Star Adventurer 2i Pro Pack

This complete set-up includes everything you need for wide-angle photography and accessories for shooting with a longer telephoto lens or smaller binoculars.

Basically, we use two different configurations:

1 - For widefield photography, a simple ball head (optional) is used to mount the camera on the mechanics with the included ball head adapter.

2 - For telephoto lenses, it is already necessary to mount the declination unit and counterweight. On one end of the declination unit you can mount the telephoto lens (or telescope) with the standard photo thread, while on the other end the counterweight ensures that you can balance the system for a sufficiently accurate tracking. In this case, the ball-head adapter for the widefield system is not used.

The modular platform of the SkyWatcher Star Adventurer astrophotographic mechanics allows it to be used in a wide range of configurations. You can load virtually anything from small lenses or telephoto lenses to smaller telescopes. The head and the pole adjusting wedge can be separated, so you don't necessarily need to carry it with you if you don't need it (for wide angle use). The connection on the camera side can also be varied at many points, either by attaching the prism rail of the telescope or even the camera's photo thread. 

The polar alignment, essential for accurate tracking, can be done very accurately, as the polar scope is identical to the one used in the manufacturer's large mechanics (EQ6, AZEQ6, EQ8). Adjusting the polar scope is also easy, as the RA axis can be rotated fully around - a very important parameter. 

If the tracking is accurate enough, it allows, for example, to shoot up to 5 minutes with a 200mm telephoto lens or 2 minutes with a small telephoto lens with a focus of around 400mm. 

The pole block attaches to the tripod with a standard 3/8" photo thread, so if you already have a stable tripod, you can mount the system on it.

For fisheye or wide-angle photography, the pole block can be omitted, in which case the mechanism can be mounted on a ball head or 3D head (also attached with a standard photo thread). Be aware, however, that this can limit the accuracy of the pole position, which will affect tracking accuracy. Therefore, a pole block is a recommended accessory.

Basically, two configurations are used:

1 - For wide angle shots, a simple ball head (optional) is used to mount the camera on the mechanism using a ball head adapter (StarAdvSet-A)

2 - For longer focal lengths (approx. 85mm and above), the system should already be balanced, which requires the installation of a declination unit and counterweight. On one end of the declination unit you can mount the camera/telephoto lens/telescope with the standard photo thread, while on the other end the counterweight ensures that you can balance the system for a sufficiently accurate tracking. In this case it is worth choosing the full set (StarAdvSetFull).

Specifications:

• Weight: 1200g (head), 500g (poles), 500g (rail with DEC unit)
• Dimensions: 165 x 125 x 100 mm (head only)
• load capacity (payload): 5kg
• power supply from 4pcs AA batteries or USB
• connection: 1/4" photo thread, 3/8" photo thread, Vixen prism rail
• Variable tracking speeds
• polar scope with illumination
• autoguider input
• exposure control, also for time-lapse with predefined programs
• can be controlled via wifi (also) from phone
• firmware upgrade option

Optional accessories:

• Star Adventurer photo tripod: 3/8" connection, 1600g, height 63-110cm, transport length 70cm

First impressions :
- Modular construction , head and wedge separable
- Adjustable Friction Clutches in RA and DEC
- Powered by 4 x 1.5V AA batteries , or via USB
- ST4 autoguider interface (currently only in RA, we are working on an upgrade solution in DEC)
- Makes a stable impression that everything is firmly clamped and notice no resulting game
- More details from the images shown

Basic specifications:
- Weight: 1200g (only head with terminal) , 500g ( wedge ) , 500g ( dovetail with DEC Unit)
- Transport Size: 165 x 125 x 100 mm ( head only)
- Tripod Connections: Vixen dovetail plate and 1 /4 " thread
- Connections at top : 1/ 4 "camera thread ( on DEC - Unit) , 3/ 8" photo thread and M8 for counterweight bar (both at the prism rail) , Vixen dovetail plate ( right on the head)

You can see more photos in the " IMAGES " tab

Practice test :
As anyone who has ever used one of these trackers know the accuracy depends extremely on the accuracy of polar alignment from .

When the Star Adventurer polarscope rotates with the shaft , and therefore one can very easily adjust to the axis. Then the North Star by Kochab method to the correct point on the perimeter and off you go.

I had made the 200L lens on the Eos , and after aligning on meridian / equator times a few photos 2 minutes . The saw already quite good , but it took a little fine tuning on the pole orientation , then from frame to frame was no movement of the stars to be seen.
This is already something that no longer goes well with the iOptron or POLARIE with the 200L, which begin at the strong eccentric load to hop on and you like to get double stars .
When Star Adeventurer gabs this problem, the tracking was entirely consistent with no erratic deviations.

Then tried 5min exposures, and lo and behold, even as I was able to completely point-like stars to come.

In the handling of the Star Adventurer is very pleasant, compared to the other trackers on the market. The clamps you can easily grab, and the slip couplings have this great friction clutch. It has not so attract a Gefrickel with mini screws are hard to believe but gets quite firm, and must get open again when changing the camera position. The Poleinstellung is easy and very finely vary, you can make very small movements and the terminals not changed.

This looks so very good, and the next thing I want to hang a little more weight and work with counterweight. The small Lacerta 72/432 Apo looks to me like compatible ...