23 replies to this topic

[davidparks]

Skywatcher AZ-GTi – Useful Links and Accessories

Please feel free to add any additional useful links.

 

Skywatcher AZ-GTi – It is useful to check local and online dealers/vendors, I’ve seen them for $300

 

Skywatcher Motor Controller Firmware  – Loader program for Windows OS is available in a WiFi version.  AZGTi Firmware is available for AZ Mode Only Left Side Mounting, and AZ/EQ Dual Mode Right Side Mounting

 

Skywatcher AZ-GTi Mount Manual (PDF)

 

Skywatcher SynScan Hand Control and SynScan App Manual

 

Skywatcher Star Adventurer Latitude Base – This came with the top vixen dovetail bar which connects directly to the 3/8” hole on bottom of AZ-GTi

 

iOptron Alt-azimuth Adjustable Base – Does NOT come with a top vixen dovetail bar

 

Hercules Micro stage-Fine Adjustment Unit from AliExpress – Looks the same as iOptron, but comes with top vixen dovetail bar

 

Hercules Counterweight Shaft for AZ-GTi

 

Hercules 2KG 20MM Counterweight

 

Hercules 0.5KG 20MM Counterweight

 

Skywatcher  Star Adventurer Counter Weight Kit – needs Reducer Bushing to work with the M12 bolt size of the AZ-GTi

Edited by davidparks, 16 May 2019 - 11:07 AM.

[junomike]

ADM Replacement Saddles

[jgreif]

Great resources, guys.  Any idea what cable I would want to connect a guide camera to the AZ-GTI (which I've converted to equatorial with a Williams Optics wedge and a firmware update).  I suspect that it is one of these:  http://www.store.sho...products_eq.htm

Thanks,

Jon

Edited by jgreif, 21 April 2020 - 10:52 AM.

[RVee]

For using the Az-Gti in Eq mode with the Sky Watcher latitude base, please confirm the correct bolt size (source) to replace the locking knob that comes with the base.  Thank you.

[jgreif]

For using the Az-Gti in Eq mode with the Sky Watcher latitude base, please confirm the correct bolt size (source) to replace the locking knob that comes with the base.  Thank you.

Hi.  Sorry, but not going to be able to help. I used the William Optic High Latitude Vixen style base mount with my AZ-GTI (https://williamoptic...tyle-base-mount), and don't remember having to make any additional adjustments/purchases.  I've since purchased a Rainbow Astro RST-135 as my grab and go mount, but I really liked the AZ-GTI and it served me well.

Jon

[RVee]

Had to look that one up...quite the upgrade!  

[jgreif]

Had to look that one up...quite the upgrade!  

I started out with the base from my Ioptron SkyGuider Pro, but it was just too "rickety" for the AZ-GTI, scope, cameras, computer, etc, and tracking.  The WO base is really well machined and solid and, I think, made a huge difference.  Really important (more so than with mounts that track in AZ and DEC planes) is that you are well polar aligned, and then my AZ-GTI with OAG (using this Lynx Astro cable: https://www.firstlig...gti-mounts.html) tracked very nicely, and produced subs between 2-5 minutes, depending mainly on sky conditions (and polar alignment).  I could only find that cable in the UK, but FLO had it in stock and shipping costs were reasonable.  Good luck.

Jon

[beammeup]

AZ-GTI with OAG (using this Lynx Astro cable: https://www.firstlig...gti-mounts.html) tracked very nicely, and produced subs between 2-5 minutes, depending mainly on sky conditions (and polar alignment).  I could only find that cable in the UK, but FLO had it in stock and shipping costs were reasonable.  Good luck.

Jon

 

I have found a cable from Aliexpress that might work, it's cheaper of course..😊

 

https://www.google.c...0610764393.html

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[jgreif]

I have found a cable from Aliexpress that might work, it's cheaper of course..

 

https://www.google.c...0610764393.html

...and with the coupon, it's practically free!  Probably worth a try.  I can vouch for the Lynx cable -- well made and worked!  Only issue was that there was too much of it -- I coiled it up and hid it in a cable management sleeve.  One person on this thread took it apart and cut it down and put it back together -- way too much work for me!  

[beammeup]

...and with the coupon, it's practically free!  Probably worth a try.  I can vouch for the Lynx cable -- well made and worked!  Only issue was that there was too much of it -- I coiled it up and hid it in a cable management sleeve.  One person on this thread took it apart and cut it down and put it back together -- way too much work for me!  

