SKY-WATCHER AZ-GTix User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
AZ-GTix Mount
202111-V1
Copyright Sky-Watcher
c
Extended modelStandard model

Parts Diagram
PART I : SETTING UP THE AZ-GTix MOUNT
PART II :OPERATING YOUR TELESCOPE
PART IV : USING THE AZ-GTix MOUNT
PART VII : SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 Setting up the Tripod
1.2 Attaching the AZ-GTix Mount to the Tripod
2.1Aligning and using the finderscope
2.2 Focusing the telescope
2.3 Choosing the appropriate eyepiece
4.1 Istalling the Telescope and Camera
4.2 Manually Rotating the Mount
4.3 Control with a SynScan Hand Control
4.4 Control with a Mobile Device
4.5 Wi-Fi Connection
4.6 Freedom Find Function
7.1 Dimensions
7.2 Specifications
5
4
8
12
18
6
8
13
18
9
13
13
13
14
1.3 Telescope Assembly 6
1.4 Finderscope Assembly 6
1.5 Eyepiece assembly 7
CONTENTS
PART III :ELECTRONIC CONTROL INTERFACE
3.1 Control Panel
3.2 Panel Interface Components
3.3 Pinout of The Interfaces
10
10
11
3.4 DSLR Control Cable
3.5 External Power Supply Requirements
11
11
PART VI : PROPER CARE FOR YOUR TELESCOPE
6.1 Cleaning Your Telescope 17
PART V : OBSERVING THE SKY
5.1 Sky Conditions 15
5.2 Selecting an Observing Site
15
5.3 Choosing the Best Time to Observe
15
5.4 Cooling the Telescope
16
5.5 Adapting Your Eyes 16

4
Parts Diagram
Altitude Clutch Wheel
Bubble Level
OTA Lock Knob
OTA Lock Knob Dovetail Groove
Dovetail Groove
Saddle
SNAP port
External Power
Hand controller port
Adjustment Knobs
Adjustment Knobs
Power Switch
LED Indicator
Adjustment Groove
Azimuth Clutch Knob
3/8” socket
Battery Compartment
for 8x AA Batteries
Fork Arm
Altitude
Azimuth

5
PART I : SETTING UP THE AZ-GTix MOUNT
1.1 Setting up the Tripod
Fully expand the three legs of the tripod on level ground
Install the accessory tray on the tripod as shown in (Fig. 1.1a).
If using a short tube telescope, which does not hit the tripod legs when it points high up,
with the AZ-GTix mount, the mount can be installed onto the tripod directly. Align the
3/8” socket at the base of the mount with the locking bolt on the tripod head. Lock the
mount on the tripod by tightening the bolt (Fig. 1.1b).
WARNING:The accessory tray of the tripod ensures
the tripod from accidentally tipping over. When using the
AZ-GTix mount on the tripod, an accessory tray should
always be used to ensure stability.
Align the accessory tray and push down on it while holding onto
the bottom supports.
Rotate the tray to lock it into place.
1.
2.
3.
1
2
1
2
Fig. 1.1a
Tripod Head
Locking Bolt
2
1Extension Pier
Locking Bolt
1
2
Fig. 1.1b Fig. 1.1c
TIP:Completely tightening the azimuth
clutch knob would prevent the mount
from rotating around its azimuth axis
and make it easier to screw the mount
onto the tripod.

6
PART I : SETTING UP THE AZ-GTix MOUNT
If using a long tube telescope with AZ-GTix mount, an extension pier should be insert-
ed between the tripod and the AZ-GTix mount to prevent the telescope from hitting
the tripod legs when it points high up (Fig. 1.1c).
Attach the extension pier to AZ-GTix Mount
Attach the extension pier to tripod and tighten the locking knob.
4.
1
2
1.2 Attaching the AZ-GTix Mount to the Tripod
Fully expand the legs of the tripod on level ground. Make sure that the tripod is stable.
Screw the AZ-GTix mount to the 3/8” bolt on the tripod head’s mounting plate, tighten
the bolt MODERATELY
.
Caution: Over-tightening the mount may cause damage to the internal mechanical
parts.
Most tripods’ mounting plate comes with 1 to 3 locking screws. Firmly tighten the locking
screws from underneath the plate to secure the AZ-GTix mount in place.
Raise the tripod’s central pole to the desired height, and make sure that it also prevents
the telescope from hitting the tripod legs when the telescope points high up.
Adjust the lengths of the legs to center the bubble level on the mount.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.3 Telescope Assembly
1.4 Finderscope Assembly
Attaching the finderscope bracket（Fig.1.4a ).
Locate the finderscope optical assembly
Slide the finderscope bracket into the rectangular slot and tighten the screw to hold the
mount in place.
1.Attach the dovetail tothe Dovetail Groore (Fig.1.3a).
2.Tighten OTA Lock Knob to lock the OTA in place.
Fig.1.3a
1
2
Fig.1.4a
refractor
Maksutov

