Beginner astrophotography set up
Channel: Astrobloke
Date: 2021-05-08

The Sky Watcher AZ GTI is an excellent alternative to the Star adventurer. Not only is the unit cheaper but with a few bits of software and a couple of mods you have a fully portable goto EQ mount. I have had excellent results from mine and have no hesitation in recommending one of these units.
This video goes over and shows the software and firmware upgrades needed plus how to load into the mount head itself the firmware.
I then demonstrate a workflow out in the field polar aligning the mount with Sharpcap. How to connect and control the mount with NINA and using PHD2 guiding. I had recently fully serviced the mount and also demonstrate a calibration in PHD2 and then show the mount guiding at sub 1 arc sec at 0.8"

here is a link to the video showing the full strip down service and rebuild of the mount

https://youtu.be/iwJdrAFLPpU

www.Astrobloke.co.uk Where you can view all my images and order prints.

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Equipment I use, these links cost you no more to use but will earn my channel a small commission. It all helps support the channel.

Mele Quieter 2 PC -
UK -  https://amzn.to/3MPDANY
US - https://amzn.to/3wFs5Cd

Wolfwise Shower Canopy   
UK -  https://amzn.to/3JYoSDi
US - https://amzn.to/3PNjbvc

Alex Tech split 10ft cord wrap
UK - https://amzn.to/3etzgow
US - https://amzn.to/3GoZeXn

100 reusable velcro cable ties
UK - https://amzn.to/2Tn4feS
US - https://amzn.to/3PCpjpL

Short USB C Cable
UK - https://amzn.to/3iDmXHR
US - https://amzn.to/3G9EIcU

RCA Male Plug
UK - https://amzn.to/3Bg3Iws
US - https://amzn.to/3wD4Vxq

OPT links to equipment. Even if you click this link and then purchase something I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Really helps my channel out, Thank you
https://bit.ly/36Y8AYV

Mounts
Sky Watcher EQ8R PRO     https://bit.ly/39HVTpR
Sky Watcher EQ6R Pro       https://bit.ly/3i1afU0
Sky Watcher HEQ5              https://bit.ly/2Ty7BeZ
Sky Watcher AZ GTI            https://bit.ly/3iGmIvC

Cameras
ZWO ASI 294MM Pro https://bit.ly/2VbxNN6
ZWO ASI 183MM Pro https://bit.ly/3kSLPOs
ZWO ASI 290mm mini https://bit.ly/2UO71u6
ZWO ASI 120mm mini https://bit.ly/2Twjceu

Filters
Antlia 3nm https://bit.ly/3GhuaZl
Antlia LRGB        https://bit.ly/3MDdca8
Chroma Oiii 3nm 1.25"    https://bit.ly/3rviomS
Chroma Ha 3nm 1.25"    https://bit.ly/2Wcsnlj
Optolong LRGB 1.25"       set https://bit.ly/36ZtXJq
ZWO EFW Electronic filter wheel     https://bit.ly/3fbmKe3

Telescopes
RC8 https://bit.ly/3x5AexT
Sky Watcher 130PDS
Zenithstar 61 https://bit.ly/2UEgFjc
William Optics 50mm guidescope https://bit.ly/36ZLYHK

Correctors
Sky Watcher 0.9Coma Corrector
Baader MPCC https://bit.ly/2V76LpZ
Astro Essential 0.75Reducer
William Optics Flat61A https://bit.ly/3zw9sAf
William Optics Flat 61R https://bit.ly/3BEvaEj

Accessories 
Pegasus Astro pocket powerbox advance https://bit.ly/3iMFeSO
ZWO OAG Off Axis Guider https://bit.ly/3i1RIqD

ProLogik balance meter and tuning tool
https://www.prologik-astro.com/

The meter is of a high quality and works really well. Not only is it great for helping to find perfect balance in stiff mounts but it is a fantastic aid to fine tuning your mount for the best guiding. It will assist you in adjusting your worm drive/gear mesh to the optimum setting and giving you great smooth tracking and excellent guiding numbers.