Andrew stuart

Out last night to photograph C/2022 E23. Everything set up however when I went to start alignment choosing 2 stars the mount was stuttering and in fact reversing on final fine trim. I’m using SynScan Pro on iPad. Eventually got it and then connected Luminos Pro which worked a treat. Has anyone else had the AZ GTI mount do this. Thanks in advance. Oh and the mount was clicking once fixed on the comet. 

On 16/06/2021 at 19:19, AstroNebulee said:

Right all sorted now, complete noon error, my synscan short was outside of the folder with all the files in that's why it couldn't find the database doh, it's all working now and can align well in practice, how on earth am I supposed to image when I can't get the basics right haha. But working now 

Hello I know this is an old post but I searched and found your post. I have the same problem but need help in how you sorted the error. hope your still around. thanks 

Thank you for the informative replies, all good. I am fortunate to live in the countryside with no light pollution and my Dob serves me very well for star hopping, bright DSO’s, clusters etc but lugging it around gets a bit much. I love my AZ GTI with the ST102 and want to try my 26mm and 38mm 2in Panaview. However contrary to these I have a 1.25 16mm OVL Nirvana 82’ which I love. so now need a decent 2in diagonal with 1.25 adapter. 

As the headline suggests I have a ST 102 refractor and using it more now as grab and go on a AZ GTI mount. So question is would I get better observations with a decent 2in diagonal to go with a couple of 2in EP’s I already use in my 10in Dobsonian. Thanks in advance 

I love my Bresser 10in Dob but the finder scope lets it down. I want to replace it so I can use a spare Skywatcher red dot finder I have. Can anyone tell me if there is a finder shoe that will fit the existing screw holes. I don’t want to really start drilling. Thank you 

31 minutes ago, Gfamily said:

Hi Andrew.

Download the SynScan app for Windows from the Skywatcher website. 

In Stellarium add a telescope mount as follows (you need to scroll the lower part of the screen down to get the Connections Settings entered)

Then power up the AZ GTi 

Connect your laptop wifi to the SynScan_aann wireless network 

Start the Synscan app and connect to the telescope  - 

Align the telescope using Synscan app (I'm not sure if this is necessary, but I do it)  

Connect to the telescope

You should then be able to Select Objects in Stellarium and GOTO them

(Current position in Red, Selected object in Blue)

 

One happy chap and ready for the evening. Clear skies and thanks.

Happykat, thank you as well. 

Gfamily, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply in detail. I’m on it now. 👍 and the clouds are clearing down here. Thank you. 

I need a breakdown of instructions please on how to get my AZ GTI mount to connect to Stellarium on my PC via Wi-Fi. I have searched online and am still non the wiser. If it is not possible what is the correct cable from the mount to the PC, running in AZ only. Many thanks in advance. 

Thanks Alan, I put it in the title. Skywatcher AZ GTI. Mind put at rest so back to the tennis !

Ok stupid error, dew heater cord wrapped good and proper around mount. In particular azimuth. Only noticed when it stopped going to target, probably 10 seconds then switched off quickly. Any body experienced this and possible motor damage. Need reassurance please👍

3 minutes ago, cloudsweeper said:

Andrew - using 2" EPs gives that extra bit of field.  I have a selection of EPs (Exp Sci, Meade UWAs, Myriad MWA), but you can hardly go wrong with Revelation Astro Superview 42mm and 30mm - perfectly good, good field, not expensive.  They might come under a different name these days, but I have just checked RVO where they are still listed under the Revelation brand.

Doug.

Cheers Doug. Don’t have a bottomless money pit but Starting a small shopping list 👍

7 minutes ago, cloudsweeper said:

Yeah - can't abide straight-through finders.  Telrads are bulky dew-traps (but still popular).  I use a Rigel - light, tall, easy......

Doug.

Just been on FLO website and in Rigel is in stock plus a bit cheaper that a Telrad, which I still can’t work out why it’s so big. Doug, all my EP’s are 1.25. Would you recommend I use 2in and if so any suggestions 👍

That’s the way I’m heading I think. Also I just want to add that after experimenting with soap, Turtle Wax and nothing. I have had a lightbulb moment😳 thinking Teflon pads and an opposing low friction substance I tried some Ceramic polish I had in the garage. Well without sounding like a teenager “OMG” ! It’s a miracle. Genuinely, sprayed onto the textured metal bearing both altitude and azimuth then buffed with a microfibre cloth. Difference is day and night yet still retains hold when not moved. Please let the clouds clear 👍

15 hours ago, Pixies said:

And Turtlewax to help reduce friction.

And then replace that awful plastic finder with a proper RACI!

I totally agree. However torn between a 9x50 finder or a Telrad. 

19 hours ago, cloudsweeper said:

I have that 'scope.  I'd suggest just cleaning the linings and the pads they slide against.

Doug.

Thanks Doug

Found information in old posts👍

Decided I wanted a scope just for sweeping the sky and picked up this used Bresser 10in dob. Absolutely love it. However I need advice on one of the cart wheel altitude bearings. As you can see there are scratch marks, obviously from possible dirt rubbing in. Movement is smooth and not sticky but there is a slight grind. So can these strips be replaced and if so the best alternative. These appear to be metal. Thanks in advance. 

A month ago I accidentally forced my USB cable into my handset and broke off the USB port at the base of the handset😱 I couldn’t find anything on the internet about fixing it and was close to purchasing a new handset. Cut a long story short, found a local circuit board repair chap told him the story. His words were “fiddly but doable” So 1 day later and £40 he’s successfully done it. He said these will be mass produced and the soldering is weak. Now it is better than before, stronger solder and hot glued.  So wanted to share this experience in case I’m not the only one and to save you forking out on a new handset 👍

Hoping someone might have an idea. Out last night, all alignments done and happily photographing Bodes Nebula. Decided to look at a couple of star clusters so set keypad to move. It did move but then for some unbeknown reason the Azimuth motor stopped so only altitude worked. Cycled power, up and down on the key pad worked but left and right no movement or noise from the motor. Thought it might be the handset so connected via Wi-fi to my phone and the same up and down but no left or right. Looking to see if anyone has had similar. Thanks in advance. 

Thanks and just sorting out the 30 day free trial to see how it goes, looks good though 👍

Interesting and will have a look,thanks

Thanks for the comments and will look at Affinity. 
 

Ok, Skywatcher Evostar 80ed just arrived😁 got the dslr, filters etc. So as an iMac user looking for comments as too what is available for stacking on a Mac. I know about photoshop but want something simple to use. Thanks in advance. 

Thanks, just on the site now so will have a look.