FLO now supply the cable in 3 different lengths (1m, 2m or 5m),  also on AliExpress 2 lengths available, 180cm or 500cm.

Edited by beammeup, 03 September 2020 - 03:09 PM.

[stelaras1]

this worked for me

 

https://www.aliexpre...2978177186.html

[RVee]

Interesting, I had not considered a direct PC connection to my yet-to-arrive az gti mount.  I think I'll give it a try.  Apparently the bolt I need for attaching the az-gti to the SW star adventure latitude wedge (to replace the knob that interferes with full RA movement) is an M8.  

[beammeup]

Interesting, I had not considered a direct PC connection to my yet-to-arrive az gti mount.  I think I'll give it a try.  Apparently the bolt I need for attaching the az-gti to the SW star adventure latitude wedge (to replace the knob that interferes with full RA movement) is an M8.  

Apparently some people have had problems getting phd2 guiding to work over WiFI.

Connecting by cable seems to work better.

I need the cable because I got stuck in the dreaded 3 blinking led mode whilst updating the firmware... Connecting by cable is the only way to reset the mount...

Edited by beammeup, 03 September 2020 - 04:26 PM.

[FredSoDak]

I have been using my AZ-GTi with a power source of DeWalt batteries through a 12v adapter.  The adapter itself puts out 14v at 2 amps.  It seems to be within the recommended range and operates well.  I do have another 120v AC to 15v 3 amp DC transformer that actually puts out 18v and the safety feature of the AZ-GTi cuts off the operation.  Does anyone know what the upper cutoff voltage is for the AZ-GTi?

 

Here is the adapter for the DeWalt batteries.  I am only using the low capacity batteries (that come included with many bundled sale purchases), that are used on my floodlights & not the high capacity batteries that are used on my power tools -- in case the "power drain" problem of some Amazon reviewers are actually true and not posted by DeWalt sales people.

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I will soon have this attached to the mount with a small counterweight with this 10" bolt.  Is this the correct thread size & pitch to order?

 

https://www.amazon.c...lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

I am using the AZ-GTi with an ST120 that weighs 9.2 lbs with rings, etc. & without eyepieces.  I do not have the hand controller, using WiFi only; and after doing the 2 star alignment, the next 2 objects are close to centered -- but after centering them and telling the app the new center -- all other objects using GoTo are almost perfectly centered.  Love this little mount.

Edited by FredSoDak, 04 October 2020 - 08:47 AM.

[mchriste]

I have also been using a small 5V to 12V USB step-up adapter with my AZ-GTI. Doing so lets you power the mount with a standard USB power bank. Mine is a conveniently shaped 8000mAH that I velcroed into the mount's battery compartment. Powering the AZ-GTI barely makes a dent in it, it lasts for weeks and I don't have to worry about batteries dying on me.

 

I specifically use this converter (currently out of stock), but there are of course others out there. For example this one from Aliexpress looks like it would work too (triple-check first, I did NOT test this one!)

 

Edited by mchriste, 16 November 2020 - 09:02 AM.

[ItsMeTony]

Is there an adapter of sorts that will allow the AZ-GTI to attach to a vixen tripod?

 

Thanks

Tony

[Cometeer]

Is there an adapter of sorts that will allow the AZ-GTI to attach to a vixen tripod?

 

Thanks

Tony

What sort of Vixen tripod? If it's one with a flat head (or if the polar alignment pin won't get in the way of the az-gti pier), you can take out the M12 bolt and put in a 3/8" bolt. I did that with the Vixen Porta tripod that I have.

[toothdoc]

The Hercules counterweight bar for the AZ-GTI in EQ mode has three weights at the end of the shaft.  I need the bar that is made in Japan and has the standard safety bolt at the end of the shaft.  It doesn't look like the Hercules shaft has the safety bolt.  Also I want a bar made of stainless steel not aluminum, heavy enough to balance a load without adding weights. A company in Japan called Eyeball has one on their website but the site is in Japanese.

[jgreif]

The Hercules counterweight bar for the AZ-GTI in EQ mode has three weights at the end of the shaft.  I need the bar that is made in Japan and has the standard safety bolt at the end of the shaft.  It doesn't look like the Hercules shaft has the safety bolt.  Also I want a bar made of stainless steel not aluminum, heavy enough to balance a load without adding weights. A company in Japan called Eyeball has one on their website but the site is in Japanese.

