Go-To Question

[Shano592]

Hi All.

Something has been bothering me for the last day or so, and until I either ask here, or see one close up, it will continue to annoy me ... and I'm too far from a telescope shop to just drop in.

The Go-To systems that are available on the market ... are they parceled with the gear drive systems, or can they be hooked up after the fact? Do they come as part of the mounting assembly, or can they be purchased separately ?

Sorry if my wording is wrong. To quote Pablo Picasso, on why he painted such disjointed pictures : IT'S ALL LOGICAL PERFECTLY ... I PIC THESE PAINTURES SEE I THEM AS .. kind of how my brain works sometimes.

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/../vbiis/images/smilies/shrugging.gif

[peter_4059]

Most goto systems come packaged with the initial purchase however there are (were) some exceptions. I bought a non-goto EQ6 and had it upgraded 12 months later to a goto model. You can also retro-fit an argo navis. This system is not strictly goto in that the motors don't drive the mount to the object but the system shows you which way to move the mount to find the object. It is also possible to retro-fit motors to a non motorised mount.

However - if you think you might want goto I'd recommend buying a goto mount up-front as you will save a fair bit of money compared to retro-fitting one.

[Shano592]

Hi Peter,

At the moment, I'm struggling just to buy a scope, let alone Go-To!

I was curious, because I have access to the gear drive mechanisms, available as standalone, separate components (meaning they can be fitted after purchase). What has been stumping me, is whether a Go-To system can be linked to these motors (obviously with the correct connections).

Until now, I had assumed that the mount (with the motors) and Go-To electronics were one combined package, and I am just looking to see if there is a separated electronic component only.

Does that even make sense??

[peter_4059]

I suspect the goto system and the motors/gear drive are all matched so can't be added as separate components. They come as a package for the EQ6 and you end up replacing the motors, the control board and the hand controller.

[Bassnut]

The Losmandy mounts can be upgraded to Goto after too.

Im guessing you just want to observe visually, in which case goto is just a luxury. If you want to do Photography, and cant even afford goto, your so far away from affording photgraphy generally, just forget goto (unless you want to do planetary).

[rider]

hi, Skywatcher is now offering retrofit go-to down to eq3

rider