SkyWatcher SkyMax 102MC AZGTi or AZGTe mount

The SkyWatcher SkyMax 102MC is a really compact sized model which shows great details on planets. The short tube makes easy to transport. This telescope has 102 mm aperture, whish is more powerful than the 90 mm model. The central obstruction is 30% only resulting in contrasty image even at high magnification. Compared to the Explorer 102 refractor the aperture is similar but this Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope is much shorter and weights less meaning that it is easier to transport, however the central obstruction makes the image a bit less contrasty. The recommended magnification range is 32-200x and shows excellent details on Moon or planets, and can be used to observe brighter deepsky objects as well.

The AZ-GTi or AZ-GTe mounts are extremely compact, motor-driven Azimuthal GoTo mechanics that can be controlled via Wi-Fi on smartphone (or tablets). It is motor driven, but can be moved manually as well. Automatic object search (GoTo) can be used with a smartphone (or tablet). The power supply is from 12V, but it can be operated with the built-in battery compartment (runs from 8 pcs AA batteries). Thanks to internal power supply and wifi connection, the mechanism can be operated without any cables, which is extremely comfortable and safe. The included StarAdventurer tripod provides an extremely compact and lightweight set that is ideal for traveling. The head has standard 3/8 "connections, so it can be mounted on other photo tripods as well.

Connecting the telescope is quick and does not require a tool. The mount creates a Wi-Fi network that you can connect to your phone as you normally do. The required SynScan application can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store or Google Play stores. The mount is set up with 1 or 2 star alignment and then the mechanics will automatically be move to the selected objects. There are several extra features available. Excellent cooperation with the SkySafari 5 planetarium program. The product is under development, so later options and other planetary programs will be available.

Two versions are available:

Encoder version (AZ-GTi): Manual movement can be made after star alignment. Built-in encoders are constantly seeing the position of the mount while moving, so you can switch between auto- and manual object search without losing the position.

Economy version without encoder (AZ-GTe): After aligning the telescope it is not advisable to move it manually, as it will lose the learned position and resume the aligning..