Bill-T

I use nautical 7x50 from my sailing days. Wide FoV and good in low light. Built in compass and range graticules a bit of a nuisance though. https://www.fujifilm.com/uk/en/business/optical-devices/binocular/mariner

Advice please. I have never had a mirrored telescope before and am wondering what maintenance is required. It's not sealed at the back so over time I expect some dust will get in just as it does in a camera lens. Does it affect performance significantly and how often and how should it be cleaned.

All sorted. New tracker has current software and seems completely happy with cope mounted on right of AZ GTi as long as start alignment set in that configuration. Counterbalance may be a good idea but the overall weight limit is 5kg, be easy to exceed this.

Thank you, that's really helpful and I greatly appreciate your taking the time to explain it. I'm OK with updating camera firmware generally but use a wired connection because I always fear loss of Wi-Fi and bricking the hardware. This is why I was thinking of buying the usb dongle but I'm probably being overcautious. It looks as though I have a long evening ahead watching You Tube videos. I could simply mount the C90 scope on my camera 'L' bracket instead of directly onto the AZ GTi dovetail though it would slightly increase the out of balance load on the bearings. The finder and adjustment knob would then be correctly positioned as on my tripod pan and tilt head.

Thank you, that's really helpful and I greatly appreciate your taking the time to explain it. I'm OK with updating camera firmware generally but use a wired connection because I always fear loss of Wi-Fi and bricking the hardware. This is why I was thinking of buying the usb dongle but I'm probably being overcautious. It looks as though I have a long evening ahead watching You Tube videos. I could simply mount the C90 scope on my camera 'L' bracket instead of directly onto the AZ GTi dovetail though it would slightly increase the out of balance load on the bearings. The finder and adjustment knob would then be correctly positioned as on my tripod pan and tilt head.

It will be AZ mode but don't know firmware version. It's a replacement unit after a warranty fault, should have it tomorrow. It's a new unit. I'll check when I get it . How do I see firmware version, is it via SkyscanPro?

Help please. I am just beginning to use my AZ-GTi with a telescope as opposed to a camera and find that I need to change from the arm on the right to the arm on the left. I have read posts and comments about a firmware update but can't find simple instructions, all seem to presuppose a familiarity that I don't have. I saw some links to guides on CloudyNights but can't access them. The AZ-GTi Skywatcher tutorial recommends a USB dongle (available from Rother Valley etc) but still doesn't really go into basics. Chat GPT did give instructions as follows but with no reference to firmware update. The Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi mount allows for both right-arm and left-arm configurations, which is helpful for different setups, like when you're using a Newtonian reflector or a Maksutov-Cassegrain. Here’s how to change it from a right-arm to a left-arm mounting: Steps to Change from Right-Arm to Left-Arm Mounting: Loosen the Altitude Locking Knob: On the side of the mount, there’s an altitude (up-down) locking knob. Loosen this to allow the mount arm to move freely. Rotate the Arm to the Left Position: Once the altitude axis is loosened, carefully rotate the entire mount arm from the right (default position) to the left-hand side. The arm can swing fully over the top of the mount, allowing you to place it on the opposite side. Tighten the Altitude Locking Knob: Once the arm is in the desired left-arm position, retighten the altitude locking knob to secure the mount arm in place. Could anyone please guide me on this? Where do I start?

Thank you, I do have the left arm/right arm problem and have posted a query on the AZ-GTi owners thread

I hadn't heard of the Bortle Scale, interesting, thank you. I think my location falls into Bortle 3.

Thank you, I have a SW AZ GTi, or will have again when it is returned after a warranty repair. I think the replacement is in the post. I have only used it in a very basic way so far with a camera using a variety of lenses 14-600mm

Thank you all. I can see that there is a lot of temptation to spend money in this new interest. Already looking at better eyepieces, red dot finder etc.

Hi, I'm a keen photographer and have taken a few star trails, milky way shots etc but only just bought my first telescope a Celestron C90. I chose it because I hope to use it as a terrestrial spotting scope as well as for astro.