Mastering the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTI

In this video, we’ll assemble the telescope, demonstrate how to use SynScan to align the telescope to the sky. We’ll integrate SkySafari Pro together with SynScan so that you can control the telescope using a star map. We’ll walk through visual observations, and then learn how to set up the telescope for Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA). Finally, I’ll share my recommended upgrades for this telescope.

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[AnotherAmateurAstronomer]

I bought a Sky-Watcher Virtuoso 150p GTI. Normal Newtonians require construction of a dew shield and a lot of maintenance. Regular collimation and regular mirror cleaning. The Virtuoso also requires construction of a shroud. And, if you want to use it for astrophotography, you have to build a new focuser, from scratch, as did I.

Makes you are appreciate refractors.

[augustwest]

A little tip on using the phone and looking at the same time I use a old phone that's been replaced so I put a dot of super glue in the middle of the arrow keys so I can feel it while looking. Works great

[Sergion-jw]

Thank you for the this video I have the 150. I also follow Dobsonian Power and he does astrophotography. I love watching the moon with telescope.

[markdoucette]

This video is really well done. Thanks.

[sudhanshusharma]

Very good explanation and good telescope too

[BeanMan]

Im planning to get the 150p one and im excited. Thanks for showing me if the telescope will be good and guiding me. Because of that i subscribed 😁

[francoisfroneman]

Awesome videos. I am a new stargazer from South Africa and would love to see a video on the Celestron Nexstar 127 slt.

[jefftrvecvlt]

I used it for EAA last night and the hercules cluster was amazing!

[TitanD]

Great video, great advice, very helpful!

[redstonecommander]

It has been fun seeing the eclipse, especially with the telescope. it’s difficult to say, but I’m not sure when the next solar eclipse could reach. It could probably take several years or maybe or maybe not for several decades or centuries

[AnotherAmateurAstronomer]

In SynScan, you do not always have to know the number of the deep space object. Above the location where you type in the number is a place you can click to get a list of many objects from which you can choose. It is labeled.

[bazabaza]

In skysafari 7 ive got the option of synscan but no synscanlink?
Also is it possible to do the alignment using sky safari? It would be a great help. Many thanks

[citylimitsphoto]

Hey John, I bought an Asiair mini and got it yesterday. Followed your video again with my Android and could not get Android to work, Again I tried my Ipad mini and things worked perfectly. I just bought an Ipad 12 inch screen on Ebay today. I guess all of my new toys don't like Android. Anyhow, can you answer why even after I do an alignment with the Synscan app and join the Asi network why when in the Asi Sky-atlas when I ask it to find the stars that I aligned Synscan with it goes to a position 90 - 180 degrees behind. Can you recommend a good video that can show me step by step on how to use this new tool. Thanks

[omwtoellieandmasonhouse]

I’ve not had much chance to use my 150 virtuoso yet but I’ve loved the visual side. Still working on planetary photography and planning on getting a proper camera for it. May even also try some dso photography with it as though I know it’s not great I’ve seen some great photos come out of these.

[MelanieMeadors]

I just ordered the 150mm version of this scope last week, so my discovery of this video was very timely! When you were in the field, what did you use to put the scope and mount on? I'm trying to figure out a portable solution (the IKEA side table that Ed mentions is good for at home, but maybe not for bringing on field trips)

[briancorrigan]

Maybe I loosened the azimuth and altitude knobs too much, but when I manually moved the scope during my session, then retightened the knobs, it stopped tracking the stars. Have you had this problem?

[patriots]

Loved the video and appreciate all of the content you put out! Are you planning on doing a review of the Sky-Watcher 25th Anniversary SkyMax 127 Virtuoso GTi Telescope anytime? It looks like this has just recently come out and I would be interested in your take on it. Thanks

[Claro]

Hello and congratulations for your video. Question> Is the skysafari pro application a one-time payment? Or do I have to pay every year? If I download the application and connect the telescope to the application, can I select celestial objects and it will automatically take me? without aligning with the north? Thank you very much!

[justklaas]

What a nice video!

I have bought this scope just to do EAA with it. For visual observing, I stick with my old 12" dob.
For EAA, I use a laptop which runs Sharpcap, ASCOM, Stellarium and of course the Synscap app. Unfortunately, the software often calls it quits and I need to restart everyting, including the alignment.

For EAA I really like the idea of using an AsiAir: that would make a very compact rig.
I was wondering though: are you able to control the scope and the AsiAir without using your home wifi? So: could you go to some dark place and would everything still work?

[DavidMFChapman]

Q: does the base have a 3/8” socket to mount on a photo tripod?