Beginner astrophotography set up

[@gazza9839]

Nice one Glenn, love the fact you leave in the mistakes ... we learn so much from mistakes

[@Astrobloke]

Hi and Thanks. I think I have learnt every part of this hobby from a mistake....lol....been a long road

[@SimonsAstro]

Nicely explained Glenn. I didn’t realise when I got my Sky Guider Pro, how much I would want a Goto! Finding my targets was always a challenge, wish I started with a mount like your AZ GTI I’ve now upgraded to a EQ6R pro, it doesn’t arrive until 18 June! If I’m lucky! Clear skies!

[@Astrobloke]

You will love the EQ6 r pro, that is my main rig. The sky guider and star adventurer are both great portable trackers but finding targets that are small is tough. I live the little az gti and use it a lot

[@JoesAstrophoto]

Great video and tutorial Glenn! This mount seems like the clear winner over most of the other little trackers out there.

[@Astrobloke]

The trackers are great and perfect for widefield shots. Its when you want to start looking for smaller stuff it becomes difficult, having goto makes life so much easier.

[@secretstill]

Nice one Glenn. I have one of these which I've never really got to use properly and then only in Alt/Az mode. This is my next project now the observatory is finished and I can have two rigs running at once.

[@Astrobloke]

Looks like i am keeping you busy lol. For a grab and go they are excellent little mounts and work well in equatorial mode.

[@lukomatico]

Hey mate! great to see how things are done in NINA - I love the ASIair for my purposes but it's brilliant to see the az-gti works over a variety of software, more options is hardly ever a bad thing eh? :) Great content mate, keep it up

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Luke. My next plan is to get a NUC for it so I can control it from either a laptop or phone or ipad. I really like NINA so going that route Rather than ASIAIR

[@dereksmith4517]

I bean thinking of biying this or the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer, I belive with the help of this vid will go with the SkyWatcher AZ GTI, cheer`s for the insite.

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Derek. These are excellent little mounts and have a lot more features than the sky adventurer for the same money so would always recommend.

[@avt_astro206]

Great Depth Tutorial, very well done!!👍🏻👍🏻

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you. I plan to update this in the future as I want to really extend the portability by adding an ASAIR

[@astrogerard2022]

Great video. Thanks. What co-ordinates would I put into the SynScan app for a home position of the South Celestial Pole please?

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Gerard and thank you for your comment. That's a good question but not one I don't personally know the answer to I'm afraid. I would have thought its the same Ra Dec, as the home position is the position of the mount. If you put it in the home position and then turn it on it will show the RA/DEC coordinates its at so you could copy these and save them

[@whatmattersmost6725]

1 more great Glenn vid! Question I use the Polemaster attached to the forward end of the vixen dovetail rail with a ADM Polemaster clamp and use the AZGTi motor to rotate 90 degrees and then do your polar adjustments and then in the app setup a home goto (under the app click on User Objects, then Terrestrial Objects, then in Axis 1 use -90, 0, 0 and for Axis 2 and use 90, 0, 0 and save that as Polaris or HOME. This way when you choose that name the mount will go back to a home / Polaris once you get the tripod all pointing at Polaris. I find it easy and using the Polemaster fast & easy. 1 more feature is I get to hear how the mount motors are moving the scope. Looks like you already set up the app to take the AZGTi home but did not show others how to do that? Please do more vids with NINA & AZGTi and also the rotator you have, I just ordered a manual Camera Rotator (that DYI someday make it motorized), but like to see more of this combo! Thank you

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Christopher. Its a very good point you make on the rotating of the mount for PA. I think its just a habit I am in but may well change that. I actually plan to add a NUC to this rig so it is really portable and I can just remote in to control it, I have remote desktop on my iphone and ipad so could use just them is out.. I will need to get the synscan cable for it and not use the wifi thats built in but we'll see. I will do more videos I promise. Thank you for your comments and support, much appreciated

[@Mirko87np]

Great job! I ve a question? The guiding camera is plugged at PC USB And the mount via Wi-Fi?

[@Astrobloke]

The guide camera is attached to the pc. Its plugged into the main camera that is connected to the pc. The mount is connected via wifi and receives the guide pulses that way, you can also get a lead to connect the mount to the pc

[@simrisks]

Nice video as always.