PART I : SETTING UP THE AZ-GTix MOUNT
7
1.5 Eyepiece assembly
1.Inserting eyepiece for refractor and Maksutov (Fig.1.5.a).
2.Ioosen the thumbscrew on the end of the focus tube.
3.Insert the diagonal into the focus tube adn re-tighten the thumbscrew to hold the diagonal
in place
4.Loose the thunbscrews on the diagonal
5.Insert the desired eyepiece into diagonal and secure by re-tighening thumbscrews
Fig.1.5a
refractor
Maksutov

6
PART II: OPERATING YOUR TELESCOPE
1.
-
ries. When they are correctly aligned with the telescope, objects can be quickly located and
-
-
ing it back towards the bracket. The front lens holder can now be turned in and out to focus.
When focus is reached, lock it in position with the locking ring (Fig.2.1.1a).
• Choose a distant object that is at least 500 yards away and point the main telescope
2.1Aligning and using the finderscope
at the object. Adjust the telescope so that the object is in the center of the view in your
eyepiece.
• -
tered on the crosshairs.
•
(Fig.2.1.1b).
Fig.2.1.1a Fig.2.1.1b
•Slowly turn the focus knobs under the focuser, one way or the other, until the image in the
This often happens with
short focal ratio telescopes, particularly when they haven’t yet reached outside tempera
eyepiece is sharp(Fig.2.2a).The image usually has to be finely refocused over time, due
to small variations caused by temperature changes, flexures, etc.
-
ture. Refocusing is almost always necessary when you change an eyepiece.
2.2 Focusing the telescope
8
Fig.2.2a

PART II: OPERATING YOUR TELESCOPE
2.3 Choosing the appropriate eyepiece
•-
length by the focal length of the eyepieces you are going to use. For example, a 10mm
•When you are looking at astronomical objects, you are looking through a column of air
that reaches to the edge of space and that column seldom stays still. Similarly, when
viewing over land you are often looking through heat waves radiating from the ground,
you end up magnifying is all the turbulence between the telescope and the subject. A
aperture under good conditions.
•
moon then look at the shadows in the craters!
9

10
PART III : ELECTRONIC CONTROL INTERFACE
3.1 Control Panel
3.2 Panel Interface Components:
Hand Control Power SNAP NO OFF LED
The control panel of the AZ-GTix mount is shown below:
POWER: This is an input for external power to avoid running on the 8 AA
batteries in the AZ-GTix mount battery compartment.
HAND CONTROL: This RJ-12 6-pins outlet is for connecting the Syn-
Scan hand controller.
SNAP: This is a stereo jack outlet to connect with a camera’s shutter
control port. The SynScan hand control can control the camera to take
pictures automatically via this interface.
ON/OFF Switch: Turns the power to the mount and hand controller on
Power LED: The power LED serves as a power-on indicator and provides
other statuses.
Steady on
: Internal Wi-Fi is on.
: App has connected to internal Wi-Fi.
update mode.
1.
2.
3.
4.

11
PART III : ELECTRONIC CONTROL INTERFACE
3.3 Pinout of The Interfaces:
3.4 DSLR Control Cable
3.5 External Power Supply Requirements
Note:
The SNAP port provides two trigger signals
to the stereo plug. For a camera which only
needs a shutter-release signal, either trigger
signals will work. For a camera which requires
an extra “Focus” signal, both signals should
be connected properly.
Available for Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Sony cameras. See the table below to select the
appropriate cable for your camera model; it can be ordered from the local Skywatcher dealer.
Input Voltage: DC 7.5V (minimum) to DC 14V (maximum). Voltage not in this range
might cause permanent damage to the motor controller or the hand controller.
Input Plug: Barrel type with 2.0mm I.D and 5.5mm O.D. Must be central positive.
Input Current: At least 750mA.
Do not use an unregulated AC-to-DC adapter. When choosing an AC adapter, a switching
power supply with 12V output voltage and minimum 750mA output current is recommended.
If the power voltage is too high, the motor controller will stop the motors automatically.
2
3
4 1
5
6
HAND CONTROL
Vpp+
RX(3.3V)
Reserved
GND TX(3.3V)
SNAP
Optoisolator
Control Signal
Internal Circuit
TRIGGER
N.C.
Part
Number Camera Interface Style Controller Interface Compatible Camera Models
AP-R1C Canon remote (E3
type) Canon RS-60E3
Canon EOS 100D, 300D/350D, 400D/450D,
500D/550D, 600D/650D, 700D, 60D/60Da,
70D
AP-R3C Canon remote (N3
type)
Canon RS-80N3, TC-
80N3
Canon EOS 5D/6D/7D,
10D/20D/30D/40D/50D, 1V, 1D,
1Ds Mark III, 5D Mark III
AP-R1N Nikon 10-pin remote
terminal
Nikon MC-22, MC-30,
MC-36 Nikon D1/D2/D3/D4 D200/D300/D700/D800
AP-R2N Nikon remote cord
connector Nikon MC-DC1 Nikon D70S, D80
AP-R3N Nikon accessory
terminal Nikon MC-DC2
Nikon D90, D600, D3000/D3100/D3200/
D3300,
D5000/D5100/D5200/D5300, D7000/D7100
AP-R1S Sony remote terminal Sony RM-S1AM, RM-
L1AM
Sony a100, a200, a300, a350, a450, a550,
a560
a700, a850, a900
AP-R3L Olympus multi-
connector RM-UC1
Olympus E-P1/E-P2, E-PL2/E-PL3, E510/
E520/E550/E620, E400/E410/E420, SP-
570UZ/SP-590UZ
·
·
·
·
·
Fig. 3.3

