. https://www.primaluc...mandy-plus.html

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Edited by nakiazaki, 11 February 2021 - 01:42 PM.

[castorpolu11]

I upgraded my saddle of this mount because I never liked too much the original one as its bolt marked the prism rail every time. So I bought this little one - replacing the saddle is super easy as it does not need an extra plate with different holes to fit as other products. The only thing you will need a bit longer screws. https://www.primaluc...mandy-plus.html

ADM also has a replacement, which I have and use. I bought a replacement knob for the adm as the knob it comes with was very small and uncomfortable to tighten. For that reason I cannot recommend the adm upgrade. The saddle is one of the weak points of the mount though and it’s well worth exploring alternatives. For me it was worth the expense.

[Albut]

I upgraded my saddle of this mount because I never liked too much the original one as its bolt marked the prism rail every time. So I bought this little one - replacing the saddle is super easy as it does not need an extra plate with different holes to fit as other products. The only thing you will need a bit longer screws. https://www.primaluc...mandy-plus.html

Any details on how to remove the saddle. Thanks

[ANKry]

Any details on how to remove the saddle. Thanks

At the end of the saddle, peel off the shell in the center. There are four screws under it. They are attached to the saddle.

[Albut]

I upgraded my saddle of this mount because I never liked too much the original one as its bolt marked the prism rail every time. So I bought this little one - replacing the saddle is super easy as it does not need an extra plate with different holes to fit as other products. The only thing you will need a bit longer screws. https://www.primaluc...mandy-plus.html

The post in this link by axel01 tends to suggest that 19mm between holes is required. Seems this clamp is 20mm. So did it fit without modification?

https://stargazerslo...comment=3513897

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[Albut]

At the end of the saddle, peel off the shell in the center. There are four screws under it. They are attached to the saddle.

Thanks.

[nakiazaki]

The post in this link by axel01 tends to suggest that 19mm between holes is required. Seems this clamp is 20mm. So did it fit without modification?

https://stargazerslo...comment=3513897

Yes, it fits. The holes on the red saddle are bigger, so there is enough room for movement, however you will need longer screws than the original ones. I used 16 mm long ones, that size is the best.

Edited by nakiazaki, 12 February 2021 - 08:07 AM.

[gpaunescu]

The post in this link by axel01 tends to suggest that 19mm between holes is required. Seems this clamp is 20mm. So did it fit without modification?

https://stargazerslo...comment=3513897

I did open my and measure: seems that is 20 mm between holes.

[Albut]

I did open my and measure: seems that is 20 mm between holes.

Brilliant. Thanks and keep safe 

[Pablos]

Hi everyone, I have read quite a bit of this thread since my purchase of the AZ Gti. 

 

I've had my mount for a few weeks now and have only had 2 occasions to test it. I was wondering if somebody can help with a issue I have. I'm on the latests versions of the drivers. 3.26 Motor Controller and 3.26 Right arm for EQ Mode.

My issue is with guiding, particularly the DEC when using PHD2. The Dec just goes off the scale and PHD2 disconnects. I've read in here that downgrading to 3.20 in the drivers address the issue. I have downloaded the older versions and they installed fine but now what appears as my SSID is not Synscan_*** but now but ESP_***. Only way I can get the proper SSID of Synscan is to upgrade it to 3.26 again. I'm using my laptop over WIFI to update drivers. I did notice it once changed from ESP to Synscan but no numbers on the end .

 

Any help much appreciated. 

 

 

 

***Edit***

 

Found the solution, I will leave it here in case anybody experiences the same problem. 

 

I left SynScan (windows version ) connected while I downgraded, I then went in to WiFi settings and changed it to a less busier channel than 6, using the app wifi analyzer. Ticked the box Modify Access Point. I changed it from ESP *** to the name I had originally then clicked apply.  It saved and now shows as the correct name and now on 3.20 version. .

Edited by Pablos, 12 February 2021 - 05:14 PM.

[gpaunescu]

I've read on many posts that the WIFI access point provided by this mount, some time is not reliable.

What I'm doing is that I use as access point (hot spot), my phone.

I connect to my phone, the mount, a raspberry pi 4 with astroberry and my laptop. In this way I have also access to the internet in this mini-network.

Seems that work pretty well and is stable.

I setup fixed IPs on mount and rasberry pi.

[Gazpacho]

I found that I was almost exclusively using my AZ-GTi as a Grab-n-Go mount with my ES 80mm Essentials scope (with it's 3d printed ring and dovetail), when I decided to make a dedicated attachment for the mount.

 

 

It replaces the saddle and moves the entire OTA closer to the mount.  Since it is it's own ring, it eliminates the weight of the rings and dovetail.  The center of gravity is closer to mount.  I believe the net result is less wear and tear on the mount, and more useful payload limit.  I only use the mount in Alt-Az mode, so I don't know how well it would work for EQ.