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Simon. Any questions or problems just msg me mate.

[@simrisks]

@@Astrobloke you know I will chap!! Was good to see it all in action, not had any clear skies since getting all the bITS Including new ADM saddle. Hoping I'll get a little window tonight for testing 😊

[@OAPMrTickle]

Nice video. I just purchased the AZ GTI the other day from FLO but I guess it won't be dispatched until 2, Jan 22 I'm feeling so impatient lol. Will I be able to use my Canon 7D mkII for the tracking/guiding? I know I can use a Raspberry Pi 4 running Stellarmate with my DSLR linked to my phone but I'd rather use my laptop if it's possible.

[@OlliesSpace]

Nice tutorial Glenn 👍

[@Astrobloke]

Thanks Ollie

[@AnalogMonoxide]

Great video, very helpful!

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you and glad it helped.

[@deeber35]

I will have the AZ-GTi mount and a DSLR. How do I connect the laptop to the mount, and then also see what the DSLR is seeing? Both are connected to the laptop? Or do I have to buy a wireless unit to handle all the back and forth between the laptop, mount, and camera? Does the smart phone SynScan app play a role?

[@Astrobloke]

The AZ GTI gives out a wifi hotspot you can connect to. You can then control the mount via a pc or tablet or even phone using the Synscan app. With a dslr you can capture via the cMera to card or connect to a pc and capture using Nina or APT or similar

[@quiquetorres5040]

Great info. I'm considering this mount for a lightweight setup. Is it possible to do an automated meridian flip via EQ mode and NINA?

[@Astrobloke]

Yes, absolutely. It behaves exactly like any eqmount through NINA and EQmod. There are a few ways of controlling it either using a cable direct from pc or wirelessly using sky watcher App

[@aranbarrett9543]

Hi thanks for the upload, Do yo have to align to polaris facing north or can you align to any star as I do not face north as I use it on a balcony 🙄

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Aran and thanks for commenting. Using the NINA plugin 3point polar align you can align using any star. There are more details in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5yrhYSqoLWJpqM

[@aranbarrett9543]

@@Astrobloke Thanks Astrobloke much appreciated I'm getting the Az-gti delivered soon it will be my first pop at automated, so relatively inexperienced I appreciate your help, hope to get it all up and running 😊, clear skies.

[@Astrobloke]

@@aranbarrett9543 good luck. If i can help please let me know

[@joelsweatman1503]

great video, will this work with the AZ-GTe mount ?

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Joel. On the sky watcher website where is discusses the motor controller firmware it states it is for both the GTI and GTe models.

[@joelsweatman1503]

@@Astrobloke thank you

[@fatemahals2885]

Hello sir. Thanks for the video. I have a question if don’t mind. I am using the same equipment with stellarmate and QHY Mono pointing it at polaris from the rooftop. What can be wrong that when I choose the target it goes to the wrong direction/ or let say the opposite the direction? I’m putting the latitude at 60 degree and I live at 26-30 Any suggestion? Thank you.

[@Astrobloke]

Normally that is down to the location details not being correct. Double check these in all the software you are using.

[@jratino]

Thanks for this. Just purchased on sale at a really good price. Question, what do you use to power it?

[@Astrobloke]

I have a Nevada PSU 8amp. bought from firstlightoptics and last I saw £34. I also have a sky watcher powertank battery pack that I use if I have no access to plugs. the following link is to a video showing the nevada and how I connect it up kzbin.info/www/bejne/amKym6Ckf5prb8U

[@deeber35]

Thought my mount was PA in NINA, but when I slew to coordinates, the camera is way off; I did get a warning it didn't slew far enough or something, to somehow change slew rate? but that warning went away when I next PA; what could be wrong? Used an L bracket for the camera, but that shouldn't be a problem

[@Astrobloke]

Sometime that can report it hasn't moved enough and that could be down to the scale of your guiding camera. I belive you can adjust that time in the settings to be longer so I would maybe add a second or 2

[@cooky187]

Such a n00b I am. Been learning the AZ myself just usually do a 2 star alignment and straight to my target. Can’t even get 60s subs as I start getting trails. I need to learn this work flow 👌💪 Guessing it’s the same process but instead of SharpCap I’ve got the Nina alignment plug in? Also noticed you do your alignment and go straight to your target. Does this method not require any 2-3 star alignments?

