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Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi
Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi

Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi

by Sky-Watcher
SKU SW-S21120
CA$1,060.00 - CA$1,060.00
CA$1,060.00
CA$1,060.00 - CA$1,060.00
CA$1,060.00
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  • 102mm (4-inch) Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube
  • 1300mm Focal Length at f/12.7
  • AZ-GTi Motorized Alt-Azimuth GoTo Mount with 11 lb (5 kg) Payload Capacity
  • Integrated WiFi Control via SynScan Pro App for iOS and Android
  • Mount and Tripod Weigh Approximately 8.6 lbs (4 kg) Assembled
  • Includes 10mm (130x) and 25mm (52x) Eyepieces
  • Freedom Find™ Dual Encoder Technology for Manual Aiming without Losing Alignment
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi

    The Sky-Watcher Skymax 102 AZ-GTi pairs the Skymax 102 Maksutov-Cassegrain (102mm, 1300mm, f/12.7, 4.6 lb) with the AZ-GTi Wi-Fi GoTo alt-azimuth mount, which carries 5 kg (11 lb). The mount with its adjustable aluminum tripod and pier extension weighs about 4 kg (8.6 lb). Super 25mm and 10mm eyepieces (52x and 130x), a 1.25" star diagonal and a red dot finder are included.

    A Take-Anywhere Maksutov on a Wi-Fi GoTo Mount

    Maksutov-Cassegrains are take-anywhere telescopes, also ideal when working space is limited, with high-resolution, diffraction-limited optical systems multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness, for terrestrial or astronomical use.

    The AZ-GTi is a compact travel mount capable of both alt-az GoTo alignment and video time-lapse, with a SynScan GoTo database of more than 42,900 objects, built-in Wi-Fi and Freedom Find dual encoders.

    The 102mm f/12.7 Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Tube

    The Skymax 102 has a 102mm aperture and a 1300mm focal length (f/12.7), and the tube weighs 4.6 lb (2.1 kg). For the 102mm Maksutov, the highest practical power is 204x and the faintest stellar magnitude 12.7.

    Focus is by moving the primary mirror with the knob at the rear. Turn the focus knob slowly one way or the other until the image is sharp. The image usually needs fine refocusing over time because of temperature changes and flexure, and refocusing is almost always necessary when you change an eyepiece or add or remove a Barlow lens.

    AZ-GTi Mount: 11 lb Capacity and Freedom Find Encoders

    The AZ-GTi is a motorized alt-azimuth GoTo mount with a 5 kg (11 lb) payload and a V-style saddle. It can support anything from a small Maksutov or refractor to a mid-sized DSLR for time-lapse photography. It attaches to a tripod with a 3/8"-16 thread and includes an adapter for 1/4"-20 threads.

    Freedom Find auxiliary encoders on both axes let the mount keep track of its position when you unlock the clutches and turn it by hand, so it does not lose its alignment; re-lock the clutches to return to motor control. The feature can be disabled in the SynScan app or hand control, and the manual recommends disabling it for the best pointing accuracy if you do not need to move the mount by hand after alignment.

    SynScan Pro App: GoTo Control from Your iOS or Android Device

    The AZ-GTi mount creates its own local WiFi network, allowing you to connect and control it directly from your smartphone or tablet without needing an internet connection. By default, the network SSID is "SynScan_xxxx" with no password required. You must connect your device to the mount's WiFi within 15 minutes of powering it on, or the WiFi will automatically shut down.

    Use Sky-Watcher's SynScan Pro app to align the mount for celestial tracking, or its SynScan PTZ app for time-lapse photography. The Wi-Fi configuration resets to factory default if you power the mount on with no hand control connected and no app operations over Wi-Fi for 4 hours.

    Powering the AZ-GTi: 8x AA Batteries or External 7.5V-14V DC

    The mount runs on eight AA batteries (not included) in its battery compartment, or on an external power supply through the POWER input.

    An external supply must deliver DC 7.5V to 14V, at least 750mA, through a center-positive barrel plug with 2.0mm I.D. and 5.5mm O.D. Voltage outside this range might cause permanent damage to the motor controller or the hand controller. Do not use an unregulated AC-to-DC adapter: use a switching power supply with a 12V output and at least 750mA.

    Tripod, Pier Extension and Assembly

    Fully expand the three tripod legs on level ground and install the accessory tray: align it, push down and rotate it to lock. The tray keeps the legs firmly expanded, which prevents the tripod from tipping over, so always use it. Adjust the leg lengths to center the bubble level on the mount.

    With a long tube that would hit the tripod legs when pointed high up, the manual says to fit the extension pier between the tripod and the mount: attach the pier to the tripod and tighten the locking bolt, remove the pier head, attach it to the mount, then refit it, aligning the notch with a locking screw and tightening all three. To load the tube, rotate the saddle until the dovetail groove is horizontal, loosen the dovetail locking knob, slide the dovetail bar in while holding the tube level, and tighten the knob. Then fully loosen the altitude clutch while holding the tube to check the balance, and slide the bar back or forth until it balances.

    Magnification with the Included Eyepieces

    Two 1.25" eyepieces are included, a Super 25mm and a Super 10mm. Magnification is the telescope's focal length divided by the eyepiece's: 1300 / 25 gives 52x and 1300 / 10 gives 130x.

    Sky-Watcher's rule of thumb is about 2x per mm of aperture under good conditions, since air turbulence limits what you can usefully magnify, and it lists 204x as the highest practical power for the 102mm Maksutov.

