3868 replies to this topic

[ShropshireLad]

You could just use a M12 threaded rod available from many DIY stores ... e.g B&Q.

As I used .... link https://www.cloudyni...post&p=11476991

 

Paul

[TareqPhoto]

I bought the bars and even a converter from Aliexpress.

[avescio]

Assuming that bar is 8mm, which it probably is then yes it will work. That is the exact same adapter I bought for my counterweight bar but I am not familiar with the specs of your bar.

Thank you Astrodave.  It's hard finding any information on line regarding this counter weight bar tread size from the Celestron astromaster 130 eq on the internet. I'm assuming it is M8 and I figure the M8 to M12 adapter will be my first attempt to use what I already have at a small price.  I was just hoping to get someone to verify this bar is M8.

[davidgmd]

Hi Everyone, it looks like I will be converting to EQ mode for my AZ-GTi mount but I have a counterweight bar question.  I read that the AZ-GTi needs a counter weight bar with a 12M Male Thread.  I have a Celestron Astromaster 130eq counter weight bar that is to smaller and I'm unable to find the correct thread info for this bar.  Does anyone know what the male thread size is?  Is it a standard 8M?  Would this M8 to M12 adapter work? 

 

 

Fitting Reducer Metric M12 X 1.75 M12X1.75 Male to M8 X 1.25 M8X1.25 Female Thread Adapter Gauge Meter Bushing

 

TinyTake24-10-2024-07-44-00.jpg

   
I’ve found this gadget to be very handy at answering all sorts of questions about nut and bolt sizes:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN1L7PCQ
 

[rydberg]

This has probably discussed ad infinitum but, if it is useful to someone, is worth repeating.

 

1) Check your Az-gti first and make sure that, at the center of the Altitude clutch (if you are in alt-az mode) you can see if the hole is threaded (some are not, I read)

2) If it is threaded, the thread is Metric 12 ( M12) 

3) Sky-watcher does not sell a counterweight bar for the AZ-gti (not that I could find, anyway).  Aliexpress could be a source but it is difficult.  Sky-watcher sells one for the Star Adventurer part S20540.  It has an M8 thread at the end (amazon link).  

4) You need an adapter,  M8 female to MM 12 male.  Some are exorbitant, others...not so much. Another Amazon Link

 

My AZ-GTI now has a counterweight bar and I can try equatorial mode.

[MattS]

Hi all

 

Like 'Albut', I am using this mount with a RedCat51 and ASIAir combo, but I can't get it to calibrate guiding correctly: it'll move North but not move South during the calibration process.

 

Can anyone confirm what Guide Rate they are using? Mine is currently set to 0.5x (the default value in ASIAir world and I've not previously changed it), but I've read elsewhere that the AZ GTi can often require 1.0x or higher.

 

Many thanks in advance and clear skies,

Matt

[steve19]

Hi MattS:

 

I asked a similar question from Sky Watcher for my GTi and received this reply on April 10, 2025.

 

Thank you for contacting Sky-Watcher USA technical support.

The mount Tracking speed is 0.50 on both RA and DEC axis.

You don't change the guiding speed.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Steve

[MattS]

Hi Steve
Thanks for coming back to me so promptly!
Clear skies
Matt

[Sergey S]

Good day, I'm from Ukraine. I need your help. I bought azgti on aliexpress. I'm trying to reflash it, but it doesn't work, it shows the message "not a valid motor controller firmware file". I want to flash 3.40 for EQ mod (Motor Controller Firmware Loader - WiFi, Version 1.84 + Firmware: AZGTi Mount, Right Arm, AZ/EQ Dual Mode, Version 3.40). I click on check installed firmware, it shows me 3.51. That is, the firmware is more recent than 3.40 and therefore I can't flash it. I don't have a cable, maybe with a cable I could flash it to 3.40. What should I do? I need an equatorial mode, that's what I bought it for(

 

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[happy-kat]

hi, did you unpack the new firmware zip file before your try to load it using the uploader

[Sergey S]

Yes, sure

[Sergey S]

But I wanted to know what firmware 3.51.C5 is installed on my mount? It is nowhere on the official SW website? It turns out that I was sold a fake or refurbished product on AliExpress? Perhaps the motor control board was changed and that is why there is an unofficial firmware?

Edited by Sergey S, 28 May 2025 - 01:16 PM.

[happy-kat]

have you tried the synscan pro app in eq mode with your mount ?

[Sergey S]

yes, of course. only AZ mode. I'll try to make a cable for connecting to a computer today (USB TTL -RJ 12) and flash it via cable. If it doesn't work, I'll return it to the seller in China

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[Sergey S]

here is a screenshot from the SYNSCAN PRO application with the drive number (3.51.C5)

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[happy-kat]

I've just connected my az-gti using the latest firmware loader and the version on the mount is 3.40.A5 and when I connect using synscan pro I have to choose whether equatorial or altaz.

Are you sure you have downloaded the right file from skywatcher for  the firmware as I don't recognise what is showing for firmware file on the screen shot in post # 3589 the right hand side image where the mouse pointer is over update.

[Sergey S]

I wrote above that I received the AZGTI mount only with the AZ mode. There is no equatorial mode because I can't update the firmware. Can I install the mount on the SW equatorial wedge and use it for astrophotography with the AZ firmware? What is the difference?

[archer1960]

If you have it on a wedge and try to run it in Az mode, it won't track properly because the geometry calculations will be incorrect.

[Sergey S]

Good afternoon, I removed the cover and found that the revision of the motor controller board is newer. 2024.04 And therefore I can not update the firmware to 3.40 for the equatorial mode. I need a more recent firmware that matches my board revision. I will wait for updated versions of firmware for the equatorial mode for AZGTI, perhaps SkyWatcher will pay attention to my request. I wrote them a letter). Well, now at least I will not think that the seller from AliExpress sent me the device after repair.

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