Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi | Full Review | High Point Scientific

[@1pcmedic]

I have said for the past 3 years that they need to incorporate a keyed WiFi/Bluetooth camera in the polar scope bore so that Polaris (when in the Northern hemisphere) can be adjusted to be overlayed on the polar clock track while being viewed on a handheld device or laptop comfortably. This would also allow one to check polar alignment from time to time in the home position especially after adding or adjusting equipment. Getting low with a bad neck, back, glasses and old age makes the most critical part of the setup sometimes challenging to say the least.

[@craigharpel295]

Amen! I can relate…the days of me squatting low to see through anything are over!

[@ZannMusicCom]

Did you notice the QHY PoleMaster. It seems that this can solve the problem. Together with a PolaMaster-Adaptor it shall work wonders.

[@Pete-S]

Excellent review and setup guidance. Thank you so much.

[@highpointscientific]

Thank you very much, So glad it was helpful!

[@adamturner7040]

Great review, I had a similar issue with the plate solving on my EQ6-R pro pretty much as you described using SGP and ASTAP plate solver, I have recently started using NINA and not had this issue since.

[@backgammonbacon]

Weighs about the same as skywatchers other 5kg payload EQ mounts...its a little more "modern" as in it has wifi built in and a few less cables but its going to cost the same as an EQ3-2 Goto but not come with a hand controller and possibly a better tripod. Skywatcher now has something like 5 EQ mounts that all carry around 5kg and do goto and another 2 that don't do goto. Goto isn't 100% accurate and target might not be in field of view, so can be just as frustrating to the beginner, goto plus plate solving is the real easy mode but no one has really integrated the two in a simple consumer package.

[@garywalker3943]

You mentioned that the tracking was 8 and 6.7 arc minutes. The software shows these measurements as 6.7 and 8 arc seconds. I think you mis-spoke.

[@highpointscientific]

Hi Gary, you are absolutely correct! Thank you for bringing this to our attention. PHD2 guiding is measured in arc-seconds not arc-minutes!

[@nikivan]

I've got the mount but it doesn't perform as well as yours. After recalibrating several times and running the guiding assistant in PHD2, I am getting a total RMS error of 2.75". This is with RedCat 51 and perfectly balanced system. I noticed the RA and DEC axises do not rotate freely even when the clutches are fully released. Still, I like the form factor. It would be an ideal mount for short trips, assuming it works properly.

[@highpointscientific]

Hi Larkinsen, In my experience in using this mount, I found that there was just minor stiffness in the DEC axis but not the RA axis. It actually didn't effect my balance on either of the scopes I used which was nice. Typically with these Star-tracker sized mounts if your RA or DEC axis isn't falling to one side or the other, you should be decently balanced. We make sure that our reviews are as unbiased as possible and we document the direct experience, good or bad, to be sure we do not mislead beginner, intermediate, or advanced astrophotographers!

[@highpointscientific]

Of course we arent sure which polar alignment method you are using, but I found that my guiding was substantially better after using SharpCap Pro's polar alignment guide. You can use your RedCat for this process as well. This may help improve your guide numbers if you are using the polar scope as its a bit more precise!

[@daviddouglasuk]

Please provide a complete list of all the equipment you used

[@bobjor3]

Good stuff. I've got the 2i Pro setup but it's a chore finding "invisible" objects for sure. I also have a C6 on an equatorial and once I started using that kind of go to system, my poor little sky-watcher started gathering dust most nights! But for portability, The GTi looks to bring the best of both worlds. Would love to pack that along with me on my next trip to Acadia NP! Thanks for the informative review!

[@highpointscientific]

Thank you, we're glad you enjoyed the review!

[@5arkInsid3]

Hi! Any updates for shipping in USA ? Thanks a lot !

[@TheAstronerd]

How "Airline portable" is this mount? I made the mistake of taking a Losmandy GM8 and field tripod to the April 2024 eclipse. Cost me dearly to take on the airline.

[@highpointscientific]

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is considered a "portable" mount and could certainly be packed into a large backpack. However, this is not something we've tried and strongly recommend reviewing the physical specifications and contact your local airline for details about carry on limits.

[@hael8680]

Thank you for the video. I have a couple of questions: 1- Can the framing be done within NINA or you have to rely on the SW software to do so? 2- What is the weight capacity of the mount? The non-slewing issue you had going to a different object is, I believe, a SGP-SW issue. I had the same issue with HEQ5, EQ6-R and EQ6-AZT mount when using SGP. I was brushed off by SGP authors when I brought this to their attention on their forum. The problem never returned when I switched to NINA.