12
PART IV : USING THE AZ-GTix MOUNT
4.1 Installing The Telescope or Camera
Use only one telescope (Fig.4.1a).
Install the telescope on one side and the camera on the other side. When installing the
camera, you need to use a Fork arm attachment (Fig.4.1b).
Install a telescope on each side for use. At this time, in addition to the Fork arm attach-
ment, another adjustment groove is required (Fig.4.1c).
In order to make the two telescopes point to the same direction, four adjustment groove need to be adjust
ed (Fig.4.1e)
1.
2.
3.
AZ-GTix provides the following ways to assemble the telescope or camera:
Fig.4.1a
Fig.4.1d
Fig.4.1f
Fig.4.1e
Fig.4.1b Fig.4.1c
Loosen this knob slightly during calibration,
and tighen this knob after calibration
TIP: Fork arm needs to be adjusted
up and down so that the center points of
the telescope are at the same horizontal
position
knobs

13
4.2 Manually Rotating The Mount
4.3 Control with a SynScan Hand Control
4.4 Control with an Mobile Device
4.5 Wi-Fi Connection
Refer to the following diagrams:
Plug in the SynScan hand control into the hand control port in order to control the tele-
scope and mount for astronomical observation. Please refer to the SynScan hand control
manual for operation instructions.
Users can download the free “SynScan Pro” or “Synscan Photo” App from the App Store(
for iOS devices) or Google Play (for Android Devices) for astronormical observation or
photography.
User must connect to the mount’s Wi-Fi within 15 minutes after turning on power. The Wi-Fi
d within 15 minutes.
By default, the SSID of the built-in Wi-Fi is “SynScan_xxxx” and there is no password. User
built-in Wi-Fi.
hand control connected and no App operations via the Wi-Fi connection for 4 hours.
LoosenTighten Loosen Tighten
Loosen the Alt clutch wheel to manually rotate the telescope vertically.
Loosen the Azimuth adjustment knob to manually rotate the telescope horizontally.
Fully tighten the clutches for all motor driven applications. This will give the best pointing accuracy.
Half engage the clutches to manually point the telescope while preventing it from moving freely without
external force.
Fully loosen the clutches to move the telescope quickly.
Tips:
PART IV : USING THE AZ-GTix MOUNT
1.
2.
·
·
·
·
·
·
Fig.4.2a Fig.4.2b

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4.6 Freedom FindTM Function
The AZ-GTix mount is equipped with auxiliary encoders on both the azimuth axis and al-
titude axis. Therefore, the mount can keep track of its current position even when a user
unlocks the clutches and rotates the mount in azimuth axis and altitude axis manually.
With this feature, a user can manually operate the mount anytime without worrying about
losing the mount’s alignment status. When the user wants to operate the mount with the
SynScan hand control again, no alignment is required and all that is needed to be done
is to re-lock the clutches.
This feature can be disabled with the SynScan hand controller or the SynScan App. If an
user does not need to rotate the mount manually after alignment, it is recommended to
disable this feature to obtain the best pointing accuracy.
PART IV : USING THE AZ-GTix MOUNT

