The AZ-GTi mount - this lightweight and very compact altazimuth mount can carries optics up to 5kg in weight.
Despite its small size, the mount has computer control (GoTo) to track astronomical objects with your telescope or camera. This is achieved via the built-in WLAN (WiFi). The mount generates a Wi-Fi signal that allows you to connect to your smartphone or tablet. You can then control the telescope via Skywatcher's SynScan app for Android or via iOS.
The SynScan app allows you to use the GoTo system to select from around 10,000 astronomical objects. The mount must first be aligned to the night sky for this to function. The app offers several methods that make it easy even for beginners to carry out the alignment. You do not require any previous astronomical knowledge.
What's more - the app does not simply allow you to select astronomical objects, the software also recommends objects of special interest and helps with identifying objects.
As the SynScan app uses the graphical user interface of your mobile device, operation is much more simple and intuitive than when using the hand controls supplied with classic mounts.
The AZ-GTi is equipped with the patented FreedomFind encoder technology. This ensures that the mount will not lose its orientation even if you move the telescope or camera manually. So you can slew to near the object manually and let the GoTo do the final fine adjustment. This much quicker and also saves on electricity.
And as regards electricity - you can operate the mount using batteries or with a 'Powertank' (DC 7.5 ~14V, 0.75A, tip positive).
The mount can be connected to most camera tripods via the standard 3/8" photo screw.
Our expert comment:
Skywatcher offers a software upgrade on their website which enables the mount to also be used as an equatorial mount. The compatible equatorial wedge can be found on our website under product number 45120. A pole finder is also recommended for photography. 62729 + 11474 would be suitable.
As a makeshift solution, retrofitting the AZ-GTI requires a lot of expense. Product no. 45119 offers a cheaper complete set with a similar bearing load but without GoTo. Product no. 52177 features WiFi and GoTo but has a lower bearing load.
(Bernd Gährken)
