Mastering the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI

[@augustwest7145]

A little tip on using the phone and looking at the same time I use a old phone that's been replaced so I put a dot of super glue in the middle of the arrow keys so I can feel it while looking. Works great

[@LearnToStargaze]

Good tip!

[@Sergion-j8w]

Thank you for the this video I have the 150. I also follow Dobsonian Power and he does astrophotography. I love watching the moon with telescope.

[@markdoucette9870]

This video is really well done. Thanks.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@jefftrvecvlt1819]

I used it for EAA last night and the hercules cluster was amazing!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Nice!

[@BeanMan2426]

Im planning to get the 150p one and im excited. Thanks for showing me if the telescope will be good and guiding me. Because of that i subscribed 😁

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@MelanieMeadors]

I just ordered the 150mm version of this scope last week, so my discovery of this video was very timely! When you were in the field, what did you use to put the scope and mount on? I'm trying to figure out a portable solution (the IKEA side table that Ed mentions is good for at home, but maybe not for bringing on field trips)

[@LearnToStargaze]

Best to just find a picnic table. Good luck with the scope!

[@TitanD79]

Great video, great advice, very helpful!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Thanks!

[@AnotherAmateurAstronomer]

I bought a Sky-Watcher Virtuoso 150p GTI. Normal Newtonians require construction of a dew shield and a lot of maintenance. Regular collimation and regular mirror cleaning. The Virtuoso also requires construction of a shroud. And, if you want to use it for astrophotography, you have to build a new focuser, from scratch, as did I. Makes you are appreciate refractors.

[@citylimitsphoto]

Do you care to share photos of the focuser build. I am looking for something a bit more solid than what I have.

[@omwtoellieandmasonhouse]

I’ve not had much chance to use my 150 virtuoso yet but I’ve loved the visual side. Still working on planetary photography and planning on getting a proper camera for it. May even also try some dso photography with it as though I know it’s not great I’ve seen some great photos come out of these.

[@francoisfroneman2682]

Awesome videos. I am a new stargazer from South Africa and would love to see a video on the Celestron Nexstar 127 slt.

[@redstonecommander5190]

It has been fun seeing the eclipse, especially with the telescope. it’s difficult to say, but I’m not sure when the next solar eclipse could reach. It could probably take several years or maybe or maybe not for several decades or centuries

[@justklaas4703]

What a nice video! I have bought this scope just to do EAA with it. For visual observing, I stick with my old 12" dob. For EAA, I use a laptop which runs Sharpcap, ASCOM, Stellarium and of course the Synscap app. Unfortunately, the software often calls it quits and I need to restart everyting, including the alignment. For EAA I really like the idea of using an AsiAir: that would make a very compact rig. I was wondering though: are you able to control the scope and the AsiAir without using your home wifi? So: could you go to some dark place and would everything still work?

[@LearnToStargaze]

You can use it with your home WiFi? I guess this is called station mode, but I’ve never tried it with a WiFi router. The default setting for ASIair is independent, no home WiFi.

[@patriots6975]

Loved the video and appreciate all of the content you put out! Are you planning on doing a review of the Sky-Watcher 25th Anniversary SkyMax 127 Virtuoso GTi Telescope anytime? It looks like this has just recently come out and I would be interested in your take on it. Thanks

[@LearnToStargaze]

I think that would be challenging because of its much higher focal length.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@DavidMFChapman]

I agree about the hand controller vs. the phone app. Luckily, I already have a hand controller, and I can only look through one telescope at a time.

[@deimos1738]

WE LOVE JOHN

[@AnotherAmateurAstronomer]

In SynScan, you do not always have to know the number of the deep space object. Above the location where you type in the number is a place you can click to get a list of many objects from which you can choose. It is labeled.

[@briancorrigan5489]

Maybe I loosened the azimuth and altitude knobs too much, but when I manually moved the scope during my session, then retightened the knobs, it stopped tracking the stars. Have you had this problem?

[@citylimitsphoto]

Hey John, I bought an Asiair mini and got it yesterday. Followed your video again with my Android and could not get Android to work, Again I tried my Ipad mini and things worked perfectly. I just bought an Ipad 12 inch screen on Ebay today. I guess all of my new toys don't like Android. Anyhow, can you answer why even after I do an alignment with the Synscan app and join the Asi network why when in the Asi Sky-atlas when I ask it to find the stars that I aligned Synscan with it goes to a position 90 - 180 degrees behind. Can you recommend a good video that can show me step by step on how to use this new tool. Thanks

[@Shadow26Wolf]

Can you also move it freely by hand or is it only motorized?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I actually mostly used it freehand.

[@citylimitsphoto]

John, would you consider doing a work flow video on the using the SW150P Virtuoso with the AsiAir mini from start to taking images and downloading them for processing. Thanks for the consideration.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Unfortunately I have to return the telescope.

[@citylimitsphoto]

@@LearnToStargaze When you had it, did you do the North level alignment with the synscan app or the polar alignment in the ZWO AA mini or both?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@citylimitsphoto Just north level. A polar alignment wouldn't make any sense because it has no RA axis.