[@highpointscientific]

Great questions! 1 - Framing can be done with NINA. NINA will work with this mount, although we've not personally used NINA with the GTi. 2 - 11 lbs

[@rinconesdelcielo]

Hello!! thanks for the video. A question. Is it possible to use this mount remotely in an observatory? thanks

[@highpointscientific]

Yes, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to use this mount in an observatory should you wish.

[@The_GreenMachine]

i can connect via wifi on the laptop but cannot connect via cable.. it says cannot find serial. i cant find anyone else that has this issue, what am i doing wrong? i have the app and driver installed and cable connected with the mount turned on

[@AramSarian559]

Can you use the SynScan app on the phone or is that strictly for laptops?

[@highpointscientific]

Yes, you can use the SynScan app on your smartphone, it's available for both Android and iOS!

[@jrags35]

Thanks for your work with this, got the mount for my 72 edf and the extra counter weight option y'all recommended to balance it. Your Tech was very helpful and answered all my questions prior to me placing the order.

[@highpointscientific]

You're very welcome! Clear skies!

[@jrags35]

@@highpointscientific Got my mount head today, and working with a thirds party tripod. Thanks for all the help looking for first light next week.

[@Heli4213]

Just subscribed to your channel. You are super detailed wow love it. I will be buying this and your video is 10 times better than anyone else's. I'm recovering from surgery so I found you. Keep up all the GREAT VIDEOS. Thanks Bob USA

[@luisbarbosa8773]

May i ask, when do you guys think these will start shipping? I'm just asking since i preordered done and I'm so excited to start using it haha

[@jrags35]

just checked with them, looks like about December 2022 to Jan 2023 for most people ordering now.

[@rickybobby6605]

Hello. So, how do you like it? Would you recommend it for a beginner? Cheers.

[@owainscullion7373]

Have you been able to change the guide rate from 0.5x using the synscan app for the GTI?

[@deniseschaller7744]

I wish I bought that instead of the 2i. I guess I need to do more shopping before buying😁

[@sharkii.3497]

I need some help please! I'm trying to use my startracker with a DSLR camera in my backyard but it never seems to have the polar allining done right. I also cannot see any stars through the polar scope and it might be that polaris is covered by a tree. Whenever I "go to" it points at a completely wrong spot

[@zzz-lz6is]

is this mount enough for a William optics 71 and a Full frame camera? (along with other things i may need to add)

[@southernstargazer1951]

I've just bought one. This video helps a lot along with learning the set-up.

[@MrVintageValues]

Can I use this with a 9 lbs 102 refractor for viewing?

[@ChaiTeaLati]

I just ordered one from your website! Unfortunately it’s on back order but I can’t wait to get it out in the field. 😊

[@ObbeJ]

can the swsa gti dither by just connecting your camera to the mount? (withoud guiding)

[@highpointscientific]

Hi there! You will need a mount control software and guiding to dither

[@davidletz9123]

Anyone out there using the GTI with the ASI air? If so, how is it working out?

[@quedecree]

A thorough and impressive review - well done. Looking forward to getting one of these for my travel mount.

[@highpointscientific]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ThePinoyAggie]

I ordered it without the tripod and pier head with you guys. I hope to get it soon.

[@marcotorre7761]

hanks for your review. according to your experience, would the GTi be able to manage a 200-600 (sony) tele zoom?

[@hunter133official]

The GTi's payload capacity is 11 pounds (5 kilograms). Assuming you are using a Sony Alpha A7, and the 200 - 600mm lens, yes it can manage the weight.

[@ujjwaldatta6713]

Hi! I am awaiting shipment of my GTi from HPS-probably Spring 2023. Would you have any video available to show how to balance on the RA and Dec axes? I think the GTi does not come with the green ball head adapter. Does it? And lastly would you happen to have or direct me to a polar alignment tutorial using the GTi please? Thanks.

[@highpointscientific]

Hi Ujjwal! The GTi does not come with a ball head adapter. Unfortunately we do not have a tutorial on this mount including balancing and polar alignment just yet. This is a great idea though!

[@jimmydingo4752]

Great review. Could you advise of PoleMaster makes an adapter for this mount? I have one for my HEQ6-R Pro, but quite certain it won't work with this mount. Thank you and keep up the great work.👍

[@highpointscientific]

Thank you! Unfortunately there is yet to be a PoleMaster adapter for the GTi - we do however recommend using SharpCap's polar alignment routine - very accurate and easy.

