So you want a Skywatcher Star Adventurer GTI eh?

[@ethanrabbani974]

This is the mount that I’ve had my eye on for quite a while and after watching all these reviews I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Solid review, and clear skies!

[@astronotna]

Thanks for watching this one ! Appreciate it!

[@jesuschrist2284]

I read in the fine print clear skies not guaranteed :(

[@justpassingthrough...6128]

With that "aggressive" wrist action on the butterfly knife, I wonder how he is with a nunchaku?

[@astronotna]

😆 🤣

[@chewychop]

Super helpful for folks getting into the hobby. Especially me. Thank you.

[@astronotna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@viinse1427]

I don't have any sky tracker at all and trying to get into the astrophotography hobby. It seems like a very usefull tool to get start with. It's a very usefull video and you explain it well. Thanks for showing things like the damage that the litle bolt can do :)

[@astronotna]

Glad this helped out! Appreciate you watching this video! It's an awesome time to get into astro. If I had this option when I started I might have not gone into a full blown EQ mount so soon.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

I have been using my Sky-Watcher AZ GTi which I can set up in less than one minute and a 6" Schmidt Cassegrain (off a 6se). When the weather warms up, I will start using my brand new Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi so that I can gather more than 15-20 minutes worth of data.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Follow up. The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer would not work with my cell phone or my hand controller. Sad. I returned it. Broken, I suppose. But, I still had my Celestron CG-4 mount with an Astro-Gadget motorized go to conversion kit. I cracked it out and did a SynScan firmware update and it works just fine with my telephone and SynScan application. Plus, it can handle 20 pounds, instead of 11. Though, it weighs 34.5 pounds with the counter weights. Kinda heavy.

[@marshalljames6013]

This is great to hear. Please let me know how well it works with the 6se. I am considering the same setup and can’t find any references.

[@Fartmaster699]

@@marshalljames6013please do NOT use a 6se with a gti. It will not handle it and not even track well

[@triple9finestacker631]

I really appreciate your tutorials... im downloading them for future reference! You do a really good job of explaining things making it seem alot easier than im thinking it would be. Im excited to be getting into this hobby.

[@astronotna]

Glad they help! This hobby is amazing!

[@John-en2cd]

Nice video. I enjoyed it. I did like how you redone the saddle with the ADM. Great job! John

[@Jim_Mundy]

Great review. New sub. Still in the mirrorless camera (A74) and Rokinon 135 f/2.0. It seems to be ok with my MSM Nomad but this mount is still very tempting. Thank you!

[@astronotna]

Thanks and thanks for watching this one. I'm glad I had a chance to show it to you.

[@Thebullies19]

Great job exactly what I needed to see ! And very well done, sir

[@astronotna]

Glad this helped you out!

[@GlennZucman]

Thanks! I ordered the mount AND the ADM Saddle Upgrade! Who just jams a screw thread into the dovetail? At 15% of the price of the whole mount, the ADM adapter seems pricey, but I'm sure my dovetail will thank me! And, THANK YOU!!

[@astronotna]

Congrats on your purchase!! That's pretty exciting! It is a bit pricey but it was worth it to me not to worry about marring up my nice dovetails! I hope you get to enjoy it soon and clear skies!

[@GlennZucman]

Thanks@@astronotna ! It arrived. It did seem a little weird for a small piece of aluminum to cost 15% of the whole elaborate mount... however... it's a very nice piece. Solid, mechanically sound, and pleasing to use. A far cry from the underwhelming stock dovetail mounting plate. This is my first telescope and first mount, so I'm currently wrestling with the vagaries of the Star Adventurer GTi, equatorial mounts, star finding etc. I live in light polluted Los Angeles, although I did get an Astronomik UHC filter, so I'll see how that works. And perhaps I'll take a car camping trip out to Joshua Tree National Park next weekend and see what I can do there. So much to learn! And, no doubt, accessories to buy. Thanks so much for your helpful videos!

[@indysbike3014]

Try putting the polar scope cover back with the batteries installed ...