[@Astrobloke]

Hi there. If you are using platesolving to slew and find your target then no star alignment needed. All star alignment does is help the mount know roughly where everything is so it can slew to it. Platesolving will do all of this for you. So once you have good Polar alignment just let NINA slew the Az to the target and centre it using platesolving. Download ASTAP as your platesolving program and set it in nina settings. Works a treat

[@cooky187]

@@Astrobloke I will give this a try the next time I manage to get out. Thanks so much for your reply having a blast learning this stuff! Your work flow seems super affective and definitely will be learning this. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@Astrobloke]

@@cooky187 you are welcome. There is a very steep learning curve in this hobby but worth sticking with, glad to help and if you have any questions just drop me a message.

[@cooky187]

@@Astrobloke will do thanks and I will dedicate myself to learning this work flow. Thanks a lot! 😀

[@cooky187]

@@Astrobloke wow tried this tonight and it’s like cheat mode! Literally takes all the stress away! Noticing my target slowly drifting off and no data on the phd graphs so wondering if it’s not communicating with my mount properly 🤔

[@krisztianrozmaring3100]

Hey, Nice video. I have the same mount, but I use different device (AA+) but I'm really struggling with the guiding. What is your setup? Calibration steps, DEC/RA duration, guiding rate? Thx

[@Astrobloke]

I leave all the EQmod and PHD2 settings at default and then after calibrating (this will vary depending on your guidescope reach) I run a guide assistant for at least 10 minutes and apply the recommended settings. If seeing is good I will set the phd2 guide timing at 1 second and if the seeing is poor anything upto 3 seconds. Only other changes I make are to the aggressiveness. If it is correcting one way and then immediately the other it is over correcting and so will lower it in increments of 5 until the guiding settles. I normally get around 0.8 total rms. clear skies

[@ShevillMathers]

Fantastic-thank you for taking the time to demonstrate the setup-something I have yet to do with my AZ GTi. Stay safe, best from Tasmania.🇬🇧🇦🇺🔭🦘

[@Astrobloke]

Thank you

[@autumncooks9697]

I'm fairly new to astrophotography and I think my next step would be to buy a guidescope. How exactly do you connect the guidescope to the az gti?

[@Astrobloke]

Can I ask what main camera are you using for imaging (is it a dslr or astrocamera?) how do you control your mount? is it via a phone/tablet or a laptop or ASIAIR and what program do you use? APT? NINA?. Sorry to ask so many questions but its different depending on how you set up

[@autumncooks9697]

@@Astrobloke Using a DSLR, controlled via laptop (Wireless) and atm I'm using APT but I wanna swap to NINA as soon as possible.

[@Astrobloke]

@@autumncooks9697 you will need a usb lead from the guide cam to the pc . This can be via a hub to neaten things up but you will need a connection for phd2 to connect to the camera.

[@nickfrederiksen2555]

Thanks for the video. Can you tell me how you physically connect the CCD camera you use for guiding using PHD2, I cant seem to get PHD2 to connect without using a direct usb cable from my ZWO mini to the laptop. There are 2 connector ports on the ZWO camera 1)Type C USB 2) RJ 12?? to connect to ST4, but AZ GTI does not have an ST4 port. Any help would be great

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Nick. I connect my guidecam with a usb lead from the rear of my main imaging camera. The ST4 port is not needed for guiding as when PHD2 is connected pulse guiding is used via the software (in my case NINA) via the connection to your main imaging camera.

[@nickfrederiksen2555]

@@Astrobloke Thanks, DSLR user at the moment-so the main imaging cam is then usb cable connected to your laptop? Not wifi linked? Trying to avoid ST4 cable use but cant find another method to get PHD2 connected to without a usb cable to laptop somewhere. Would appreciate any help

[@Astrobloke]

@@nickfrederiksen2555 Hi Nick. It is usb to laptop basically. Only other options are an ASIAIR or NUC or usb hub mounted up with scope so the lead to the guidecam is short.