PART V: OBSERVING THE SKY
5.1 Sky Conditions
•
steadiness of the air, and transparency, light scattering due to the amount of water va-
pour and particulate material in the air. When you observe the Moon and the planets,
and they appear as though water is running over them, you probably have bad “seeing”
because you are observing through turbulent air. In conditions of good “seeing”, the stars
appear steady, without twinkling, when you look at them with unassisted eyes (without a
telescope). Ideal “transparency” is when the sky is inky black and the air is unpolluted.
• Do not view immediately after sunset. After the sun goes down, the Earth is still cooling,
causing air turbulence. As the night goes on, not only will seeing improve, but air pollution
and ground lights will often diminish. Some of the best observing time is often in the early
morning hours. Objects are best observed as they cross the meridian, which is an imagi-
nary line that runs through the Zenith, due North-South. This is the point at which objects
reach their highest points in the sky. Observing at this time reduces bad atmospheric
effects. When observing near the horizon, you look through lots of atmosphere, complete
with turbulence, dust particles and increased light pollution.
5.2 Selecting an Observing Site
• Travel to the best site that is reasonably accessible. It should be away from city lights,
and upwind from any source of air pollution. Always choose as high an elevation as
possible; this will get you above some of the lights and pollution and will ensure that you
aren’t in any ground fog. Sometimes low fog banks help to block light pollution if you get
above them. Try to have a dark, unobstructed view of the horizon, especially the south-
ern horizon if you are in the Northern Hemisphere and vice versa. However, remember
that the darkest sky is usually at the “Zenith”, directly above your head. It is the shortest
path through the atmosphere. Do not try to observe any object when the light path pass-
es near any protrusion on the ground. Even extremely light winds can cause major air
is not recommended because the window glass will distort images considerably. And an
open window can be even worse, because warmer indoor air will escape out the window,
causing turbulence which also affects images. Astronomy is an outdoor activity. The best
conditions will have still air, and obviously, a clear view of the sky. It is not necessary that
the sky be cloud-free. Often broken cloud conditions provide excellent seeing.
5.3 Choosing the Best Time to Observe
15

PART V: OBSERVING THE SKY
5.4 Cooling the Telescope
• Telescopes require at least 10 to 30 minutes to cool down to outside air temperature. This
may take longer if there is a big difference between the temperature of the telescope and
the outside air. This minimizes heatwave distortion inside telescope tube (tube currents).
Allow a longer cooling time for larger optics.
5.5 Adapting Your Eyes
• Do not expose your eyes to anything except red light for 30 minutes prior to observing.
This allows your pupils to expand to their maximum diameter and build up the levels of
optical pigments, which are rapidly lost if exposed to bright light. It is important to observe
cover the non-used eye with your hand or an eye patch. Use averted vision on faint ob-
jects: The center of your eye is the least sensitive to low light levels. When viewing a faint
object, don’t look directly at it. Instead, look slightly to the side, and the object will appear
brighter.
16

PART VI: PROPER CARE FOR YOUR TELESCOPE
6.1 Cleaning Your Telescope
• Replace the dust cap over end of telescope whenever not in use. This prevents dust from
settling on mirror or lens surface. Do not clean mirror or lens unless you are familiar with
optical surfaces. Clean eyepieces with special lens paper only. Eyepieces should be han-
dled with care, avoid touching optical surfaces.
17

18
PART VII : SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions:
113
185
261
185 135
1100
1074
Mount Tripod
Product Name AZ-GTix Mount
Mount Type Altitude-azimuth Mount
Single Side Payload
Total Payload
6 kg
10 kg
Mount Weight 2 kg
Tripod + Extension Pier Weight 2.7 kg + 0.5kg
Power Requirement DC7.5~14V, 1A
Motor DC Servo Motor
Gear Ratio 6480
Resolution 2073600 Counts/Rev., 0.625 arc-second
Resolution of Aux. R.A./Dec. Axis Encoders 1068 Counts/Rev., approx. 20 arc-minutes
Default Wi-Fi Access Point SSID SynScan_xxxx
Access Point IP Address 192.168.4.1
Network Protocol UDP, Port 11880
Note:

NEVER USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN.
PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE WILL RESULT. USE A PROPER SOLAR FILTER
FIRMLY MOUNTED ON THE FRONT OF THE TELESCOPE FOR VIEWING
THE SUN. WHEN OBSERVING THE SUN, PLACE A DUST CAP OVER YOUR
FINDERSCOPE OR REMOVE IT TO PROTECT YOU FROM ACCIDENTAL
EXPOSURE. NEVER USE AN EYEPIECE-TYPE SOLAR FILTER AND NEVER
USE YOUR TELESCOPE TO PROJECT SUNLIGHT ONTO ANOTHER
SURFACE, THE INTERNAL HEAT BUILD-UP WILL DAMAGE THE
TELESCOPE OPTICAL ELEMENTS.
AZ-GTix Mount