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Need help?Do you have a question about the SKY-WATCHER VIRTUOSO GTI 150P and is the answer not in the manual?
Highlights collapsible system, ease of transport, and suitability for various celestial objects.
Details major improvements: larger aperture, faster focal ratio, collapsible OTA, and built-in Wi-Fi.
Covers optical design, diameter, focal length, secondary mirror diameter, and mount type.
Lists slewing speeds, encoder resolution, practical power, magnitude, and accessories.
Explains connecting to the mount via Wi-Fi and performing star alignment for GoTo.
Describes the Point & Track feature for tracking celestial objects without full alignment.
The Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P is a GoTo Dobsonian telescope designed for ease of use and portability, making it suitable for a wide range of observations, from planetary details to deep-sky objects. This tabletop telescope features a compact, collapsible optical tube assembly (OTA), which significantly enhances its storage and transportability.
The Virtuoso GTi 150P is a motorized GoTo telescope, meaning it can automatically locate and track celestial objects. It achieves this through its built-in Wi-Fi and the free SynScan Pro app, available for iOS and Android devices. Users can control the telescope wirelessly via a smartphone or tablet, accessing a database of over 10,000 celestial objects, including Messier, NGC, IC, and Caldwell catalogs. The telescope's internal GPS and four alignment methods enable precise tracking of the Sun, Moon, and stars. A notable feature is the patented Freedom Find™ technology, which incorporates dual encoders, allowing for manual control of the telescope while maintaining its alignment and tracking capabilities. This means users can manually move the telescope to explore different areas of the sky without losing the GoTo system's reference point, a significant advantage for both casual viewing and detailed observation.
The telescope is powered by either eight AA batteries or a DC12V power source, offering flexibility for both indoor and outdoor use. Its altazimuth Dobsonian tabletop mount provides a stable platform for observations. The optical design is a Newtonian (parabolic mirror) reflector, known for providing bright and clear views. The Virtuoso GTi 150P comes equipped with Sky-Watcher's Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™) coatings on all optical surfaces, which further enhances image brightness and contrast.
The Virtuoso GTi 150P is designed for quick and straightforward setup. To begin observing, users simply extend the collapsible tube, point the telescope using the included red dot finder scope, and insert an eyepiece. The red dot finder helps in quickly aiming the telescope at a desired area of the sky. The telescope comes with two eyepieces: a 25mm (30x magnification) and a 10mm (75x magnification), providing different levels of zoom for various observing targets.
Controlling the telescope is intuitive through the SynScan Pro app. After downloading the app and connecting to the telescope's Wi-Fi network, users can access the GoTo functionalities. To use the GoTo capabilities, the mount must be aligned. The app offers an "Alignment Menu" where users can choose "Brightest star alignment" and follow the prompts. Slew buttons within the app are used to center the alignment star(s) in the telescope's field of view. It is recommended to use the low-power 25mm eyepiece for star alignment to ensure the target is easily visible. The accuracy of the GoTo system improves with more alignment stars.
For tracking objects without performing a full star alignment, the "Point & Track" feature is available. This is particularly useful for tracking the Sun (with an appropriate solar filter), Moon, and planets. To use this feature, the mount should be level (using the built-in bubble level), and then the user selects the object to track and chooses "Point & then Track." The mount will then keep the object centered in the field of view. The app also allows users to select different tracking speeds, including Solar, Lunar, and Sidereal, depending on the observed object.
The collapsible optical tube design, borrowed from Sky-Watcher's Flextube and Heritage Dobsonian lines, makes the telescope highly portable. When collapsed, it occupies minimal space, facilitating easy transportation to dark-sky locations. The mount also includes a hand controller port, offering an alternative control method if desired.
While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features, general telescope maintenance practices apply. The optical surfaces, particularly the primary and secondary mirrors, should be kept clean to ensure optimal viewing performance. The Radiant™ Aluminum Quartz (RAQ™) coatings are durable, but care should be taken to avoid scratching them. Cleaning optics typically involves using specialized brushes, air blowers, and optical cleaning solutions to remove dust and smudges without damaging the coatings.
The mechanical components, such as the dovetail groove, dovetail locking knob, altitude clutch wheel, and azimuth clutch knob, should be inspected periodically to ensure smooth operation. The mount's motors and encoders are designed for reliability, but keeping the telescope in a clean, dry environment will prolong their lifespan. The battery compartment for eight AA batteries should be checked for corrosion, especially if batteries are left in for extended periods.
The SynScan Pro app, being a software component, benefits from regular updates provided by Sky-Watcher, which may include bug fixes, performance improvements, and expanded object databases. Users should ensure their app is up to date for the best experience. The ASCOM driver support for Windows also allows for integration with other astronomy software, which may require occasional updates to maintain compatibility.
Overall, the Sky-Watcher Virtuoso GTi 150P is a user-friendly, portable, and technologically advanced GoTo Dobsonian telescope that offers a rich observing experience for both beginners and experienced astronomers. Its combination of GoTo capabilities, collapsible design, and intuitive app control makes it a versatile instrument for exploring the night sky.
General| Aperture | 150 mm |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 750 mm |
| Focal Ratio | f/5 |
| Motorized Tracking | Yes |
| Maximum Magnification | 300x |
| Lowest Useful Magnification | 21x |
| Limiting Stellar Magnitude | 13.6 |
| Resolution | 0.77 arc seconds |
| Light Gathering Power | 459x |
| Tube Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Optical Design | Newtonian |
| Mount Type | Alt-Azimuth |
