Lightweight Motorized Mount

[hatflyer]

With an equatorial mount the goto is independent of the polar alignment. That is, first polar align the mount then calibrate the goto and the goto will not interfere with the polar alignment.

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Just to be clear, a goto equitorial mount does not need a tracker? You PA with it, then u can still move it in any way u want, away from the orientation used to PA because it was calibrated? The mount now knows where stars should be?
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[JayTee]

Just to be clear, a goto equitorial mount does not need a tracker? Correct

You PA with it, then u can still move it in any way u want, away from the orientation used to PA because it was calibrated? Correct

The mount now knows where stars should be? Correct, assuming your goto alignment was accurate

[hatflyer]

Another option - AzGti

https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/az-gti-mount

You can also get the wedge for it and run in EQ mode.

Could u clarify what this means? The wedge changes the angle so axes are now RA and DEC, not az/alt?

Thanks.

[Bigzmey]

Another option - AzGti

https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/az-gti-mount

You can also get the wedge for it and run in EQ mode.

Could u clarify what this means? The wedge changes the angle so axes are now RA and DEC, not az/alt?

Thanks.

Correct. This is how the wedge looks. They used to sell the conversion kit separately, but now the bundle it with the adventure mount.

https://www.highpointscientific.com/sky ... k-s20512-1

[hatflyer]

Another option - AzGti

https://www.skywatcherusa.com/products/az-gti-mount

You can also get the wedge for it and run in EQ mode.

Could u clarify what this means? The wedge changes the angle so axes are now RA and DEC, not az/alt?

Thanks.

Correct. This is how the wedge looks. They used to sell the conversion kit separately, but now the bundle it with the adventure mount.

https://www.highpointscientific.com/sky ... k-s20512-1

Do u think the SkyWatcher S20530 Star Adventurer EQ Base is decent? U know of any decent ones lighter than that?

Thanks.

[AstroBee]

I don't think you are understanding the process. Here's the very basic steps.
1. Set up the equipment and make sure it is properly balanced.
2. Polar align the mount.
3. If using a Go-To mount, then you do a 1, 2 or 3 star alignment.
4. Ready to observe...

Here's a video that shows the whole process. - https://youtu.be/o-V6qNrRW08

[SkyHiker]

I would not make it more complicated than it is.

Step 1: Polar alignment.
(a) Use a polar scope (may be hard to do physically), or
(b) get an iPolar device (no-brainer and super easy), or
(c) use Nina with your DSLR (if it works easily with a DSLR), or
(d) add a guide scope and use that with Nina (or Sharpcap, or Ekos) to polar align - the guide scope is useful for guiding as well.

Step 2: Aim your DSLR on your ball head at the target. For that, what you can do without goto,
(a) a red dot finder on the hot shoe should work fine if you can star hop and/or use star charts, or
(b) if you have a guide scope, plate solving should tell you how close you are so you can adjust.

Given your physical limitations, an iPolar device is justifiable regardless of what else you decide - it is also useful if you decide to switch to an astrophotography mount. Tools like Nina, Sharpcap and Ekos for polar alignment will cost nothing extra if you have a camera that it works with, but it still takes more time and effort to do than an iPolar device (I saw one in action on a G11 and was impressed). I see red dot finders for about $20 online, as hot shoe adapter costs only a few bucks. You don't have to make a decision about getting an AP mount right now, try this first.

[hatflyer]

I don't think you are understanding the process. Here's the very basic steps.
1. Set up the equipment and make sure it is properly balanced.
2. Polar align the mount.
3. If using a Go-To mount, then you do a 1, 2 or 3 star alignment.
4. Ready to observe...

Here's a video that shows the whole process. - https://youtu.be/o-V6qNrRW08

Yes, I know the procedure. I got the az-gti. It needs a wedge to make it EQ. So was wondering what the best 1 is that is light weight.

I plan to use NINA to 3-star polar alignment (NINA does work with my DSLR).

Then I believe there is the option in the app for this mount on how many stars u want to align with.

Correct?

[hatflyer]

Had a question but solved, I think.

Using Synscan on my laptop along with NINA on there as well, I can have all apps on my laptop. No need for a smart phone it seems.

Thanks.