[@ctortolini]

I have the AZ-Gti which I use in EQ Mode. A really nice and surprisingly capable little mount. Its only weak point being the RA clutch. It seems Sky Watcher is using basically the same RA clutch mechanism in the Star Adventurer GTi... Can someone confirm this please?

[@highpointscientific]

Hello Carlos. We'd be happy to help confirm this with you. Please reach out to our product advisors, as they'd have the best info on the RA clutch for the Star Adventurer GTi: www.highpointscientific.com/email-us - thanks!

[@ryanmichaelhaley]

Teague, the man, the myth, the legend.

[@johanneshedtjarn3726]

Damnit Skywatcher!! Release it and take my money!!!! 🥳🥳🥳 Have you tested Three point polar alignment with NINA?

[@highpointscientific]

We did not test it with three point polar alignment with NINA, but there's absolutely no reason why it wouldn't work with NINA.

[@juanm.capurro6309]

Hello, Thanks for the video, very excited about this team. How will it work with asiair pro, do you have any idea? Thank you!

[@highpointscientific]

It should work with the ASI Air Pro, however we have not tested this.

[@tim_brothers]

The official payload is 11lbs... with the older AZ-GTi, you can push it a little bit beyond that. How far could you push this GTi? Also, does the PPEC actually work with this mount?

[@highpointscientific]

Hi Tim, We did not push the mount past the 11lb payload capacity. The Apertura 72edr and my imaging train weighed around 7.5 to 8lbs total. I was not able to test the PPEC in this mount during the time I was using it unfortunately.

[@DEEPSKYWATCHERDSW]

It's a fragile mount!!

[@zborkz]

What was the pixel scale used in both test, seeing this was ASI294 ?

[@rockymountainastro1239]

For the redcat 51 the Pixel scale was 1.89"/pixel and for the Apertura 72edr, I was sitting at 1.10"/pixel. I was imaging in the 47mp bin 1x1 mode so the pixel size was 2.3 microns.

[@justintowne1]

I got my GTi and having an issue with the alignment feature in the SynScanPro app. When I do a 2-star alignment I cannot get past the first "star" (usually Jupiter or Mars) because after centering the object it will not let me accept/check-mark the position to go to the 2nd star/planet. It's as if the corrections were too much or out of tolerance for what was expected. And yes, my setup started at the proper home position - counterweight down, scope pointed at Polaris (confirmed with an image exposure through my camera). Also polar aligned. This happens when attempted through both the Wifi settings on my phone and also via computer/USB. Again, the mount slews to Jupiter's area but any adjustment "greys out" the option to accept the stars adjustment.

[@highpointscientific]

Hi Justin, This may be hard to explain here but we will do our best.. After making an adjustment to center Jupiter, the button may be greyed out because the mount is still moving AFTER you stop pressing the adjustment arrow. Try hitting the opposite arrow quickly to offset the movement. The mount may then stop and give you the ability to accept your adjustment. Example: You're using the "up" arrow to center Jupiter. You get Jupiter centered but the option to accept is still greyed out. Quickly hit the "Down" arrow to offset any backlash or drift within the mount. This may bring the mount to a complete halt where as now you should be able to accept alignment. We have briefly experienced this with other equipment but not the GTi. Let us know if this works!

[@Austpirate]

Try hitting the up and right button at the end. This might put the gears in the right position for it not to move. I am not sure where I picked that tid bit up.

[@Austpirate]

Thanks for the brilliantly informative video. I am a newbie looking to mount a DSLR. I have three questions if I may (sorry if I am too much of a noob): 1. I have a neck issue which means I might struggle with the height of the polar alignment and being able to actually see through the scope. Are there any suggestions to avoid this issue? 2. Will/can the polar alignment work well in the southern hemisphere? 3. How can you use an auto correcting set up with a DSLR or is this out of the question? I have been looking for a a while to get something that passes my wife's budget scrutiny but good enough to get great results...which means more budget. This may be the answer. Thanks in advance. Mike

[@highpointscientific]

1. You can use a program like SharpCap pro with your imaging camera, or you can purchase an accessory like an iPolar, to do a polar alignment without having to look into the polar scope. 2. You should be able to align in the southern hemisphere, although you'll have to follow different steps not covered in this video. 3. You absolutely can use an autoguiding platform. But if you mean using your DSLR as an autoguider, that unfortunately probably won't work. You'll need a dedicated guiding camera.