    Weight and Temperature

    The AZ-GTi with tripod weighs 8.6 lb (about 4 kg fully assembled), easily fitting in carry-on luggage; the 4.6 lb Skymax 102 tube adds to that.

    Sky-Watcher's Maksutov manual notes the image usually needs fine refocusing over time as the telescope adjusts to temperature changes, particularly before it has reached outside temperature. It gives no cool-down time.

    Hand Control and Camera Control

    The HAND CONTROL port is an RJ-12 6-pin outlet for a SynScan hand control (sold separately). The SNAP port is a stereo jack for a camera's shutter control port, and the SynScan hand control can trigger the camera through it.

    Sky-Watcher's SynScan PTZ app runs time-lapse photography. With a shutter release cable in the SNAP port, a 60-second preset fires continuous 60-second exposures until the cable is removed. DSLR control cables for Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony cameras can be ordered from a Sky-Watcher dealer.

    Solar Safety

    Never look directly at the Sun through the telescope: permanent eye damage will result.

    Use a proper solar filter firmly mounted on the front of the telescope, and cap or remove the finder when observing the Sun. Never use an eyepiece-type solar filter, and never use the telescope to project sunlight onto another surface: the internal heat build-up will damage the optical elements.

  • What is it designed for?

    Maksutov-Cassegrains are take-anywhere telescopes, also ideal when working space is limited, with high-resolution, diffraction-limited optical systems multi-coated to maximize contrast and image sharpness. The AZ-GTi is a compact travel mount for alt-az GoTo and video time-lapse.

    How do I power the Sky-Watcher AZ-GTi mount?

    Power it with 8 AA batteries (not included) or an external DC supply of 7.5 to 14 V at 750 mA or more, with a center-positive 5.5mm/2.0mm barrel plug. Use a regulated 12 V switching supply, not an unregulated AC-to-DC adapter.

    Can I use it for photography?

    The AZ-GTi is an alt-azimuth mount. Sky-Watcher's SynScan PTZ app runs time-lapse photography. With a shutter release cable in the SNAP port, a 60-second preset fires continuous 60-second exposures until the cable is removed; DSLR control cables for Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony can be ordered from a Sky-Watcher dealer.

    How do I connect my phone?

    Turn on the mount; it broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network (SSID SynScan_xxxx, no password by default). Connect within 15 minutes, or the Wi-Fi turns off. Then use the free SynScan Pro app for iOS or Android to align and control the telescope.

    Can I use a different telescope on the AZ-GTi mount?

    Yes. The V-style saddle carries 5 kg (11 lb), and the mount can support anything from a small Maksutov or refractor to a mid-sized DSLR.

    What is the Freedom Find™ feature on the AZ-GTi mount?

    Freedom Find auxiliary encoders on both axes let the mount keep track of its position when you unlock the clutches and move it by hand, so it does not lose its alignment. Re-lock the clutches to return to motor control. The manual recommends disabling it for the best pointing accuracy if you do not need to move the mount by hand after alignment.

    When do I need the pier extension?

    The AZ-GTi manual says to fit the extension pier between the tripod and the mount when using a long tube that would otherwise hit the tripod legs when pointed high up.

    How do I align the Red Dot Finder?

    Turn on the finder by rotating the brightness control clockwise until it clicks. Center a bright object in a low-power eyepiece and, with both eyes open, turn the finder's azimuth and altitude controls until the red dot merges with it.

    Can I view the Sun with it?

    Only with a proper solar filter firmly mounted on the front of the telescope. Never look directly at the Sun through the telescope, cap or remove the finder, never use an eyepiece-type solar filter, and never project sunlight with it.

    How do I use the clutches?

    Fully tighten the clutches for motor-driven use: the manual says this gives the best pointing accuracy. Half engage them to point by hand while the tube stays put, and fully loosen them to move the telescope quickly.

    What comes in the box?

    The Skymax 102 tube, the AZ-GTi Wi-Fi GoTo mount head, an adjustable aluminum tripod, a pier extension, a red dot finder, a 1.25" star diagonal, and Super 25mm and Super 10mm 1.25" eyepieces.

  • Optical Design Maksutov-Cassegrain
    Aperture 102mm (4 inches)
    Focal Length 1300mm
    Focal Ratio f/12.7
    OTA Weight 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg)
    Finder Red Dot Finder
    Diagonal 1.25" Star Diagonal
    Magnification (Included Eyepieces) 52x (25mm), 130x (10mm)
    Mount Type Motorized Alt-Azimuth GoTo
    Control System Integrated WiFi via SynScan Pro App (iOS/Android)
    Payload Capacity 11 lbs (5 kg)
    Mount and Tripod Weight 8.6 lbs (about 4 kg assembled)
    Dovetail Saddle V-Style
    Tripod Connection 3/8"-16 (with 1/4"-20 adapter)
    Power 8x AA batteries or DC 7.5 to 14 V, 750 mA minimum (12 V recommended)
    DSLR Integration Automatic Shutter Release Port

    • Skymax 102mm Maksutov-Cassegrain OTA

      × 1

    • AZ-GTi WiFi GoTo Mount Head

      × 1

    • Adjustable Aluminum Tripod

      × 1

    • Pier Extension

      × 1

    • Red Dot Finder

      × 1

    • 1.25" Star Diagonal

      × 1

    • Super 25mm Eyepiece (1.25")

      × 1

    • Super 10mm Eyepiece (1.25")

      × 1

  • Sky-Watcher 2-Year Warranty