[@nickfrederiksen2555]

@@Astrobloke Thanks again for confirming thought that may be the case, another few bits to purchase, if I want to use pdh2? Thought the video overall was extremely informative.

[@hitoshiiguchi1330]

NINA is not recognising Ascom drivers on my computer. Any solutions?

[@Astrobloke]

Thats strange. I would try reloading the ascom platform and possibly reinstall NINA. If still no joy the discord for NINA is very helpful at solving problems like this

[@hitoshiiguchi1330]

@@Astrobloke I asked the discord server and they helped me to fix it. Thanks!

[@astrogerard2022]

Hi Glen. I have had a few issues using this mount with NINA and Stellarium. My main issue is with the meridian flip. I get the following error message: " set - "is an invalid value. The valid range is: ." NINA will just sit there with the 'doing flip' message but does nothing. Note, this error message can also come up if the wrong focal length is set when plate solving (using G17 ASTAP database). I do tend to zoom in and sometimes pick fainter stars in Stellarium (for better framing) and then update NINA in Framing with the location, which sometimes will not update the location coordinates. Plate solving can be hit and miss as well, especially after going to multiple targets and plate solving each one. Not sure if the two are related, but I have confirmed it is when plate solving is involved that I have issues with meridian flip. Any idea why the meridian flip is failing please?

[@Astrobloke]

The strange thing in NINA is the location details are in a different format to Stellarium. Are you also running EQMOD or are you using the synscan App? I use EQMOD and so what I do is make sure the location is identical in Stellarium and EQMOD then I go to the Nina options tab (the 3 gears icon) and at the bottom of 'general' is Astrometry and I click get location from planetarium software. This makes sure that everything is exactly the same in all applications and since doing this my Meridian flips have been good. I used to have issues before and often had to wait and re slew so almost doing it manually.

[@astrogerard2022]

@@Astrobloke I am connecting remotely via the AZGTI wifi and then using the synscan app to connect in equatorial mode. Then I run NINA and stellarium to find my targets. I always get the location from planetarium software in NINA. So are you saying not to run the synscan app, after connecting remotely, and run eqmod instead?

[@Astrobloke]

@@astrogerard2022 just confirm location in the App also. The other thing you can do is run 3 star alignment.

[@astrogerard2022]

@@Astrobloke I always make sure the location is set in in the SynScan app. I select SynScan App Driver in NINA's telescope drop down atm and set up stellarium for the SynScan app as well. How are you using EQMOD? Are you saying don't run the synscan app at all and use eqmod? I'm a little confused as to what you run/select and where to do that. Another video would be wonderful showing this Glen. :) I love this little mount and it guides sub 1.0rms out of the box. I forgot to mention that my plate solving issues are at short focal lengths such as 30-100mm and have tried adjusting exposure and pointing tolerance settings.

[@deeber35]

When u download the Motor Controller Firmware, u chose the wifi version. I will be connecting my mount to the laptop via USB. So do I still download the wifi version, or the non-wifi one above it?

[@Astrobloke]

Hi, Still download the wifi as thats the model of mount you have and its to do with the motor controllers not how you choose to connect. Hope that helps

[@Oxizee]

@Astrobloke Can it carry an Evostar 72ED + 30mm F4 Guidescope (with guidecam later) + Canon 60D DSLR (+ all field flatterer stuff)? I want to mount this on my Gitzo Systematic Mount which can carry 25KG maximal.

[@Astrobloke]

I know others that run rigs of this size and say the AZ GTI handles them fine. 5kg payload is its limit though. But if your mount can handle 25kg you will be fine

[@Oxizee]

@@Astrobloke Bought an Evolux 62ED 1 month ago. Super happy with it. Got the AZ GTI also. Works fine with the weight. My mount: i.imgur.com/1T1xVpu.jpg

[@Astrobloke]

@@Oxizee sweet set up. Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best. Clear skies

[@deeber35]

Should sidereal for this 2-axes mount be at 1 or 1/2? Thanks much.