[@1pcmedic]

I have said for the past 3 years that they need to incorporate a keyed WiFi/Bluetooth camera in the polar scope bore so that Polaris (when in the Northern hemisphere) can be adjusted to be overlayed on the polar clock track while being viewed on a handheld device or laptop comfortably. This would also allow one to check polar alignment from time to time in the home position especially after adding or adjusting equipment. Getting low with a bad neck, back, glasses and old age makes the most critical part of the setup sometimes challenging to say the least.

[@AstroOnBudget]

Great review! Looking forward to reviewing this! :)

[@highpointscientific]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@rickpaul9858]

Thanks. You’ve answered the questions I’ve been wondering. I bought a Redcat 51 specifically for public EAA outreach. This mount looks good. One question: will it work from an ASIAIR?…

[@highpointscientific]

It should work with the ASIAir, however we have not tested this.

[@rickpaul9858]

@@highpointscientific I’m wonder since the video I saw on the computer we have to run their software in the back for something like Sequence Geneator Pronto interface. Would like to see a test!

[@AaronDalton1]

Did you run guiding assistant in phd2? I'm super curious what the backlash graph looked like.

[@highpointscientific]

I did run guiding assistant but I did NOT measure declination backlash! I didnt screenshot my guiding assistant results either unfortunately.. I just ran the assistant for about 3-4 minutes and applied the suggestions it provided.

[@AaronDalton1]

@@highpointscientific ah bummer. I'm very curious about those results or how tunable the mount is

[@icutephoto]

do you still have to manually align to polaris looking through the view finder? I see you said look for the app until the setting says excellent but what does that mean? I keep align it till I get it excellent?

[@highpointscientific]

Yes, you need to manually align Polaris through the polar scope view finder. There's a reticle in the mount that you peak through. In it, there's markings that line up with the ones on the app. The app will indicate where Polaris should be. You would need to manually adjust the mount so that Polaris is precisely where it should be as indicated on the app.

[@icutephoto]

@@highpointscientific Thank you so for the response and I really appreciate that!

[@nelsondecker2124]

will app polar align or do you still have to do yourself?

[@highpointscientific]

Hi Nelson, The app includes polar alignment assistance and gives you the position in which Polaris should sit THROUGH your polar scope, but you have to make those adjustments manually using the altitude and azimuth knobs.

[@donboy-createdforawe4710]

Can the mount be used in alt/az?

[@highpointscientific]

Good question. This mount can only be used in equatorial mode. The AZ-GTi would be better for alt/az.

[@AstrophotoBadBevensen]

👍

[@marshawilcox]

Any idea if this works with the ASI Air Plus?

[@highpointscientific]

It should work with the ASI Air Plus, however we have not tested this.

[@sarahjanereilly9335]

Would love you to test this. The point of the mount is portability, adding a laptop to the mix seems to defeat some of that purpose. The ASIAir is tiny. A full video on set up with the ASIAir Plus would be very welcome😀

[@MakeAMark]

Nice video -- it looks like you did not have a flattener on the Apertura72. Is this the case? Wonder if that would have affected the results a little in terms of the additional weight.

[@highpointscientific]

The flattener would add a little bit more weight, making it slightly even more difficult to balance.

[@starnut]

What was the weight of the 72EDR system you tested with? I have the scope with a DSLR and wondered if it was to close to the weight limit.

[@starnut]

Second question, would the 11 lb weight from the EQ6R work to counterbalance the 72EDR or would it bump the mount?

[@highpointscientific]

The total weight of the Apertura 72edr along with my camera and filter wheel was about 8lbs. An extra counterweight would is recommended as I was not able to achieve balance with the 5lb that came with it.

[@deathward990]

Can I use this within city lights bortle lvl 8?

[@highpointscientific]

Yes, you can use any astronomical gear even in light polluted zones, provided you have the right expectations.

[@DeveshPande]

Greta review! I will look to buy this in the future to couple with my Apertura 60mm EDR. Did you take the 15 min sub exposure as a test only or you frequently take such long exposures? I usually cap off around 5 mins as i don't want to throw away longer data for any satellite trails.

[@highpointscientific]

I typically shoot 10-15 minute exposures but I was curious if the GTi could handle such long exposures. Stacking software typically remove's the sat trails so they are a non problem. Deep Sky Stacker is a simple software that does this very well. I never find myself throwing away exposures with sat trails in them. Hope this helps!