Skywatcher AZ GTI Mount upgrade

[AstroDiggle (Donn)]

Recent purchase due to incredible portability and using with ED80.
I have been trying to update the firmware via Skywatcher motor control updates, which is only able to be updated using Windows.
I have an old laptop using Windows 8.1, since I’m usually using a Mac.
I have downloaded the Skywatcher APP for Windows which loads.
I can connect to the inbuilt WIFI for this according to the Windows Control Panel.
But.....when I try the update software, it is unable to connect to any device. When I try to operate the AZ-GTI from the laptop...it won’t connect.

Since I am not a regular Windows user, could this be due to Windows 8.1, and should be using Windows 10?

I can connect to the mount with Android phone and iPad without any problem, but I can’t use these to upgrade the firmware. Does anyone have any advice?

[Astronut07 (Ben)]

Hi Donn

Follow this link
https://youtu.be/xJmntIr50lk

May help

Cheers

Ben

[AstroDiggle (Donn)]

Thanks for the reply Ben.
I have had the AZ GTi working albeit with a lot of backlash in traverse and tracking....but was usable for visual, which is my only interest with this mount...so not much interested in EQ mod. My question was more about how to upgrade the firmware with an old laptop. The latest firmware (not the EQmod) addresses some tracking issues and backlash settings, so I was keen to apply it. But....can’t get the device recognised even though I can join its network, so can’t update the firmware.

[Astronut07 (Ben)]

Donn


My apologies for miss direction
Hopefully someone else may add some input

Ben

[jahnpahwa (JP)]

Donn, i did mine recently following advice in this thread


https://stargazerslounge.com/topic/3...rmware-update/


I am using windows 10, though. I hope its still of use.

[Outcast (Carlton)]

I don't have this mount but, have updated another SW mount in the past.

Have you downloaded the Motor controller firmware loader program for wifi ? My understanding is you will need this program running in windows in order to then upload the latest firmware...

You will find the firmware loader program & the upto date firmware here:

http://skywatcher.com/download/softw...trol-firmware/

[AstroDiggle (Donn)]

Thanks for the replies gents..appreciated.
I’ve downloaded the MC firmware for WiFi updater, and the Standard firmware update 3.22....but I am unable to get the MC firmware updater or the App (Synscan Pro) to find the device despite being connected to the AZ GTi inbuilt Wifi...both say no device found. I’m beginning to think it may be a comm problem with Windows 8.1.
I’ll bat on....I have a mate coming over with a more recent laptop with Windows 10...I’ll see if that changes things.

[Outcast (Carlton)]

Shouldn't be a 'Commport' issue as you should be connected via wifi rather than a cable....

I assume the AZGTI creates it's own wifi hotspot that you connect to with a phone or tablet?

Connecting your laptop should be no different; search for the wifi hotspot created by the AZGTI, connect your laptop to that then, run the programs... Hopefully, now that you've created the connection your programs should be able to find the mount....

You don't mention connecting to the wifi hotspot with your laptop in your OP so, possibly that is what is causing your connection issues?

I suspect the two programs/apps you are using won't connect to the mount automatically... but, I could be wrong...

Hope this helps