[@briancorrigan5489]

When it says to point the telescope North, does that mean to roughly aim it at the North Star?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Usually North Level, which means toward the northern horizon.

[@briancorrigan5489]

@ Thank you

[@DavidMFChapman]

Q: does the base have a 3/8” socket to mount on a photo tripod?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yes! We actually filmed instructions for that but it didn’t make it in (this was a very long video).

[@nanay7701]

can I observe it without a table i.e. on the floor like a non-tabletop dobsonian?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Sure, you’d just be sitting on the ground while using it.

[@fadeitluie9356]

I connected to the wifi but it's saying no internet connection and it won't let me center the scope to the sky

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yeah, I think I mentioned how much random troubleshooting is required.

[@fadeitluie9356]

Got it to align brother now I'm working on focusing 🙏🏽

[@Markaras]

I want a telescope recommendation at any price, any size, for the night sky, (moon, planets, nebulae, galaxies). Needs to be really good and have correct orientations, (up - down, left - right), in the eyepiece. If not, then it has to be able to accept a diagonal or something to correct the orientations, without any loss on the quality of view, thanks.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I made a list at LearnToStargaze.com

[@pepe_the_frog713]

Hey John, im planning to get the Heritage 150p and was considering this instead. Should i just go with the Heritage 150 or should i go for the virtuoso 130? I cant get the virtuoso 150 since my budget is a bit tight. Help me out please

[@LearnToStargaze]

How about the Heritage 150 and the book 110 Things To See With a Telescope? The go-to is really just for finding stuff, but extra aperture books are even better.

[@pepe_the_frog713]

@@LearnToStargaze I already have the 50 things to see on the moon and I'm getting the 110 things to see with a telescope with a telescope of my choice (which is now the heritage 150). Thank you!

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@pepe_the_frog713 That's the way to go, even as you saw in the video, when I actually went to use the telescope visually, I simply used it like a Heritage scope.

[@kena9595]

Thanks for the detailed review and instructions. But the back round music is a little distracting and not necessary.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The background music keeps us sane while editing several hours of clips.

[@insertusername132]

Do Barlows work with the included focuser? I saw a comment saying that you have to manually mess with the rod thingy for barlows to work.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I don’t see why not.

[@omwtoellieandmasonhouse]

They do, I did some visual and minor planetary photography with it. The helical focused is absolutely horrible to use so I got focus by moving the rods, not by much and it worked quite well.

[@MylesPeters]

hey do you remember me on the 4-H zoom class?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Of course!

[@gigi-om6rf]

Hi! Would this be a good starter telescope or would you recommend Celestron Starsense DX 102AZ? Thank you!

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yup, that’s a great one. A Dobsonian would be ideal for visual observing but that can be a lot to handle.

[@gigi-om6rf]

@@LearnToStargaze what do you think of the Celestron AstroMaster 130 EQ?

[@LearnToStargaze]

here is a review of that scope: telescopicwatch.com/celestron-astromaster-130eq-telescope-review/

[@gigi-om6rf]

@@LearnToStargazethank you so much for helping me choose! I bought the virtuoso for my birthday and I’m so happy to finally learn how to use it 😊

[@gigi-om6rf]

Hi, do you think the celestron eyepiece and filter kit is a good buy for this telescope?

[@citylimitsphoto]

What would it take to convert the 130mm Bahtinov Focus Mask to a 150mm. I have Bobs knobs in my SW 150p Virtuoso. I have a vendor who does all my 3d printing.

[@LearnToStargaze]

I’d just stretch the file in the print software. I’ve done this several times and it works great.

[@zarko_mkd1780]

Hello, i'm new here and i want to start with astronomy foto shooting, but i'm stacked with no telescope, only thing i heave is old binoculars and i can see only 300 ~ 800 meters, ahhh... Now the issue is that for me as starter to astronomy that i don't heave a telescope, it would be nice if someone help me with getting one or to give me one if someone is not needed if it is not a problem before i started to invest in astronomy equipment...the reason i ask for someone to give me a telescope is because the economy at my place is bad, atleast for me and i need to collect money for 3 to 4 months to afford a cheap one just to test it and see what i see...i hope i can see the difference some day where we live in this cosmos.. Thanks for your guide and tutorials that i'm starting to learning a lot from this channel, i wish everyone a nice day, or in the astronomy world a good night...🤗

[@ivini74]

Does it follow celestial objects for astrophotografy or doesn’t?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Just well enough for visual.

[@hunter133official]

Is there any way I can just buy the mount so that I can put another OTA on it? I don't quite like the helical focuser on this scope, so I would like to just buy the virtuoso mount (not the SynScan push mount, the GTi specifically) I also don't care if it's overseas.

[@LearnToStargaze]

Not sure, I’d have to spend some time googling that one.

[@JL-ww4ce]

I saw a Sky Watcher Overview for this kind of telescope and they don't sell the mount separately from the telescope. You'll probably have to get the 130p Virtuouso kind.