[@samwarfelphotos]

Yup, that annoyed me, simple oversight. It doesn’t fit with batteries installed.

[@astronotna]

I'll give it a try!! Thx

[@samwarfelphotos]

The outside of the Dec unit is actually plastic as well, just a dimpled paint on it. I’ve disassembled it to look at the insides, and it is plastic. I still think it’s a decent mount, although I would have preferred a bit more capacity, maybe 15lbs, compared to the 11 that’s the same as the 2i.

[@astronotna]

Yea that piece was really convincing. I also think it's pretty decent for what it is so far. Thanks for the additional info for here. Appreciate ya!

[@jameskatsipisphotograpy]

Hey! Great video. Super helpful. Do you have a link for the new saddle you installed? I’m on their site but all the ones I’m seeing are $129 and up. Thank you so much! Btw Watching the rest of this series. So fun.

[@astronotna]

Sure Here's the one that is featured in this video. Thanks for watching! www.admaccessories.com/product/dvpa-sagt-d-series-or-v-series-dovetail-adapter-for-skywatcher-star-adventurer-gti/

[@markcox1437]

Great review just bought the star adventurer gti and this was really helpful in setting it up for myself but do you have any links for an SkyWatcher gti right angled Polar Scope Eyepiece to make it alot easier to look through thanks 👍

[@dobsonsky9056]

i think in terms of performance it equals AZ GTI eq mod with wedge

[@jesuschrist2284]

More gti videos please, its cloudy here :(

[@dela7683]

I have one releasing on the 16th

[@lukesastro2380]

Great review, thanks for sharing.

[@astronotna]

Your welcome and thanks for watching this one!

[@marvinwhisman3333]

Really enjoying your videos. So glad I found your channel. When are you doing your new Planewave CDK-14 unboxing? 😅

[@astronotna]

lololololol! Thanks for watching the channel!

[@samwarfelphotos]

I used that with an Evolux62ED+field flattener, Nikon D5300, ZWOminif4 guidescope and asi120mm mini, and ASIAIR mini, also about 8 and a bit pounds. Guided typically at 1-2”. Not too shabby for a little guy like this.

[@astronotna]

Not too shabby at all! I'm really looking forward to taking mine out!

[@WRX2001]

That's basically my rig but my camera is asi485mc, with the same guidescope with the asiair plus....but no field flattener.

[@antoniohaluzan3396]

I used it for more than a year very actively. It developed severe backlash in both RA and DEC. Every second night after that I had to tune the backlash which is pain in the......now I have harmonic drive mount

[@stuge234]

Did you carried it around with weight installed ?

[@jonathanr2830]

Well done! Solid. Thank you!

[@rabentante]

After purchasing on of those myself I have the suspicion that the old StarAdventurer was really maxed out at 5kg and with the GTi they added some safety on top of the maximum payload, so when you max out with 5kg it still tracks just fine. The old SA was way more unreliable at max payload imo.

[@1pcmedic]

If you want to tighten up the polar scope CAP on the Star Adventurer & the GTI, heat each side of the cap up with a hair dryer. Then move each tab outward about 1/16" until it cools. The cap will never fall off again when hit with your hand. The screw for the battery door access will be lost in no time at all, they should have used a "captive" screw for that, I guess the Engineers getting the big bucks couldn't think of that.......ALSO ON THE GTI, the polar scope cap fits without batteries inserted......once you install the batteries the tabs are too long and hit the last battery so they cannot engage the detent to hold the cap in place. . I cut my tabs shorter about 1/8" and then it engaged.

[@davefried]

i just use a covid mask as a banana hammock to keep the cap from falling off

[@justpassingthrough...6128]

@@davefried Very safety conscious of you, and medically sound?

[@SonnyPruitt-q1s]

Suppose you ground the mounting bolt flat and then cover the bolt with a thin coat of JB Weld to keep it from digging in and scratching the telescope mounting plate?

[@astronotna]

Some people do that actually. I opted for that saddle upgrade to get more contact surface area on the rail especially with my heavier z73 but that works too!

