Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Mount Head – Compact, Full GoTo Equatorial Mount for Portable Astrophotography and Visual Observation
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Mount Head is a compact, fully motorized equatorial mount designed for serious astrophotographers and visual observers who need precision tracking in a lightweight, portable package. Whether you're capturing deep-sky images with a DSLR or guiding a short refractor under dark skies, the GTi delivers full GoTo functionality and rock-solid equatorial tracking in a mount head that fits in your backpack.
Weighing just 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg), this mount head offers an ideal balance of performance and portability. As a true equatorial mount—not a star tracker or hybrid alt-az/EQ system—the GTi is purpose-built for long-exposure imaging and accurate celestial tracking. It’s the ideal solution for traveling astrophotographers, remote imaging sessions, and anyone upgrading from basic star trackers.
Precision Equatorial Tracking with GoTo
At the heart of the Star Adventurer GTi is a full RA/Dec motor drive system with a precision 144-tooth worm gear in right ascension and a 76.8mm RA worm wheel. This drive system ensures smooth, low-periodic-error tracking for sharp, long-exposure astrophotos when properly aligned. The built-in ST-4 autoguiding port enables direct connection to your guide camera, allowing for tight guiding corrections in both axes through software like PHD2.
The integrated GoTo system supports more than 42,000 celestial objects via the SynScan database. You can control the mount through the free SynScan Pro app on your smartphone or tablet, or use an optional SynScan hand controller. With app-based alignment, slewing, and tracking, you’ll be hopping between galaxies and nebulae in minutes—no hand controller or laptop required.
Vixen-Style Saddle with 11 lb Payload Capacity
A standard Vixen-style dovetail saddle makes the GTi compatible with a wide variety of small telescopes, camera rigs, and astrographs. With an 11 lb (5 kg) payload capacity, this mount head can comfortably carry DSLR or mirrorless camera setups, refractors up to ~80mm aperture, or compact imaging OTAs. Combined with its integrated counterweight shaft (compatible with Star Adventurer counterweights), it provides excellent balance and stability even under load.
The GTi is an excellent step up for astrophotographers seeking GoTo accuracy and tracking performance without the size and weight of a full-sized GEM. It’s especially appealing for mobile setups and wide-field imaging rigs.
Built-In Wi-Fi and Modern App Control
Control is handled wirelessly through the mount’s built-in Wi-Fi network, enabling app-based operation via the Sky-Watcher SynScan Pro app for iOS and Android. This app allows you to align, find, and track objects from your mobile device, making setup intuitive and cable-free.
For users who prefer PC-based operation, the mount is compatible with ASCOM and EQMOD protocols, allowing integration with imaging suites, planetarium software, and guiding platforms. The GTi also supports backlash compensation and periodic error correction via software for refined performance in long-exposure imaging.
Built-In Polar Scope for Accurate Alignment
Unlike many entry-level mounts and star trackers, the Star Adventurer GTi includes a built-in polar finder scope with an illuminated reticle. This allows for precise polar alignment using the included altitude and azimuth adjustment controls. Whether you prefer visual alignment with the reticle or digital tools such as SharpCap, the GTi gives you the flexibility to get dialed in and ready to image quickly and accurately.
The polar finder is factory-aligned and ready to use out of the box—no optional accessories required.
Field-Friendly Power and Mounting Options
The GTi runs on either 8 AA batteries or an external 12V DC power source (not included), giving you options for backyard use or remote imaging sessions. The mount head features a standard 3/8"-16 tripod socket, making it compatible with a wide range of heavy-duty photo tripods or dedicated astro tripods.
The compact, lightweight design makes it an ideal travel companion for star parties, road trips, or impromptu imaging nights in the field.
Ideal Use Cases
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Portable equatorial tracking for DSLR and mirrorless astrophotography
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GoTo imaging rig for refractors up to 80mm aperture
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Lightweight, travel-ready deep-sky imaging platform
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Autoguided long-exposure work with full dual-axis motor control
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Backyard observers seeking wireless GoTo functionality in a compact mount
Technical Specifications:
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Mount Type: Equatorial (RA/Dec) – not alt-az capable
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Payload Capacity: 11 lbs (5 kg)
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Drive System: Precision worm gear with stepper motors
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RA Gear: 144-tooth, 76.8mm diameter
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GoTo System: SynScan, 42,000+ objects
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Wi-Fi: Built-in; supports SynScan Pro app (iOS/Android)
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Tracking Rates: Sidereal, Solar, Lunar
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Guiding: ST-4 port (autoguiding supported in RA and Dec)
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Polar Scope: Built-in, illuminated reticle
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Power: 12V DC (tip-positive) or 8x AA batteries
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Tripod Interface: 3/8"-16 standard thread
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Mount Head Weight: 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg)
The Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer GTi Mount Head is a top-tier choice for astrophotographers and visual astronomers looking for full GoTo equatorial performance in an ultra-portable format. With a built-in polar finder, integrated Wi-Fi, and precise motorized tracking, the GTi stands far above entry-level tracking solutions and offers real deep-sky capability on the go.
For travel, imaging, or compact observing rigs, the GTi is ready to go wherever your skies take you.
