Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i WiFi Pro
NICE BIT OF KIT, FLOORED FROM OUT OF THE 'BOX'Astro Photography
Astro photography is a new area of photography I recently started to look into so along with that came much searching for knowledge and equipment, I finally went for the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Wi-Fi Pro Pack. My reason for choosing this device over the many available was sadly just down to my health due to a back problem I suffered a few years back now. Whilst eagerly waiting for a combination of a clear sky and a day when my back will allow me to just ‘get out there’ I have been reading and watching online videos about Astro photography and in using the Sky-Watcher to obtain the best results. It was while researching I started to notice a common trend about the Sky-Watcher, with the changeable British summer (2021) I decided to see if I can find a solution but without any luck however as ‘luck’ would have it I purchased a 3D printer during the winter months so set myself the task to see what I could come up with.
The frustrating issue many people are having is to do with the rotary switch (dial) being accidently knocked either whilst stowing away or during the journey etc. I came up with several solutions however I believe this one to be the easiest for everyone to not only use but to fit themselves. Frustrating issue many people are having is to do with the rotary switch (dial) being accidently knocked either whilst stowing away or during the journey etc. I came up with several solutions however I believe this one to be the easiest for everyone to not only use but to fit themselves.
Here is the basic cap design, a 3D CAD view
On removing the dial, I found there was enough space to fit a small backing plate, note the switch has a small locating peace which you can see through the recess at 9 O’clock position.
When fitting the backing plate, you need to light the switch by the shaft and give it a slight wiggle and lifting the switch at the sometime.
Placing the backing plate over the shaft once the nut is fitted ensuring the backing plate fits nicely against Sky-Watcher Adventure
Using the original washer and nut gently tighten remembering your fitting stainless to plastic so I tightened with my fingers then just a quarter of a turn with a 12mm spanner.
Once the dial has been fitted one can simply screw on the ‘cap’ to the base, the dial is now protected from being accidently knocked yet once the cap is removed the dial can be freely rotated as designed.
I tried several styles of ‘cap’ finally ending up a similar design as to the cap suppled for the polar scope.
Tools required
T8H security Torx screwdriver
12mm Spanner
Removal / Fitting process
- Just above the ☾ symbol there is located a small ‘grub’ screw, using a T8H security Torx screwdriver turning in a anti-clockwise rotation loosen until the dial can easily by lifted off
- With a 12mm spanner undo and remove the stainless nut and washer
Fitting process - Place the base over the switch shaft locating the hole over the red LED at the 3’Oclock position
- Place the stainless washer over the switch shaft
- Place and tighten the stainless nut using your fingers ONLY
- With the 12mm spanner rotate the stainless nut one quarter a turn clockwise, you should see the base being pulled downwards slightly close to the centre as there is no support underneath that area. This helps grip the new base to the Sky-Watcher Adventurer body. Be careful not to overtighten the stainless nut otherwise damage can be caused to the thread on the switch’s plastic shaft
- Just above the ☾ symbol there is located a small ‘grub’ screw, gently tighten in a clockwise rotation using T8H security Torx screwdriver making sure once tightened that the dial can freely rotate.
If the dial is tight to turn gently loosen the ‘grub’ screw then lift the dial around 1mm, retighten the ‘grub’ screw and check once more the dial can rote
Disclaimer:
This Dial-Mod for the Sky-Watcher Adventure is provided as is without any guarantees or warranty. In association with the product, I makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, of title, or of noninfringement of third party rights. Use of the product by a user is at the user’s risk.
NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE, THE PRODUCTS TO WHICH THE INFORMATION MENTIONS MAY BE USED WITHOUT INFRINGING THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF OTHERS, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH INFORMATION MENTIONS. IN NO CASE SHALL THE INFORMATION BE CONSIDERED A PART OF OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE.”