[@benni_osr]

absolutely helpful video, nice👍👍👍

[@astronotna]

Glad this helped out in some way and thanks for watching this one!

[@d.fresh.750]

Now I need to go back and look through my box, because I SWEAR mine came with a straight USB-B end, and I was just thinking the other day, that I need a right angle USB cable.

[@newbee1016]

Hi, I aso have the S/W S/A GTi, great little mount, I am going to put my PST40 solar scope on it for some solar viewing and photos, I can also fit my ED80 on it too for some day time moon viewing. You mentioned about the polar cover popping off all the time, well problem solved, heat the tags a small amount DONT get them TOO HOT or you will have a molten disaster. You may have to trim the edges of the tags if you get them too hot. I now have to apply pressure to get the cover off. It only takes a few seconds to get them hot enough to bend. I accept no responsibility for a molten mess. I asked SkyWatcher what the led lights mean and the comments are below. Cheers Robert Aust' A single flash per second means the Wi-Fi is broadcasting. A double flash means you're connected to the Wi-Fi. Solid light means you must be connected to a computer or the Wi-Fi is not broadcasting. Notes from SkyWatcher USA

[@astronotna]

Nice! Thanks for the add here! I'm sure it will help others too. Appreciate it!

[@yervantparnagian5999]

It appears the second generation of these mounts are shipping with two counterweights. This mount probably has the fix SW applied to each axis. They added a nut for the screw holding the worm gears. You can confirm this by simply taking the plastic front cover off. I would be great if you could and let us know. I'm on the fence again getting one of these again. If there's a nut that the screw goes into, then the other axis will have it too. How well it holds the worm in place remains to be seen. I had the first generation and the axis developed backlash right away without those added nuts.

[@astronotna]

I'll check when I get a chance later today!

[@yervantparnagian5999]

@@astronotnathank you.

[@astronotna]

took a few pics DM me on instagram I can share them with you

[@yervantparnagian5999]

@@astronotna Messaged.

[@aravec]

Well... did it have the nuts!? I'd love to know. I have the version with the double counter weights.

[@MrIzmirli35]

there is a new one called EQ AL55i Pro and i think it is better than GTI because you can load up to max 10 kg and you have all also the same quality

[@jjohnson]

Hi there! New subscriber here. I've got the SA/GTI here bought it soon after initial release. Used it a few times. I have to say I've been unhappy with the early version. Had better success with the AZ/gti. My SA/gti just sits in the corner now. In my opinion the early version SA/gti suffers from low quality assembly bugs. Hoping the newer SA/gti will work much better for astro.

[@astronotna]

I hope so too. Looking forward to putting it through its paces when the skies clear. Thanks for watching this one and welcome to the channel!

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Great video...I have the older original Skywatcher AZ-GTI modded for EQ. Since you have ZWO gear, how would adding an ASIAIR, EAF, and Svbony guide scope to a small refractor get along with ASIAIR's app operating the Skywatcher GTI mount? My other option is to shell out big bucks for an AM3 or AM5. Thanks for your thoughts, Michael

[@astronotna]

Thanks for watching this one Asiair plays nicely with all of those. Just direct plug in to USB is all it takes if you so desire. The asi air has 4 USB ports and 2 additional if you have a asi camera. On my sct rig I have an EAF, EFW, guidecam, imaging cam and mount all running off the air.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

@astronotna Thanks for that excellent response. I'm guessing you mount your SCT on your AM5. Another question, please: What's the least expensive 2" light pollution filter for Bortal 8 Arlington, Texas skies that actually works? I'm not spending $300 on a filter.

[@astronotna]

Yep definitely on the AM5 or EQ6. You have lots of choices there. I personally have had good experiences with these. UHC has the most aggressive cut off but you might have some color correction to do after. CLS is the most natural but a tad weaker filter. Just take lots of shorter exposures try 2 minute subs first and see how it goes. Take you flat frames too! If you want to splurg LPRO is great too SVbony CLS amzn.to/49BOeUh Optolong CLS bit.ly/4bTYlVW Optolong UHC bit.ly/42ZacOq Optolong L-PRO Filter bit.ly/3TcmjEt

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Thanks so much....I'm also considering the Svbony dual band SV220. Your thoughts, please. Michael

[@astronotna]

Havent tried it at all so im afraid I can't comment on it. Sbony filters seem to be pretty decent for the price tho. I also think Zwo has a dual band filter in that price range too.

