Product Reviews
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United StatesSkywatcher AZ-GTI
I needed a lightweight go-to mount with wi-fi for an 80 mm f/6 travel telescope. OPT had one in stock and it was effortless to order it. It arrived in 3 days. The mount is rated for payloads up to 11 lbs. The tripod is a little iffy, but I intended to use the AZ-GTI with a a 1.5" steel tripod I had already. The only downside is that the SynScan software, which is otherwise a reasonably well-done program, requires two devices if you use it with iOS. Synscan has to have the focus all the time in iOS, so you can't run a planetarium program like SkySafari at the same time on that device. You have to run SkySafari on a second device and link it to the first one. It works, but it's kludgy. This is not a problem with Android, apparently. I've yet to run it from my PC via ASCOM, but the drivers are available on Skywatcher's web site. The slightly kludgy iOS implemenetation is why I gave it a 4, not a 5. Alignment was easy and the go-tos were reasonably accurate. It's compact and the pier that it comes with ensures that the scope will clear whatever tripod it's on. The three components (drive, pier and pier base) fit nicely into a Pelican IM2100 case. You just have to pluck the foam properly.
United StatesBetter then expected
Purchased this unit with intent on using it as a portable automated setup. Flashed firmware to allow EQ mode operation, Once polar aligned with third party software, I tested the DEC backlash. While it has a significant amount of backlash it was far less then I was expecting. Mount works well with ASCOM, with no issues seen at all. Only short comings are minor design issues. The counterweight shaft thread size, not the same as star adventure (adapter needed). Star Adventurer wedge also requires replacing a locking screw to allow the base to clear it. While it's not deigned for EQ operation, they did install a screw mount for a counterweight shaft, why make it a different size?
United StatesWorth the wait!
Very sturdy for a small mount; easy to connect to my phone. Due to clouds I have only used it for solar observing so far, and it tracked accurately.
United StatesI am pleased with product and service.
It took four months to get but that was due to the pandemic, not OPT.
United StatesSky Watcher AZ-GTi Computerized Altitude-Azimuth Mount
Great mount for a smaller telescope. Very simple to operate, tracks great. I like the phone app and prefer it over my hand controller mounts. I have installed a counter weight to allow smoother operation of telescopes that are near the weight limit of the mount. I use the counter weight in Alt Az mode while most people only use one in EQ mode.
United StatesAZ-GTi Quirks
Very happy with mount. Push-to / Goto work fine. Wifi connection simple and reliable. Been able to drive a Celestron 6" SCT with no apparent strain. If you do mount a Celestron, be prepared to load the alternate motor firmware which allows mounting your scope to the right of the mount or your scope will be upside down and focus knob in a weird place on the left. It also allows mount to be run Equatorially with a wedge. Alternate firmware may be listed as Beta, but it works great. If you're using your Android phone as the controller, don't forget to give the Synscan App permission in phone settings to use your location. Also consider one of the two ADM saddle upgrades which use a non-scarring and more secure clamp instead of the single screw on the OEM saddle. Lastly, if you choose to use the 2 pound Skywatcher counterweight with this mount (necessary for Equatorial), realize the counterweight has a M8 thread and the AZ-GTi takes an M12 thread. So order a M8 to M12 adapter (often labeled as an "insert") at the same time.