Sky-Watcher Astrophotography head Star Adventurer Mini SAM (SW-4025)

Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer Mini (SAM) sets new standards in simple, portable wide-field astrophotography. Small and inconspicuous in appearance, it is in fact a precise and advanced equatorial head with a range of very practical features.

Compact Design
The MINI version is the latest Sky-Watcher head, designed for users who do not require the higher load capacity of the standard Star Adventurer. The Mini can carry up to 3 kg, making it suitable for a DSLR camera with a short telephoto lens (up to 85–100 mm).

Wi-Fi Control
The most exciting feature lies in how the mount is controlled. The Mini is fully operated via Wi-Fi using a free application that runs on all Android mobile devices. Simply download and install the Star Adventurer Console app, insert the batteries, and enable Wi-Fi on your device.

Through the app, the user can manage many parameters of both the mount and the DSLR (connected with a 2.5 mm shutter release cable, e.g. Canon EOS):

• Exposure time

• Number of exposures

• Total duration of exposures

• Delay between exposures

• Tracking speeds (sidereal, solar, lunar)

• And many more

Astrophotography Features
The complete set of functions allows efficient, high-quality astrophotography. In addition to multiple tracking speeds, the mount includes a mini USB port for external power. With this head you can create not only stunning astrophotos from multiple frames, but also time-lapse sequences with motion, as well as modern and fashionable star-scape photography, where the beautifully starry sky becomes the main subject.

Efficient Drive System
The DC servo motor provides precise tracking control in a compact and energy-efficient form. The Star Adventurer Mini can run for an entire night on a single set of just two AA batteries (LR6) or rechargeable equivalents.

Polar Alignment
The included illuminated polar scope ensures highly accurate alignment. It accounts for the precession of the North Pole, with clear markings and an annual scale that make polar alignment much easier.

Mounting and Flexibility
The head includes a 3/8" tripod thread with a 1/4" adapter, plus a dovetail adapter in the Vixen standard. It can be upgraded with a high-quality ball head for unlimited freedom in framing compositions. For ergonomic and functional reasons, the mount features a single right ascension axis with an adjustable mechanical clutch, allowing quick repositioning during use.

Drive Mechanism

• DC motor with encoder (DC servo)

• Aluminum worm gear, brass worm shaft

Power Supply

• 2xAA battery operation (very low power consumption)

• External power via micro USB port

• Up to 72 hours of continuous battery life

Tracking

• 7 programmed tracking speeds: 0.5x, 2x, 6x, 12x, sidereal, lunar, solar

• Manual movement control in both directions

• Mechanical clutch for quick repositioning

• Built-in illuminated polar scope

Exposure Control

• Automatic DSLR shutter control (via 2.5 mm cable, e.g. Canon EOS)

• Time-lapse and star-scape modes

• Northern and Southern Hemisphere tracking

Other Features

• Compatible with 1/4" and 3/8" tripods

• Vixen standard saddle

• Firmware upgradeable with an advanced upgrade option

• Maximum payload: 3 kg

Included in the Kit

• Star Adventurer Mini head

• Dovetail adapter with 1/4" tripod thread

• Polar scope

• Polar scope illuminator

• 3/8" to 1/4" adapter

Specifications

• Catalog number: SW-4025

• Power supply: 2xAA batteries (alkaline or Ni-MH)

• Total weight: 0.65 kg

• Motor: DC servo with encoder

• RA drive: 36 mm aluminum worm wheel

• Autoguiding speeds: 0.5x, 1x, 2x

• Ports: DSLR shutter release (2.5 mm)

• Warranty: 24 months