[@PhilippeNoth]

Thanks!

[@astronotna]

Thank you so much!! Thanks for watching this one I appreciate it+

[@SonnyPruitt-q1s]

Do you think the Z73 is better than the Redcat51? The Redcat 51 comes with a guidescope and doesn't need a flatener at $900.

[@astronotna]

It all depends on what kind of astrophotography you will be doing. The redcat has better optics and a wide field of view. The z73 has a larger aperture and more focal length. All depends on what you will be photographing. You should check out stellarium or telescopius so you can see the field of view is like with the camera you will be using. Either are quality scopes.

[@GTheoMedia]

Hello ! Amazing review. ! The tracker is perfect but the GO TO function I never been able to make it work so far. I used the 3 star alignment but it goes crazy wherever it wants. It will never go to the proper celestial object after the alignment. I am perfectly Polaris aligned , long exposure tracking works but the go to function does not work. Any suggestion what I might be doing wrong will be greatly appreciated. I'm starting to think my unit is defective:)). Thanks

[@astronotna]

When you say go crazy what does it do and what is your set up?

[@GTheoMedia]

@@astronotna By going crazy I mean it will not go to the correct celestial object I select from the menu. It goes to a different direction , sometimes pointing downwards to the earth. Apparently my mistake was not tightening back the 2 screws after balancing the lens and camera. I am using a sony a7s with 800mm mirror lens, extremely light compared to a telescope. Hopefully tonight will be clear skies so I will test it again :>

[@astronotna]

Sounds like you got it sorted and Goodluck too you hope you have clearskies!

[@richardcarner6813]

Thanks for the review. Is there a particular tripod you would recommend using with this mount?

[@astronotna]

Glad it helped! I'm afraid I only have experience with the tripod like the one it comes with for the star adventurer. Works pretty well honestly. I know there are some carbon fiber models out there but they are almost the same price as the mount!

[@richardcarner6813]

Thank you for responding back. My plan is to image the April 8th eclipse from C1-5 minutes through C4+ 5 minutes. I'm confident that the mount/tripod will easily handle my Fuji XT-3 with a Fuji 100-400mm lens. But will the mount/tripod combo play nice with a Lunt 60mm H-Alpha Modular Solar Telescope DS? The weight of a double stacked Lunt and eyepiece is just about 9.5 pounds. I'm not expecting you can answer that specific question. :) But it is something that concerns me. I like the portability that this rig offers. @@astronotna

[@astronotna]

I dont see why it wouldn't. as long as it is balanced properly you should be good there. That wieght is within spec.

[@arkansasvinny]

Great review!!! I have an older canon 600 mm f4 L IS USM that weighs 12 1/2 pounds. And use a Sony S7 R2 with adapter that weighs about 2 pounds. Total weight 14 1/2 pounds. How strict is the 12 pound max, or is there another tracker in the same price range that can handle 15 pounds. Also I read the effective focal length is 500 mm. If anyone could give me some advice on my options I would appreciate it. I’m just starting to get into deep sky and this is the set up I’m stuck with for now. Thanks!

[@astronotna]

Hello there! You definitely don't want to be over the payload specs here. However at 15 lbs I would suggest a skywatcher eqm 35. It's just a little bit more in price but has a 22 lbs payload. You might also want to look at the zwo am3 as well. Hope this helps!

[@UNLKYHNTR]

I modded an Arca Swiss mount for 20 bucks to that so I don't have to use the dovetail mount.

[@jesuschrist2284]

Do i leave both clutches engaged or disengaged while not in use?

[@astronotna]

Depends. If I am handling it I will disengage the clutch. I just leosen it to not cause unnecessary strain. I don't think it matters just preference.

