mikeofthenorth

An update, in case anyone else has this issue. I found that downloading the SynScan Pro app on my MacBook Pro worked, I could manually slew. Then I deleted and reinstalled my iOS app and it worked to manually control as well. But then on the iOS app, as soon as I went to 1 star alignment it pointed at the complete wrong place again and the arrow buttons no longer worked to reposition it manually. However, the app running on my MacBook Pro worked fine. So I used my computer to manually align, set the alignment, and now it is good and tracking (whew). Not sure if this is a bug between the app and the latest iOS but really strange...I've sent a message to SkyWatcher support about it to see if they have any insight.

Yes using the Synscan Pro iOS app. Utility -> Advanced -> Auto Home just says "Not Supported" so I had been stumped there earlier.

Thank you @Elp for the reply! This helped pushed me in the direction of FINALLY finding the "Reset Alignment" button in the app. Makes sense that this could be the detail I am missing, I will try again tonight! But yes, overkill is normal kill for me 🙂 I have been wanting to get a proper tracking mount to try my hand at photographing DSO and the eclipse has been a convenient push for me to take the plunge!

Hello! I have a new Star Adventurer GTI that I am aiming to use for the eclipse, and after watching and reading many tutorials I am unable to replicate certain steps. I am brand new to this so I am SURE I am missing something obvious and small, and would really appreciate any nudges in the right direction. I had hoped to have this all worked out by now but I have two young kids and it is a constant battle to find the time! I am able to get the tripod aligned north, and using a home-made bracket and PS Align Pro’s daytime polar alignment tool, I can get it aligned to Polaris with the dot right in the middle of the crosshairs. I’m confused on next steps as things don’t work as I would expect: - When I do a one star alignment to say, Venus, it go to a completely wrong place below the horizon. The date and time on the app are correct and it shows a location, is there something that needs to be reset to home or something like that after I polar align before I go to something? - The arrow buttons are unresponsive to manually slew. I set it so the little number in the middle of the number pad is a 9, but no movement. The app does work with the mount otherwise as it will goto, but arrows don’t do anything. Also having a hard time determining which location to attach the counter-weight. The manual shows the locations, but isn't clear on what the factors are to determine which one to use. Does anyone know? Just trying to get it to track the moon at the moment… seems like I should be very close, but I can’t figure out what rookie mistake I am making?? Thank you! Mike

@GrumpiusMaximus If you don't mind me asking, how long is your vixen bar in that photo?

Thanks @GrumpiusMaximus - nice setup! (In seeing your wedge, I saw something very similar-looking to that for sale on a website earlier yesterday and it is driving me nuts trying to find it again...I had no idea what I was looking at at the time so dismissed it) Feeling more confident about being able to piece together a working rig. What is the purpose of the spacing rings, how do they factor in? lol with the golden retriever, I just have a cat who insists on getting in the way of everything.

Ah I forgot about the Az. From looking at it in the past, I’d been somewhat confused how that mount works so thank you very much for breaking it down. That helps it make much more sense! So your suggestion would be the Az-GTi + S20530 EQ Base (plus the various parts and accessories you mentioned)? I see there are Dec brackets and counter weights offered alongside the base, are those anything I'd need to worry about? I was aware of the star eater issue, hoping it is something that I can get by with and if I get really hooked I would definitely invest in a dedicated astro camera and scope. Until then, imaging those targets you mentioned would be quite an accomplishment within my current expectations. It is a few steps down the line but is there a straightforward option for a guide scope and camera or is that an area to do more reading?

Hello! My hobby has been landscape and wide field astrophotography, but for years I’ve found myself drawn towards DSO, lunar, solar, etc - reading and day dreaming theoretical builds. The impending total solar eclipse may be the last nudge I need to start down this path… and I was hoping to get a double check on what I am thinking about. I’m considering buying a tracker for the eclipse, and to get something that I can build on to try out shooting objects this summer and see where that takes me. Not a hard limit but looking in the $400-$1000 range, which I am hoping is enough to get something capable that I won’t regret, and could take me through the beginner stage. I am not set on any particular set of objects, more want to do what I can with the camera and lenses I have already and go from there. For relevant equipment, I have a Sony a7IV, Sigma 100-400, and Sony 200-600. The A7IV + 200-600 tops out just over 6lbs so I’m thinking I want to aim for a stated weight capacity of 11lbs? With two young kids my free time is thin, but I do make time. I’m eager for any advantages I can get in streamlining setup and exposure - so I’d like to get a tracker that is compatible with the ASI Air. I’m at the point where I’ve spent so much time reading and overthinking that I have totally confused myself. The Sky Adventurer GTi caught my eye initially, but then I found criticism of its build quality. I also saw well regarded options from iOptron, as well as the 2i and EQ3, but not having any hands-on experience yet I’m not sure what details matter to me and how to decide between them. It there a consensus pick in the 11lb class? Could I use a Benro FBAT24CVX25 tripod that I have already, or is it better to get the tripod that is made to go with? Aside from a tracker, is there anything else I would need to be ready to make some attempts at astrophotography later this year? Thank you in advance!