I use this configuration, described here (https://www.cloudyni...s/#entry9368587) by David Parks, with links to the sites for purchase: Skywatcher  Star Adventurer Counter Weight Kit – needs Reducer Bushing to work with the M12 bolt size of the AZ-GTI.

[opienc]

adding to the list. 

 

if using the skyadventurer latitude base, the declination knob will block the az-Gti and needs to be replaced.

i replaced it with a m8 bolt with handle. 

 

https://www.amazon.c...13318508&sr=8-9

 

for the counter weight bar, i used a M12 threaded rod + 2 M12 nuts. 250mm is just a tad shorter than the sky adventurer counter weight kit.

 

https://www.amazon.c...2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

M12 nuts

 

https://www.amazon.c...3319753&sr=8-10

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Edited by opienc, 14 February 2021 - 11:54 AM.

[Gazpacho]

I posted this in other places, but I found this thread an thought it might be good to post here also.  Apologies to the Mods if this seems like spamming.

 

 

This is a 3D printed project I designed to reduce the weight suspended on the mount and to bring the OTA closer to the mount to reduce leverage "added" weight.  It replaces the dovetail saddle, the dovetail and the scope rings.  Total weight of all parts is 8.7 ounces.  A single GSO 90mm ring weighs 6.5 ounces so I would not be surprised if this modification saves up to a pound of weight.  I am a visual only user, so I cannot comment on its effectiveness for AP, but it appears to be solid.  

 

This modification is for 90mm optical tubes.  If you need a different diameter, I can design one for you fairly quick, but I cannot test it for you.  I would welcome any recommendations for improving this adaptation.

 

Thingieverse:  https://www.thingive...m/thing:4760458

 

 

 

 

[TheChemican]

I have been using my AZ-GTi with a power source of DeWalt batteries through a 12v adapter.  The adapter itself puts out 14v at 2 amps.  It seems to be within the recommended range and operates well.  I do have another 120v AC to 15v 3 amp DC transformer that actually puts out 18v and the safety feature of the AZ-GTi cuts off the operation.  Does anyone know what the upper cutoff voltage is for the AZ-GTi?

 

Here is the adapter for the DeWalt batteries.  I am only using the low capacity batteries (that come included with many bundled sale purchases), that are used on my floodlights & not the high capacity batteries that are used on my power tools -- in case the "power drain" problem of some Amazon reviewers are actually true and not posted by DeWalt sales people.

 

https://www.amazon.c...0?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I will soon have this attached to the mount with a small counterweight with this 10" bolt.  Is this the correct thread size & pitch to order?

 

https://www.amazon.c...lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

I am using the AZ-GTi with an ST120 that weighs 9.2 lbs with rings, etc. & without eyepieces.  I do not have the hand controller, using WiFi only; and after doing the 2 star alignment, the next 2 objects are close to centered -- but after centering them and telling the app the new center -- all other objects using GoTo are almost perfectly centered.  Love this little mount.

So I know you posted this a while ago but did the ST120 work out on that mount? It looks like maybe you have a Celestron 102mm now. Is that because the ST120 was too heavy? Going to get the mount with either the 102mm or 127mm Mak and am thinking about what refractor I could pair with it for my wild field views.

[FredSoDak]

So I know you posted this a while ago but did the ST120 work out on that mount? It looks like maybe you have a Celestron 102mm now. Is that because the ST120 was too heavy? Going to get the mount with either the 102mm or 127mm Mak and am thinking about what refractor I could pair with it for my wild field views.

The ST120 was at the "edge" for weight, once I put on a 2lb counterweight.  The motor did strain when finalizing its target.  The motor was fine using manually & when moving in normal speed; it only groaned when it was close to centering the object.  My ST120 does have a different focuser, that is heavier than the original.

 

I am using the Celestron on that mount now; mainly because the lens are much better at getting clear images.  The weight of the 102mm is much lighter; and getting the image centered is more accurate.  I feel that the 102mm Celestron is a much better fit for this mount.

[Halfstar]

Has anyone replaced the Azimith screws on the GTI   they are so small they are a royal pain to rotate when its cold out.  If so where did you find them

Edited by Halfstar, 19 January 2023 - 05:21 PM.