[@Astrobloke]

I think it should be 1

[@lpg8l]

Hi Glenn, I just set up my azgti in equatorial mode. However I usually frame using HiPS 2 in the frame module of NINA and I am getting cant resolve messages from NINA when I try to load the HIPS image. (my sky atlas program is Cartes du Ceil. Do you know how to rectify this? Cheers Kanga

[@Astrobloke]

Hi, Not sure why its doing that. I use Stellarium with NINA but I don't think its to do with that. Its more than likely some settings like the camera or scope details. Do you connect to the AZGTI via its wifi? I know you need internet connection to download any framing unless that target has been done before. Have you tried the offline sky atlas or the Nasa sky survey?

[@lpg8l]

@@Astrobloke I'll give the offline atlas's a go. Cheers Kanga😊

[@NedoWels]

Do you use a USB cabel or an WIFI adapter. When i drive to the XYZ Objekt Astap is trying to plate solve but the Mount ist not moving. What do i wrong ??

[@Astrobloke]

I connect to the mounts wifi hotspot and control with the synscan app. In NINA you then set the telescope setting to sysnscan

[@philleng480]

Nice one Glenn. I am looking at the AZ GTi as a travel mount (inc going abroad) to replace my SA, and as an addition at home to an HEQ5 Pro. Does the GTi have a cable connection option as at home I control everything at home remotely via WiFi and I am not sure 2 Wifis are going to work at the same time? 2nd question, was that .8" guiding out of the box, before any servicing etc? What was it running at unguided? I don't need epic guiding as I am looking to put a Samyang 135mm on it to try and get the Spaghetti nebula, but after that might run with something in the 400mm range. Cheers again for a very honest British astro video, rain, clouds, sheds and all.

[@Astrobloke]

Hi Phil. It does have a cable connection so you can run it direct from a pc or asiair. I was going to get a cable and bought a cheap one off ebay (don't do this, they don't work). I only went that route as none were in stock. As you say you can't do 2 wifi's. out of the box it was 1.4 which is still fine for the focal lengths you are talking but it only guided at 0.8 after I serviced it. I have never run it unguided but with a good PA would be fine.

[@philleng480]

Thanks for that. Was tossing up between this and eq3.2 but this is so much more compact. Needs a decent base, not the one off my SA! Probably get the W.O one. Will get it up and running before tuning it. Looks to be an afternoons job from your video (and a few others inc Cuiv).

[@Astrobloke]

@@philleng480 for portability the AZ GTI will win hands down. i use the SA wedge which is ok. I have seen the WO in action and its a massive upgrade from what I have, i know its not cheap but its well engineered. You may be lucky and get a good one (they seem to vary) that way you can service it at your leisure if it needs it.

[@philleng480]

....and congrats on the APOD, from under British skies, with a little help!

[@Astrobloke]

@@philleng480 Thank you so much. The British skies are not as bad as they seem. We were all so chuffed with the image and the APOD was just the cherry on top.

[@Chris_NGC6188Ara]

I've done something wrong....."mount does not support the required PulseGuide interface" any ideas how to fix? I'll keep looking for an answer elsewhere in the mean time. Clear Skies Groovers.

[@Astrobloke]

check you have the correct mount installed in PHD 2 and reinstalling the ASCOM drivers my help also

[@Chris_NGC6188Ara]

@@Astrobloke Not sure what I did, but it's a goer now. Thanks Glen

[@Astrobloke]

@@Chris_NGC6188Ara i have had that message myself. Just a restart before has fixed it. It’ll be something simple like one thing not connecting

[@EmperorKabir]

If I wanted to use this in EQ mode but use the default phone app, i.e. no PC and no astrophotography, just visual only but with sharper tracking, will it all work fine or does the default phone app become redundant once the new firmware is on? I realise this might be overkill but I'm still curious.

[@Astrobloke]

Hi there. No the phone app will run the mount fine in EQ mode and will give good tracking for you. When you first start up the App it asks whether you are using the mount in AZ or EQ mode once you have done the firmware update so both are available. Everything is reversable too. Hope this helps and happy stargazing

[@EmperorKabir]

@@Astrobloke thank you! Another thing, I have a 110cm long refractor (astromaster 90)... Will this be too long even with the extension pole?

[@Astrobloke]

@@EmperorKabir It may be too long but not sure as I have not had any scopes that big on mine. Only way to really know is to mount and balance it and then release the clutches and move it about.

[@EmperorKabir]

Thanks for your responses!

