Designed for beginners or a capable but simple grab-and-go option for off-the-grid observations, the Sky-Watcher StarTravel 102 AZ-GTe 102mm f/5 Refractor GoTo AZ Telescope features a large 102mm refractor optical tube assembly (OTA) that is ideal for lunar exploration, planetary viewing, and enjoying bright deep-sky objects. The AZ-GTe has an integrated WiFi module that generates its own local network signal to allow wireless control via a smartphone running their free SynScan Pro app for Android and iOS devices.
The companion app is intuitively laid out for easy setup, navigation, and exploration of the sky—even if you've never looked through a telescope before. Packed with over 42,900 objects with daytime and nighttime alignment-assistance procedures, plus advanced features such as periodic error correction (PEC), backlash compensation, tours, and DSLR camera control, the SynScan app is a powerful yet easy-to-use way to control the mount.
Supporting the mount is an adjustable-height aluminum tripod. The AZ-GTe comes with a pier extension that is located between the tripod and mount head to provide additional height for easier viewing without sacrificing stability when the OTA is aimed at or near the zenith.
To get you started right out of the box, Sky-Watcher provides two eyepiece that give you high and low power, a star diagonal, and a red-dot finder.
- Highly portable and easy-to-use telescope and mount combination is ideal for beginners or as a simple grab-and-go rig for off-the-grid observations
- Refractor optical design is extremely reliable and requires very little regular maintenance by the user
- Large 102mm objective lens produces clear views of the moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects
- 500mm f/5 focal length maintains a compact and portable form factor for easier transport and storage
- Anti-reflection multi-coated optics maximize light transmission to ensure bright and clear views
- Single speed rack-and-pinion focuser
- Large 2" eyepiece/accessory holder with a 1.25" reducer adapter to use the smaller and more common size accessories
- 1.25" star diagonal places the user's head in comfortable viewing position, especially when the telescope is aimed high overhead
- 25mm eyepiece produces a low 20x power, ideal for viewing the moon and surveying constellations
- High-power 10mm eyepiece yields 50x power
- Simple red-dot finder makes alignment fast and easy
- Free app for Android and iOS devices
- Align, move, and control mount wirelessly
- Automatic day, date, time, and location using the device's GPS unit
- 42,900+ object database, similar to the conventional SynScan hand controller
- Sky tour shows best deep-sky objects visible at a specific day/date/time
- Solar, lunar, sidereal tracking rates
- Slew speeds: 0.5x, 1x, 8x, 16x, 32x, 64x, 128x, 400x, 600x, Max (800x/3.4°/sec)
- Assisted nighttime and daytime alignment procedures
- Periodic error correction (PEC) allows user to train out intrinsic tracking errors and save them into the permanent memory to improve GoTo and tracking accuracy over time
- Backlash compensation eliminates the backlash experienced when gears stop and settle for improved GoTo and slewing accuracy
- DSLR shutter release and exposure control enable long-exposure, time-lapse, and other advanced astrophotography techniques to be controlled by the app through the SNAP port on mount
Database Details:
- Solar system, including moon, sun, and planets
- NGC catalog
- IC catalog
- Messier catalog
- Caldwell catalog
- SAO catalog
- Named stars
- Double (binary) stars
- Variable stars
- User-defined celestial and terrestrial objects
- Motorized alt-azimuth design
- Integrated WiFi module allows for direct connection to smartphones without the need for routers or Internet connection
- DC servo motors precisely move the mount on both axes with minimum vibration
- SNAP port allows optional remote shutter-release cables to be connected to mount for advanced astrophotography
- Runs on eight user-supplied AA batteries or optional 12 VDC power cord
- Adjustable-height aluminum-legged tripod
- Max height: 43.3"
- Max leg spread: 42.3"
- Spiked feet provide greater stability on rough, uneven, and soft ground
- Center tray holds accessories such as eyepieces, filters, phones, and flashlights
- Extension pier placed between the tripod and mount head adds height for more comfortable viewing without sacrificing stability or increasing vibration when the OTA is pointed at or near the zenith