Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi

GoTo on Both Axes, 5 kg (11 lb) Payload

Miniature DC servo motors drive both axes, so the mount can slew to and track objects chosen in the SynScan Pro app. The head weighs 2.6 kg (5.7 lb) and measures 227 x 227 x 125 mm.

Drive and Clutches

Miniature DC servo motors drive the R.A. and Dec axes. The mount points at targets chosen in the SynScan Pro app and tracks them.

Sky-Watcher ships all mounts with the clutches unlocked to avoid damage to the internal components in transit. The DEC clutch is at the top of the mount under the saddle. Disengage the clutches for balancing.

A 5 kg (11 lb) Capacity with Dual-Tilt Counterweight System

The Star Adventurer GTi supports a total payload of 5 kg (11 lb). The mount includes one counterweight and a removable counterweight shaft to achieve this. Sky-Watcher explicitly warns against exceeding the rated payload, as it stresses and damages the motors.

The removable counterweight shaft fits either of two bore holes, one for low and one for high latitudes; the manual shows which to use. The saddle takes Vixen-style (V) dovetails, and the manual recommends orienting it sideways so the attached device cannot slide out if the clamp is not securely fastened.

An 8.5° FOV Polar Scope for the 0° to 70° Latitude Range

The built-in polar scope has a field of view of about 8.5° and an illuminated reticle that you can switch on and off from within the SynScan Pro app to conserve battery power. To use it, you remove a protective cover from the back of the mount's RA axis.

Set the altitude to your latitude with the altitude control knob on the front of the mount, anywhere from 0° to 70°. Then, you use the SynScan Pro app's polar scope utility. The app shows the correct position for Polaris (in the Northern Hemisphere) or the four Octans stars (in the Southern Hemisphere) on the reticle for the current time and date. Then move the star or stars into place with the mount's adjustment knobs.

SynScan Pro App Control via Built-in Wi-Fi

The Star Adventurer GTi features built-in Wi-Fi, for control from a smartphone, tablet or PC. To connect, you join the "SynScan_****" Wi-Fi network broadcast by the mount and open the free SynScan Pro app, available for Android, iOS, and Windows.

The app handles alignment, object selection and slewing, and has a polar scope utility and a camera control option.

The 2.5 mm SNAP Port for Automated Shutter Release

The GTi has a 2.5 mm SNAP port for electronic camera shutter control. By connecting your DSLR or mirrorless camera to this port with a compatible shutter release cable (sold separately), you can trigger exposures directly from the SynScan Pro app.

Some cameras also need an adapter from USB to the 2.5 mm shutter release; check the cable for your model.

ST-4 and USB Guiding with ASCOM Driver Support

The Star Adventurer GTi supports autoguiding two ways (guide scope and camera sold separately):

• ST-4 Autoguide Port (RJ-12): For a guide camera, with a 6P6C RJ12 cable (sold separately).
• USB Guiding: Through the USB Type B port (USB 2.0 cable sold separately), with the SynScan Pro app for Windows and the SynScan ASCOM drivers.

Mount Kit and Head Kit

The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi is available in two packages. The head-only kit has the mount head, counterweight and shaft. The mount kit adds:

• Tripod and accessory tray.
• Pier extension: fits between the tripod and the mount head, raising the head. Sky-Watcher does not give its height.

Over 10 Hours of Tracking with 8 AA Batteries or 12V DC

The battery compartment holds 8 AA batteries (DC 9 to 12.6 V). It runs for over 10 hours of continuous tracking with lithium AA batteries at 20°C. Do not leave batteries in the compartment for long periods: they may leak and cause corrosion.

It also runs from an external DC 12V supply; the power adapter is sold separately. The mount is designed to operate in temperatures from -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F).

Step-by-Step Field Assembly

First, set up the tripod and attach the pier extension if you are using one. The mount head attaches to the tripod or pier via a 3/8" thread. Once the head is secure, attach the counterweight shaft in the appropriate bore hole for your latitude and slide on the counterweight.

With the counterweight in place, you can mount your telescope or camera onto the Vixen-style saddle. Loosen the clutches and balance the payload on both the RA and DEC axes. Once balanced, power on the mount, connect via Wi-Fi to the SynScan Pro app, and perform a polar alignment using the built-in polar scope. After the star alignment in the app, the mount is ready for GoTo.