hello, I recently converted my az gti mount into equatorial, but the tracking didn't work as well as I expected because I can only take 30 second exposures without star trailing, can this be fixed with counterweights, do I even need counterweights If my entire setup is just 6.3 pounds, what do I need to do to fix this?
counterweights
Hi Nikolaos,
sorry for not getting back to you earlier.
As you know, I‘m also using the AZ-GTi with a wedge (Skywatcher).
The maximum exposure time until you get star trailing (without guiding) depends on the focal length of your telescope or lens.
Which are you using on the AZ-GTi?
As a reference point, I was able to do 180 sec exposures with the Askar FMA180 Pro - 180 mm focal length as the name suggests - and get pretty round stars after precise polar alignment.
However, with guiding, even longer subs are possible and the stars look the best they can be.
Regarding counterweights, I even used a ~1.1 kg one for the Askar with accessories.
For a 6.3 pounds setup, I would definitely recommend using one in order to prevent imbalances.
Good luck & CS
Johannes
sorry for not getting back to you earlier.
As you know, I‘m also using the AZ-GTi with a wedge (Skywatcher).
The maximum exposure time until you get star trailing (without guiding) depends on the focal length of your telescope or lens.
Which are you using on the AZ-GTi?
As a reference point, I was able to do 180 sec exposures with the Askar FMA180 Pro - 180 mm focal length as the name suggests - and get pretty round stars after precise polar alignment.
However, with guiding, even longer subs are possible and the stars look the best they can be.
Regarding counterweights, I even used a ~1.1 kg one for the Askar with accessories.
For a 6.3 pounds setup, I would definitely recommend using one in order to prevent imbalances.
Good luck & CS
Johannes
Well Written Helpful Insightful Respectful Engaging Supportive
I use a 650 mm focal length with a 25 mm lense, also could you help me get started with guiding, as I have never used it and don't have the equipment?
thanks,
Nikolaos Bafitis
thanks,
Nikolaos Bafitis
Nikolaos Bafitis:
I use a 650 mm focal length with a 25 mm lense, also could you help me get started with guiding, as I have never used it and don't have the equipment?
thanks,
Nikolaos Bafitis
also if I get a counterweight does it have to be the same weight as the telescope?
Counterweights are essential. Guiding with ext. like ASIAIR or NINA with PHD2 is nessesary…
The Weigth is not so critical it's mo the length of arm - mean the Force from the rotatig point.
It's a nice little mount but i think mor for visual observing then photographie. I had used it a lot,
but for better result i have investet a lot of money in one iOptron HAE29 and a WARPDRIVE WD-17
Mount. These two Mounts are my workhorses since i own them.
Hope you've fun with your AZ-GTI. For me it was not stable enough,
because my Gear grows too fast an went too heavy.
CS
The Weigth is not so critical it's mo the length of arm - mean the Force from the rotatig point.
It's a nice little mount but i think mor for visual observing then photographie. I had used it a lot,
but for better result i have investet a lot of money in one iOptron HAE29 and a WARPDRIVE WD-17
Mount. These two Mounts are my workhorses since i own them.
Hope you've fun with your AZ-GTI. For me it was not stable enough,
because my Gear grows too fast an went too heavy.
CS
Nikolaos Bafitis:
also if I get a counterweight does it have to be the same weight as the telescope?
No, smaller. Not familiar with the gti conversion, but usually counterweights are placed on a rod that allows you to move the weight inward and outward from the RA axis of the mount so that you can achieve balance.
Nikolaos Bafitis:Nikolaos Bafitis:
I use a 650 mm focal length with a 25 mm lense, also could you help me get started with guiding, as I have never used it and don't have the equipment?
thanks,
Nikolaos Bafitis
also if I get a counterweight does it have to be the same weight as the telescope?
What‘s the name of the telescope? You said it has a focal length of 650 mm??
I would recommend the AZ-GTi at maximum for a 72 mm f/6 refractor when attempting astrophotography…
I intend to use my new Omegon triplet app (61 mm aperture, 270 mm focal length with reducer) on it.
Having said that, I‘d follow the advice of Torsten and opt for a larger mount if you want to keep that 650 mm focal length telescope.
Cheers,
Johannes
Johannes Keck:Nikolaos Bafitis:Nikolaos Bafitis:
I use a 650 mm focal length with a 25 mm lense, also could you help me get started with guiding, as I have never used it and don't have the equipment?
thanks,
Nikolaos Bafitis
also if I get a counterweight does it have to be the same weight as the telescope?
What‘s the name of the telescope? You said it has a focal length of 650 mm??
I would recommend the AZ-GTi at maximum for a 72 mm f/6 refractor when attempting astrophotography…
I intend to use my new Omegon triplet app (61 mm aperture, 270 mm focal length with reducer) on it.
Having said that, I‘d follow the advice of Torsten and opt for a larger mount if you want to keep that 650 mm focal length telescope.
Cheers,
Johannes
my telescope is the skywatcher 5''
Nikolaos Bafitis:Johannes Keck:Nikolaos Bafitis:Nikolaos Bafitis:
I use a 650 mm focal length with a 25 mm lense, also could you help me get started with guiding, as I have never used it and don't have the equipment?
thanks,
Nikolaos Bafitis
also if I get a counterweight does it have to be the same weight as the telescope?
What‘s the name of the telescope? You said it has a focal length of 650 mm??
I would recommend the AZ-GTi at maximum for a 72 mm f/6 refractor when attempting astrophotography…
I intend to use my new Omegon triplet app (61 mm aperture, 270 mm focal length with reducer) on it.
Having said that, I‘d follow the advice of Torsten and opt for a larger mount if you want to keep that 650 mm focal length telescope.
Cheers,
Johannes
my telescope is the skywatcher 5''
also the reason I got the az gti mount and turned it into equaotiral was for its price, unless there is another cheap mount out there that can support my telescope I don't think I can upgrade.
Nikolaos Bafitis:Nikolaos Bafitis:
my telescope is the skywatcher 5''
also the reason I got the az gti mount and turned it into equaotiral was for its price, unless there is another cheap mount out there that can support my telescope I don't think I can upgrade.
The 650mm Newton? In my opinion too large for tis little thing. I've used it with a F200mm Canon Lens. And that was already too much. The Wind ist the greatest Enemy with a Newton...
Torsten Scharf:Nikolaos Bafitis:Nikolaos Bafitis:
my telescope is the skywatcher 5''
also the reason I got the az gti mount and turned it into equaotiral was for its price, unless there is another cheap mount out there that can support my telescope I don't think I can upgrade.
The 650mm Newton? In my opinion too large for tis little thing. I've used it with a F200mm Canon Lens. And that was already too much. The Wind ist the greatest Enemy with a Newton...
so what mount should I get that could support my 6.3 pound setup and is relativly cheap?
Nikolaos Bafitis:so what mount should I get that could support my 6.3 pound setup and is relativly cheap?
iOptron has a new little HAE16 - maybe...
But I think a used EQ5 Pro will do the Job.
I‘d also say the EQ5 Pro should easily handle your 130/650 Newtonian. And it won‘t break the bank either 
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Limited tracking causing short exposures; similar root cause to your star trailing problem.
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