[@BeanMan2426]

Can we connect the skywatcher to the seestar app btw

[@LearnToStargaze]

I don’t know, have you tried?

[@BeanMan2426]

@@LearnToStargaze no because my telescope isn't here yet

[@BeanMan2426]

@@LearnToStargaze you can try to see if it works because you have it

[@andreysko4646]

Can I mount it whole on the tripod from EQ1, EQ2 etc? Will the hole and bolt match?

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s a vixen style dovetail, that’s what you use to connect it to a mount.

[@andreysko4646]

@@LearnToStargaze No, I mean, is it possible to screw on this telescope on a tripod EQ1. Remove a head from eq1 and then screw on the telescope? Is there any holes on bottom side for 1/4" screw?

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@andreysko4646 Sorry, I'm still not sure I understand what you're trying to accomplish. The dovetail on the scope will fit on an EQ1. Not sure why you would want to configure this any other way.

[@andreysko4646]

@@LearnToStargaze Simply answer please, is there any holes on bottom side for 1/4" or 3/8" screw? I would like to use this automatic telescope installed on tripod instead table.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@andreysko4646 I literally use this telescope on a tripod during the video at 12:59. there is a 1/4 inch screw hole on the bottom of the mount. There are no screw holes in the telescope's dovetail. You need a VERY strong tripod, since this is a heavy setup, otherwise it will bob around.

[@A_Happy_loser23437]

If this is a refractor telescope, and you might need to collimate the mirrors and if I’m wrong tell me so I won’t make the mistake with mine 😬

[@LearnToStargaze]

It’s not a refractor, it is a reflector and it does need to be collimated.

[@jhonam47]

Hi, friend, I would like your help. Do you know if a Synscan remote control for an Orion Dobson is compatible with a Skywatcher Synscan?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I tried with my SynScan EQ6 controller and I could not get it to work. Would probably take a phone call with skywatcher to determine was is going on.

[@jhonam47]

@@LearnToStargaze thank you for your help

[@mostlymessingabout]

can we use this in EQ mode?

[@LearnToStargaze]

I doubt it.

[@AOTRUTII]

Would you be interested in reviewing a binocular?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Maybe image stabilized binoculars, or the new smart binoculars.

[@AOTRUTII]

@@LearnToStargaze Can I have your e-mail?

[@ChirayuPathe]

Doesn't the telescope have an autoguiding port

[@LearnToStargaze]

No, why would it? It’s not in any way actually designed for taking photos.

[@redstonecommander5190]

The universe has its own set of cycles. no matter how advanced our astronomy based technology is, we can’t change that

[@millenialfalcon8243]

A very hard to beat value. $425 for a collapsible 6in go-to dob? Cheapest longtube 6in manual push-to is $460, and an 8in is $650.

[@LearnToStargaze]

The 5 inch version is currently around $425, I think the 6 inch version is about $470.

[@millenialfalcon8243]

@LearnToStargaze In the US, Amazon has had them listed, for awhile now, at $360 for the 130p and $423 for the 150p. Currently, there is a used 150p for $310 on Amazon.

[@LearnToStargaze]

@@millenialfalcon8243 Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@prebenhansen9846]

I have just bought the 150p, and will start with it as soon as I g’et a clear sky, which has not been here in Denmark for the last two weeks. One question, do I need to do the alignment process every time I will use the telescope?

[@LearnToStargaze]

Yup, every time!

[@madsfjord-elsvaag497]

Hi Preben, it’s faster than you think. But make sure the scope is pointing north, is standing on a LEVEL surface, and is horizontal. Then lock the clutches. Else you have to start from scratch

[@borzak101]

Ad

[@LearnToStargaze]

Demonstration. I asked Nick to send it to me. He paid for an ad spot within the video, but that’s not the point of the video.

[@JatekfejlesztesMagyarul]

Honestly this is a pretty lame user experience compared to some of the other modern computerized telescopes...

[@LearnToStargaze]

That’s why you integrate SkySafari.

[@jackg7225]

This looks like a lot of work but fun. It looks easier than using my 8” dob for finding targets since I don’t have anything to assist, but I prefer to use my Seestar. The Seestar is just so much better for observing DSOs, although I prefer my dob for looking at planets.

[@ParaZen]

Which ones?

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

Not my cup of tea.Much rather have my 8 inch dob for almost the same money!collimated my dob once in two years and took five minutes!each to their own though I guess!

[@millenialfalcon8243]

Maybe it used to be almost the same money, but cheapest new 8in dob I could find was $650. Compared to $360 for the 130p, or even better, the 150p (6in) for $425 (Amazon US). Definitely some pros and cons for both, but very hard to beat the price value of the Virtuoso.

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

@@millenialfalcon8243 skywatcher 200p classic 8 dob 360 pounds from first light optics around 450 dollars

[@HeavyVoid88]

8 inch dobs are way more these days

[@Stephen-gp8yi]

@@HeavyVoid88 360 pounds or 450 dollars from first light optics skywatcher 200p 8 inch dob as of yesterday!