[@jesuschrist2284]

@@astronotna thank god for that lol :)

[@jesuschrist2284]

@@astronotna ty for this

[@drohnenflug9873]

Great review, thanks for sharing.

[@bberubberu1468]

Hi Can you confirm if the ADM saddle would fit also the Star Adventurer 2i Wifi ? And is that saddle compatible with the L-shaped mounting assembly ?

[@astronotna]

Hello! You might want to contact ADM on that. It doesn't state that specifically.

[@bikevatoart7929]

I bought one and I cannot figure out how to do the polar alignment. I just have it sitting in my garage. I bought it from High Point Scientific.

[@astronotna]

This might help you kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWbCdoCrhL6oiZI

[@lcmattern]

Is there someone here that has overloaded the mount (over 11lbs with guidescope) and what where your guiding results? I have seen similar mounts to this that claim 11lbs for imaging and 22lbs for visual, so 11lbs seems to me like the 50% mark. I have mine loaded with aprox. 9lbs payload and I am getting about 0.3 total error in PHD 2. (I am having a brainfart and cant recall what the default scale is in phd arc min or seconds, persumably min)

[@shibamjana]

Hello Sir can yoi please tell me the Height of the tripod? Can i put it in trolley luggage bag while travelling from UK to India?

[@astronotna]

Collapsed it is 27 inches

[@billkonkel6325]

Does the ADM logo on the saddle being upside down bug you like it bugs me?

[@astronotna]

Omg! Yes!!!!!

[@ickebins6948]

Well it's "just" $89 ...

[@kainkamote917]

I was thinking of buying a tracker solar eclipse. Do you know if this can be used for that?

[@astronotna]

I've heard of people using it for that. You can modify the tracking rate through the app and the app will also slew to the sun I'm sure it's adequate

[@williamgabriel6041]

You can, absolutely! It’s tricky to set up for polar alignment during the day, but you can use a good compass (on your phone, for instance) for alignment. The app will make you answer a math question to enable “go to sun”, but if you do that and use solar tracking, you’re good to go. Don’t forget your solar filters!!!

[@jleshom32]

What telescope are you using?

[@astronotna]

In this video william optics zenithstar Z73

[@ricardoabh3242]

🇨🇦

[@Alan_Clark]

Why do you say it will work with an iphone as well? Have you tried to do so? I have tried, and the phone detects the wifi signal but refuses to connect. (I can connect with my imac, with no trouble). The shop told me that it is a common problem but could offer no solution. Apple says it is not their fault. The manufacturers have not replied to my request for help. After searching the internet It seems that I need a dongle to be able to connect, or alternatively buy a hand controller. Either way, it is an expensive fix!

[@astronotna]

It worked with my iPad with no issues. Skywatcher claims it will work with IOS. It is why I mentioned it. Have you contacted Skywatcher like call them? They have always been helpful when i called. Sorry you are having issues my friend. Hope you get them sorted soon. I agree no fun dealing with that!

[@Alan_Clark]

@@astronotna i have contacted Skywatcher, but have had no reply.

[@astronotna]

So sorry buddy!!

[@Alan_Clark]

@@astronotna I have found a solution - use Bluetooth! In the app settings > connect settings, select BLE instead of Network. I don't understand the difference between the two, but it now works perfectly.

[@astronotna]

Nice man! Glad you got it sorted!

[@TiBiAstro]

I've got this guy and have only had it perform an automatic meridian flip once. It has never done it since. Any ideas?

[@TiBiAstro]

I'd also love to see what settings y'all are using for guiding on it.

[@ГеннадийГенн]

and what maximum shutter speed in seconds did you use with a 7 kg load

[@astronotna]

Depends. What focal length , sensor size are you shooting at? Also is this unguided?

[@ГеннадийГенн]

full frame, 1500mm

[@astronotna]

​@user-pd3id8ob2q at that focal length you probably under 30 seconds unguided. You will want to auto guide if you are doing deepsky. You could get serious minutes from doing so. I'm assuming you are doing deepsky.