Home > Telescopes > Skywatcher > AZ GTi & GTe WiFi
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Model: sw_az_gti_wifi_mntPart Number: 20315
It will fit any suitably sized photo tripod with a standard 3/8" screw fitting.
Sky-Watcher's AZ-GTi Wi-Fi Alt-Azimuth mount features an integrated WiFi module, enabling it to be controlled wirelessly via a Smartphone or Tablet with Sky-Watcher's free SynScan App for iOS or Android.
Together the mount and App provide full computerised GO-TO.
It also features Sky-Watcher’s patented Freedom-Find dual-encoder technology, so your telescope can be moved manually in either axis without the mount losing its positional information.
The mount is quiet in operation, has a payload capacity of up to 5kg and accepts telescopes via a regular 45mm dovetail bar.
The tripod option includes an adjustable aluminium tripod with an accessory tray.
The mount will also fit other suitably-sized photo tripods via standard 3/8" screw fitting.
Purchased this little mount to use with some camera equipment I have (Nikon DSLR body and lenses) which otherwise has been completely underused. I liked the fact that it has wifi capabilities and didn't require lots of extra cables etc to use it with. A month or so in though and I've found it's far more capable than I originally expected. I've downloaded the firmware update to use it in EQ mode, attached a camera, lens and guidescope and use it with EQMOD via a laptop running CdC, PHD2 and Sharpcap providing the required star chart, guiding and image capture respectively. I've now also bought (also from FLO) a ZWO adapter to use my Nikon lenses with my T mount astro cameras. Great purchase highly recommended.
The Sky-Watcher AZ-GTI mount was very easy to setup, using it with SynScan and Stellarium via the Wi-Fi interface. Initially using the mount with a DSLR and telephoto lens, but intend eventually using it with an actual telescope. It was delivered promptly and very well packed. I would definitely recommend FLO and will use them again.
This is a cracking little mount. As usual the delivery from FLO is first class and quick. I did have a problem with the mount initially. there seemed to be some issue with intermittent power, with batteries, a power pack and mains. FLO accepted a return and offered a replacement.This new one works a treat, it has taken some time to get used to the little quirks, and I recommend using YouTube to find guidance. I am now happy that each time I set up, it only takes a few minutes to align. it carries a skywatcher 130p happily but will probably get a balance bar and a Mak or refractor for further photographic attempts!can certainly recommend for beginners like me to put the toe in the water for both visual observing and basic photography. Thanks FLO!
I bought the mount and tripod bundle a few weeks ago to enable me to quickly set up my 80ED f7 reflactor away from home. My OTA weighs-in at just about 4kg with red dot finder, diagonal, barlow and eyepiece. I would not like to go any heavier although the spec claims the mount can support up to 5kg. The mount head is a nice, simple piece of equipment that works really well using the app on my phone . Ensure that you disable your home wifi if you are using it within range - my phone swapped back mid-session. Alignment is really simple and GOTO works well and it is certainly good enough for casual visual observation. I have not tried any astrophotography with the mount due to the added weight and the inadequate tripod (which I will come to). Some nice features are available through the app making observation of selected objects really easy. I don't know how long the mount's AA batteries will last because I have only used it with a tank for any length of time so far. The only disadvantage I can think of with the mount itself is with the dovetail clamp and I have ordered the one from ADM because I do not want my OTA to end up on the ground.Now to the tripod: Ideally, I wanted to purchase the mount-only version but it appears that everyone else does as well because it was not in stock anywhere. I use an EQM35 mount at home and would ideally like to mount the AZ Gti on it using the Berlebach adapter (I dont mind filing it if I have to) but FLO told me that this wont fit onto the EQM35 1.75 steel tripod which I assumed was identical to the one that comes with the EQ5. So I am still looking for a good tripod because the one that comes as part of the bundle is not sturdy and means that focusing is difficult and time consuming since even the gentlest touch on the fine focus sets up a vibration in the field of view. Hence the need to keep adjusting, pausing and waiting for the view to settle. Tripod aside, the mount is a good purchase for fast setting up of lighter OTAs and casual observation. I would have given the mount head itself 5 stars but the tripod that comes with it reduces the score of the overall package.
This will mainly be a review of the company, not so much the product. For those interested, the product is great, theres plenty of reviews both here and all across the web if you need a proper review of metrics, specs etc. In all honesty I rarely do reviews, I tend to look into a product with as much gusto as I can then buy it and forget about the company that sold it to me, however the customer service needs acknowledgement. I have to admit I originally ordered one from a different company (less than £5 cheaper) and was let down 24 hours later, too late to do much about but At this point I was at a loss as I needed the item for a planned night out and having discovered that the distribution center was fairly local I sent an email request to collect, I got a response well within 2 hours, possibly within 1, confirming stock and giving well recieved advice. In other words "I didn't know what I didn't know" and these guys advised accordingly. Thoroughly great service throughout, both people I spoke to at the distribution center were pleasant, despite obviously being busy, the email advice was spot on and saved me from a wasted night by highlighting items that would benefit me.I will likely only ever order from here from now on because the prices are not only really competitive but the advice is also bang on.
I initially got this to make a "smart scope" that I could operate with my tablet for doing outreach (to avoid "eyepiece issues" in Covid times), but I have since installed the firmware to put it into EQ mode, put it on a wedge, added a counterweight bar, and it is now part of my ultra-portable imaging rig, replacing my Mk 1 Star Adventurer for everything except DSLR widefield stuff. Initially, it wasn't running as smoothly as I'd hoped, so I voided the warranty within a week of getting it, Super-lubed bits that needed it, and removed original grease from bits that didn't. It's nice that it's now a "cult following" item, because you can now find out how extend its capabilities if you so wish.
Thanks to FLO for good price and shipping. The mount can be used manually or via Wi-Fi. The auxillary encoder function is fantastic that allows manual tweaking when you wish. Additionally, I purchased a Synscan hand controller just because I prefer it. The mount is light but sturdy. Well, it does not resist wind like a big mount but it is okay for a grab and go scope. I use it mainly for Solar with a 80mm doublet refractor, a Daystar Quark, a binoviewer and a big solar hood. It works very well at the limit of the payload at least for visual use. The mount fits in my large size luggage when I place it oblique. There is a lot of space left for other belongings. I carry 80mm refractor in the cabin luggage. So it is transportable via airlines. I love the track Sun function.
This is the best little mount ever. I like it so much this is the second one I've purchased. Versatile, easy to use, extremely portable, lightweight yet able to handle a decent payload. You can use the app to operate it with your smart phone or purchase a SynScan hand controller. I find the app awkward to use in the dark so I prefer a hand controller but that's a matter of personal preference. You can use battery power or shore power. I put anything between a 80mm f4 refractor to a 127mm Mak on it. It handled the weight of my f7 102mm refractor but the tube length was too long for stability. I can't speak for service life because I haven't had my GTi for very long but with it's metal innards I cannot image that it won't last as long as it's not abused. Two thumbs up, five stars, etc.
Safe packaging and fast delivery to the EU.
Can't complain for my 1st experience of buying equipment from firstlightoptics!
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Not officially but we have found the counterweight bar from the EQ1 mount does fit. HTH
You will need to add an Equatorial wedge such as the Star Adventurer wedge then flash the firmware. https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-star-adventurer/skywatcher-star-adventurer-equatorial-wedge-white.htmlIf using anything heavier than a small lens you may need to add a counterweight and bar via the M12 threaded hole on the mount.