[@captaincook6666]

Hi mate i am considering nina for my azgti..am i right in thinking i need EQascom and different driver if i dont want to use synscan pro? I have a ftdi cable connection.

[@Astrobloke]

hi> I am not 100% sure on the answer to that as I used the Synscan app with NINA when I used to image with the AZ GTI. I have not used it in a long time but still have it for trips away but normally just track and have a DSLR on it. All I can suggest is that you give it a try, none of the software costs so you have nothing to lose. Would like to know how you get on if you don't mind letting me know. Good luck and clear skies

[@captaincook6666]

@@Astrobloke ok mate will do.

[@deeber35]

How do u polar align without Polaris?

[@Astrobloke]

Hi , if you use tools like Sharpcap or NINA 3 point polar align routine it uses platesolving to work out the polar alignment and so unlike using a polar scope you do not actually use Polaris.

[@deeber35]

@@Astrobloke Is an electronic mount much better than a manual 1? Once u have polar alignment the mount just stays in place for imaging., right? Is it better for guiding?

[@Astrobloke]

@@deeber35 an electronic tracking mount is essential for Astrophotography so you stay foxed on your target. If its just for observing or taking snaps of the moon or planets a manual mount is fine.

[@deeber35]

@@Astrobloke Sorry, I have a Skyguifer Pro for tracking. The mount it goes into is manual. Is getting 1 that slews any better than using NINA after a rough alignment? Does the Goto do much once u are PA, as that mount has to stay put or PA is ruined, right?

[@Astrobloke]

@@deeber35 the only difference between the sky guider pro tracker and the mounts I have I the goto functionality. If you can get your target framed with go PA it will do exactly the same just cannot auto meridian flip or platesolve for you automatically. The biggest disadvantage of a tracker is the size/weight of what it can carry. If all you have is a small set up its perfect and will do an excellent job.

[@amrikarim]

That looks like an upgraded tripod for the AZ-GTi. I have the tripod that comes bundled with the AZ-GTi, and wondering if upgrading to this one is worth it, or just go with an EQM3 mount that comes with this tripod anyway. The payload is at 4.6kg, pretty close to the 5kg limit.

[@Astrobloke]

I happened to have a spare skywatcher tripod as I built a permanent pier for my main set up. I do sometimes when travelling light just use a much lighter camera tripod but of course its affected by any wind more

[@M3tafora]

@@Astrobloke have you ever tried exceed weight limit to this mount? What if the rig exceed max payload e.g 6kg what will happened? trying to setup my first Astrophotography.

[@Astrobloke]

@@M3tafora i have not myself but I have seen others do it. Sorry I cannot tell you how this would perform but with very good balance it may be ok

[@bobsurface908]

To get a counterweight bar, I bought a 30cm length threaded M12 bar stock for about £7 from Amazon and re-purposed a 1Kg counterweight. Fabbo.

[@Astrobloke]

I was going to do something like that and then I saw this bar on Aliexpress. Even though it was more expensive it looked smart so went for it. Does the same job though, nothing special

[@juliano191]

Excellent video. But I'm thoroughly confused. Brand new at this, have zero idea what programs to use. I was with you up until you mentioned Nina and PHD. What are they for? I was thinking all I needed was those few files you downloaded from Skywatcher website Support area, then simply use Synscan to operate mount. Then you added that camera program, and my brain exploded!!!! Who teaches you to use all of this. I'm VERY new and this is all quite complicated. I've bought a lot of gear and have very little knowledge of it. Help!!!!!

[@Astrobloke]

Hi there and thank you for watching. It is extremely confusing at first and takes a while to fully understand what you need and how to use it all. You are correct that all you need is the App to control the mount and you could just use a normal camera and lens on that and take images or put a DSLR on a scope and do the same. When you move to dedicated Astronomy cameras and other equipment it requires programs to control all the components. NINA is a control system that helps find and track images, takes the pictures, controls things like auto focusers, filterwheels, rotators and even domes. PHD is a guiding program to help keep your target accurately tracked so you can take long exposures. It will seem like a very steep hill to climb at first but just learn one bit at a time and it will all come together. Happy to help where I can. I have a lot of videos so hopefully some of them will help guide you.