 

More info here: https://www.cloudyni...omy/?p=10880499

 

STL files here: https://www.thingive...m/thing:4760458

 

[SpaceOddities]

ADM also has a replacement, which I have and use. I bought a replacement knob for the adm as the knob it comes with was very small and uncomfortable to tighten. For that reason I cannot recommend the adm upgrade. The saddle is one of the weak points of the mount though and it’s well worth exploring alternatives. For me it was worth the expense.

I hate that knob! Would you perhaps share which kind of knob you replaced it with?

 

Thanks  

[CloudyIFR]

I am a bit interested in the ASIAIR Pro for my RedCat51/Nikon D5600 and this mount in EQ mode.

I have a few questions that hopefully someone could clear up for me.

First, I want to stay portable and not connected to house power.

Second, the Wifi on the Az-GTI mount is really good.  It's working through my house router on 2.4G perfectly.  

The Wifi on the ASIAIR Pro is horrible, sadly.

So if I were to connect the ASIAIR Pro to the mount via a direct connection, which I believe is a FTDI EQDIR adapter then which Wifi am I using?  The mount of the ASIAIR Pro?  I've read that I can connect in 5g but then the range is reduced further and if that's the case the ASIAIR is really unusable unless sitting right by it.  

Lastly in this setup would I be able to align without a polar finder or guide scope?

 

Thanks for helping me understand.

Curtis

Montana

[sbradley07]

I am a bit interested in the ASIAIR Pro for my RedCat51/Nikon D5600 and this mount in EQ mode.

I have a few questions that hopefully someone could clear up for me.

First, I want to stay portable and not connected to house power.

Second, the Wifi on the Az-GTI mount is really good.  It's working through my house router on 2.4G perfectly.  

The Wifi on the ASIAIR Pro is horrible, sadly.

So if I were to connect the ASIAIR Pro to the mount via a direct connection, which I believe is a FTDI EQDIR adapter then which Wifi am I using?  The mount of the ASIAIR Pro?  I've read that I can connect in 5g but then the range is reduced further and if that's the case the ASIAIR is really unusable unless sitting right by it.  

Lastly in this setup would I be able to align without a polar finder or guide scope?

 

Thanks for helping me understand.

Curtis

Montana

You'll need to configure the ASIAIR and your mobile device running the ASIAIR app to connect to the az-gti's wifi access point.  The cable you describe is only to provide serial mount control between the ASIAIR and the mount...it does not provide any network connectivity.  

[gpaunescu]

I am a bit interested in the ASIAIR Pro for my RedCat51/Nikon D5600 and this mount in EQ mode.

I have a few questions that hopefully someone could clear up for me.

First, I want to stay portable and not connected to house power.

Second, the Wifi on the Az-GTI mount is really good.  It's working through my house router on 2.4G perfectly.  

The Wifi on the ASIAIR Pro is horrible, sadly.

So if I were to connect the ASIAIR Pro to the mount via a direct connection, which I believe is a FTDI EQDIR adapter then which Wifi am I using?  The mount of the ASIAIR Pro?  I've read that I can connect in 5g but then the range is reduced further and if that's the case the ASIAIR is really unusable unless sitting right by it.  

Lastly in this setup would I be able to align without a polar finder or guide scope?

 

Thanks for helping me understand.

Curtis

Montana

Why you don't connect also ASIAIR Pro to your home WIFI? Personal I'm using my phone as hotspot and connect to it  AZ-GTI mount, also my rasberry pi 4 with astroberry. This is allow me take everywhere the setup, without reconfigure the WIFI network.

Edited by gpaunescu, 16 February 2021 - 01:04 AM.

[jortx]

Dear lovers of this great mount.

 

Getting tired of using my smartphone to move the mount, I am thinking of acquiring a skywatcher remote control, which one is valid and do you recommend me for this small but great mount?

 

Thanks and greetings from Spain

[gpaunescu]

I have also Celestron Nexstar 5SE computerized. Is not very comfortable to use with hand controller. I consider the big upgrade, what I did for it: I bought WIFI module. Since then I can connect to SkySafari 6 and align command the mount very easy.

So my point, is that if you can, check what are the advantages over the over; keep in mind that there will be small screen, some difficult to navigate through menu.

The only draw back that I found on mobile, is when you have to operate without look at screen (I mean when you have to look in eyepiece and command the mount)

[Albut]

Dear lovers of this great mount.

 

Getting tired of using my smartphone to move the mount, I am thinking of acquiring a skywatcher remote control, which one is valid and do you recommend me for this small but great mount?

 

Thanks and greetings from Spain

I had a hand controller with my eq5 and found it a pain to use. So I bought a Wi-fi module and cheap 10” iPad and used Sky Safari 6 pro together with synscan pro apps. The iPad also serves as a light source for flat frames. Of course you wouldn’t need the wi-if module as it’s built on with the az gti.