g__day
14-03-2007, 01:10 AM
This looks an interesting USD$79 product, anyone bought one to connect (just about any GPS) to their Celestron mount?
I've e-mailed the guys to ask if they'd provide a simple virtual GPS program you could run on a Windows PC - that'd be great for a fixed Astrolab!
http://www.earthshinetechnologies.com/SD-001.htm
Now you can add GPS capability to your Celestron telescope using any handheld GPS receiver! The StarDateTM GPS Adapter connects any NMEA-0183 compliant GPS receiver to your telescope's AUX port for easy and automatic GPS alignment!
The StarDate GPS Adapter works with any AUX-port-equipped Celestron telescope, including:
NexStar 5i/8i Series
NexStar 8i Special Edition
CGE Series
AS-GT Series (with with Celestron #93965 AUX port accessory kit)
SLT SeriesFeatures:
Works with any NMEA-0183 compliant GPS receiver (Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, etc.) that outputs $GPRMC sentences (you must supply a suitable RS-232 cable for your GPS)
Interfaces via Celestron telescope AUX port
Supports most alignment methods (NOTE: Does not support "GPS Align", which requires compass direction sensor)
No batteries required - draws a tiny amount of power from the telescope
Easy to use - No buttons or switches, and only one status LED!
Small and light enough to store in an eyepiece or accessory case
Firmware can be field-updated to support new features or new telescopesGPS-enable your telescope today - Spend less time aligning and more time observing!
I've e-mailed the guys to ask if they'd provide a simple virtual GPS program you could run on a Windows PC - that'd be great for a fixed Astrolab!
http://www.earthshinetechnologies.com/SD-001.htm
Now you can add GPS capability to your Celestron telescope using any handheld GPS receiver! The StarDateTM GPS Adapter connects any NMEA-0183 compliant GPS receiver to your telescope's AUX port for easy and automatic GPS alignment!
The StarDate GPS Adapter works with any AUX-port-equipped Celestron telescope, including:
NexStar 5i/8i Series
NexStar 8i Special Edition
CGE Series
AS-GT Series (with with Celestron #93965 AUX port accessory kit)
SLT SeriesFeatures:
Works with any NMEA-0183 compliant GPS receiver (Garmin, Magellan, Lowrance, etc.) that outputs $GPRMC sentences (you must supply a suitable RS-232 cable for your GPS)
Interfaces via Celestron telescope AUX port
Supports most alignment methods (NOTE: Does not support "GPS Align", which requires compass direction sensor)
No batteries required - draws a tiny amount of power from the telescope
Easy to use - No buttons or switches, and only one status LED!
Small and light enough to store in an eyepiece or accessory case
Firmware can be field-updated to support new features or new telescopesGPS-enable your telescope today - Spend less time aligning and more time observing!