Skywatcher AZ GTI Tracking

[Gezza]

Hi, I Recently purchased an AZ GTI mount to start my Astrophotography Journey. in Alt Az mode I can get up to 30 second exposure photos. I have just fitted a EQ wedge and counterbalance and installed the EQ software. my plan is to eventually buy a guide scope. my current problems are I set the mount to true south, and it is no where near the star I have set it to for alignment has anyone come across this before? In Alt Az mode it has a tracking function that wasn't too bad it seems that option is not available in EQ how do I get it to track without the guide scope or is that a must have?
Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

[Rusty2]

"no where near the star I have set it to for alignment"
Hi Gezza !
Are you using the Synscan app ?

[Gezza]

Hi Rusty2,

Yes I am using the synscan app, is there something better to use? Thanks.

[Rusty2]

Hi Gezza , I use the synscan app too on a dslr rig .

If I'm understanding you correctly , your getting confused as to why the app isn't pointing the camera south ?

If that is the case , the synscan app needs you to use the 2 or 3 star alignment options before it can perform a polar alignment . 2 star alignment isn't very accurate .

You choose the stars and it prompts you to drive the mount so that the chosen star is centered in middle of your field of view of the camera (dslr ? ) .

It needs you to locate and centre these stars so it knows where everything is .

ONLY when this is done , can you then go to the advanced tab and then use the polar alignment feature . It won't point south .

This will be a similar process BUT after centering , the app will slightly move the star off centre and prompt you to centre the star using the ALT and AZ manual controls .

[Rusty2]

Just to add to that Gezz , mine wasn't pointing near the chosen star either because my polar alignment was so far off .

It needs you to go through the initial process of star alignment so it can then start a polar alignment .

I hope this helps : )

[Gezza]

Thankyou, I just need some clear skies to get it all going now. Thanks

[Revan]

The price for AZ-gti and 2i pro seem to be similar. For astrophotgraphy, which mount is better?

[Gezza]

Originally Posted by Revan

The price for AZ-gti and 2i pro seem to be similar. For astrophotgraphy, which mount is better?

I went the AZ GTI as it came with a tripod and had GOTO, I didn't have a camera to start with so was using it in AZ mode for visual which was great. Also knowing I could just buy a eq wedge and convert it later was a bonus. I can always convert it back to AZ Goto and just use it for Visual if I ever purchase a better mount in the future. I cant actually tell you which is better but that's why I bought the AZ GTI. I just got my first photo using it and am pretty happy with the results.