How to Set Up The Sky Watcher Star Adventurer (ALL versions)

In this video, we go over how to set up all versions of the Skywatcher Star Adventurer. A few have wifi, but not all, but we go over the basics of getting this star tracker set up.

This video is NOT sponsored.

Gear mentioned in this video:
Skywatcher Star Adventurer 2i:

My Astro Gear:

Recording Gear for the Curious:

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this, and pay for replacement screws I've dropped in the dark. Thank you for the support!

[Ilvelamp]

Hey man, I know this is an older video but I just bout the 2i! That said, of the ~20 videos I watched, this was by FAR the best. Clear, concise, tips and tricks- even replacement options for the flimsy knobs. 11/10, subscribed.

[viinse]

Even though i dont have a sky tracker this video was so usefull to just explain me what you can do with this stuff haha. Thanks for the video

[mikehardy]

I bought the SA GTI, thinking I'd use one of my existing tripods. Soon realized a dedicated tripod saves the trouble of frequent building and teardown. Having it ready to go on it's own tripod is definitely the way to go. Ordered it before Xmas and got it a few weeks ago. Proof of it's usefulness. I also bought the pillar, what's another $30. This is well worth $125 all in. When you set tripod down facing north, and level, you know you're probably going to be outside of the mounts adjustment range with azimuth Bolts alone. Picking it up is frustrating, because you need to re-level. Turns out the top pillar mount once attached to tracker uses 3 nice threaded knobs in pillar. You drop the mount into the tube, it sits nicely secure. Loosely tighten 3 Bolts, and you can rotate (pan) the tracker to get it close to Polaris. Then use fine adjustments on tracker. Not mentioned in literature. In anticipation of the issue bought a panning base for $60. Half price of entire dedicated tripod. Anyone buying a SA tracker, just get the tripod!

[ShevillMathers]

Thanks for the video on how to use this lens etc. A couple of observations that you may have missed, wearing a black top with black components makes things almost invisible. Using the silver dovetail, just slide the two rings towards one end rather than centred, this allows the camera to be easily rotated and not being restricted by the silver dovetail rail.

[bikes_camera_more]

A helpful video, thank you. I'm on the verge of taking the plunge into astrophotography and this might just tip the balance (excuse the pun).

[alexabadi]

Great detailed, clear and useful video, thank you !

[lidarman]

Thanks for this great tutorial. It is the best I found on Youtube the fundamentals I just got a 2i and am trying to get up to speed for the Annular eclipse this weekend in Albuquerque for a dry run to later attack the 2023 eclipse. At first I was not sure it was working since the thing moves so slow. But this thing is terrific and now it has sparked my interest in perhaps some more astro photography. I am still trying to hone down the best way to get a polar alignment for sun tracking since I can't really set up the think the night before. But I think a compass and declination correction and a angle meter might be just enough.

[citylimitsphoto]

Did you ever make a video on using the SynScan APP. Excellent video.

[nikandbdog]

I just ordered one that has yet to arrive. I'm a bit concerned about whether or not it will work for my set up. I have a SkyWatcher StarTravel 102mm refractor and a Canon M50 camera. I hoped to use this Adventurer for that combo and as individual pieces (scope alone, camera alone). I wonder if the tripod that came with the StarTravel will work with the Adventurer. It says it's an AZ3. Add to that, I am worried about the learning curve. I wanted to stack some planetary images, DSO, etc.

[georgecharpentier]

What is the app you refer too for alignment? It is not in the notes where you list everything else that you use. Perhaps I missed it… Thank you.

[Eero]

Thanks for the video. Did you do a follow up on how to actually connect the shutter and store the photos on the DSLR? That is where I am getting stuck.

[ralphemerson_deperalta]

My SWSA just arrived last week and I just wanna know when framing and tracking for milky way with a foreground only, using a Nikon D850 and a Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8 wide angle lens, is it okay if I can just use the ballhead adapter and ballhead configuration only and no need for the bracket with counterweight? The camera and lens weighs a total of almost 2kg (4.4lbs). I will be shooting milky way with a foreground using a wide angle lens and not a deepsky object.

[gruncletim]

Hi, great video. I was curious about the guide scope you're using. Is it a passive scope, meaning does it require a hookup to a laptop for use with some guiding software, or can you just use it for manual alignment by looking through it with your eye? I apologize for my non-technical definitions. I'm wanting to use something l to help me align my camera towards the correct spot in the sky. When I'm zoomed in, it's difficult at times to lock in on a distant object, but I'm hoping a manual guide scope can give me a little wider field of view with some type of crosshair to align properly.

[GenXMCraft]

Once I’m polar aligned can I loosen the clutch on the mount for free rotation as well as the telescope/camera clutch for “left to right”? So that I can slew myself to a target manually. I can’t figure out what I can and cannot move to maintain polar alignment. I assume the tripod and EQ mount angle shouldn’t be touched but the other two above are OK? Thanks for the walkthrough.

[RyykerHendrix-hgwm]

I just got the star tracker 2i. My only question is when you’re ready to start taking photographs, do you release the clutch or leave it locked?. Thanks, clear nights

[Kinjana]

I am very new and have a SA GTI with a Redcat 51, ASIAIR PLUS, EAF etc. When I get it polar aligned and I say "goto Home" the mount slews to a totally different location and not Up Right where Home should be. Im probably messing something up. Any Suggestions? TIA

[xoticone]

if i want to put on the mount the maskutov 127 with a manfrotto tripod (classic tripod with the ballhead) ? would give in?

[critshot]

This was very informative, just bought one of these off marketplace online and it didnt come with the instruction manual lol what is the name of the app you used for polarizing? :o

[dimesdede]

I think it is better to put a ballhead on the L-mount, because you have a vertical/full alignement of the camera then...

[jibino]

Please do find a backpack that can store all these.... I know you can do this😂